Jordan Amundsen outlines MTSS framework as district cites test‑score gains

Jordan Amundsen, who the board introduced for the presentation, told the Pawnee City Board of Education that the district is deepening its Multi‑Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) to reach more students earlier. "MTSS is a multi tiered system of supports," Amundsen said, describing how the framework combines academic and behavioral approaches such as RTI, PBIS and UDL.

Amundsen displayed K–10 proficiency data and said the percentage of students not meeting standards in reading fell slightly from 36% to 34, while math showed a larger drop from about 33% to 26% between the years cited. "This data is important because of all of the acceleration work that we've been doing," she said, adding that the district will expand tier‑2, small‑group interventions and progress monitoring to sustain gains.

She explained the tiered structure and what each level means in practice: tier 1 is high‑quality core instruction for all students; tier 2 includes targeted small‑group supports and interventions for roughly 5–10% of students; tier 3 provides more intensive, individualized assistance. Amundsen emphasized early identification and repeated progress monitoring, saying the district uses screening tools on a fall/winter/spring cadence and examines classroom‑level diagnostics to guide intervention choice.

The presentation included a new junior‑level course, Pathways to Success, described earlier in the meeting, and references to coordination with staff supporting tier‑2 work. Board members asked clarifying questions about screening and how tiered supports will be staffed; Amundsen said the district uses existing staff in tier‑2 roles and plans to refine processes as data identify needs.

The board did not take formal action on MTSS at the meeting; the presentation was informational and intended to prepare board members for future strategic‑plan and staffing discussions.