Providing the right level of support for students is essential for their success in school and beyond. The Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework ensures that all students receive the academic, behavioral, and self-regulation support they need. 

Related resources:

• social skills activities
• social skills lessons
• social skills interventions

While Tier 1 strategies are designed for all students, Tier 2 interventions offer targeted, small-group, or individualized support to help students bridge learning gaps, build self-regulation skills, and navigate social and behavioral challenges.

Despite the importance of Tier 2 interventions, many educators struggle with implementation due to time constraints, lack of structured resources, and the challenge of maintaining consistency across classrooms. 

This guide provides practical, research-backed Tier 2 intervention strategies that can be seamlessly integrated into daily instruction. Whether supporting students academically, reinforcing positive behaviors, or strengthening social and communication skills, these interventions are designed to be manageable for teachers and impactful for students.

What is MTSS?

The Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) is a framework designed to provide targeted academic and behavioral support to students based on their individual needs. It is structured into three tiers:

• Tier 1: Universal instruction provided to all students in a general education setting
• Tier 2: Targeted interventions for students who need additional support beyond Tier 1
• Tier 3: Intensive, individualized support for students with significant needs

MTSS is designed to be proactive, ensuring that students receive the help they need before challenges become overwhelming. While Tier 1 strategies are widely available, students in Tier 2 and Tier 3 often lack the structured support they need to succeed. These students require flexible, targeted interventions that fit into already busy school environments while reducing the burden on educators.

What Are Tier 2 Interventions?

Tier 2 interventions provide structured, targeted support to students who need more than Tier 1 but do not yet require intensive, individualized interventions. These interventions are typically delivered in small groups or one-on-one and address specific academic, behavioral, or self-regulation needs.

• Targeted support – Designed for students who need additional help beyond Tier 1 but do not require intensive intervention
• Small group or individualized – Often delivered in small groups but can be one-on-one when needed
• Data-driven – Progress is monitored to assess effectiveness and adjust support as needed
• Supplemental to Tier 1 – Builds upon universal classroom strategies rather than replacing them
• Flexible and temporary – Support is provided as long as needed and adjusted based on student progress

By offering structured, research-backed interventions, schools can ensure that students receive the right level of support before they fall further behind.

Tier 2 Interventions You Can Use With Students

For students who need more than universal classroom supports but do not yet require intensive intervention, Tier 2 strategies provide a structured, targeted approach to academic, behavioral, and self-regulation challenges. These interventions ensure that students receive the right level of support before difficulties escalate, helping them stay engaged and successful in the classroom.

Tier 2 interventions are designed to be proactive, flexible, and data-driven. Whether through small-group instruction, structured behavior plans, or guided peer interactions, these strategies offer additional reinforcement while allowing students to remain in the general education setting. By integrating evidence-based interventions into daily instruction, educators can help students build essential skills, close learning gaps, and develop greater independence.

The following sections outline effective Tier 2 interventions, including practical strategies and free resources to support implementation.

1. Academic Support Interventions

These interventions are designed for students who need additional reinforcement of academic skills. While Tier 1 instruction provides a strong foundation, some students require additional scaffolding, structured practice, and targeted support to close learning gaps.

Academic Tier 2 interventions often involve small-group instruction, explicit skill-building, and additional practice opportunities. These interventions focus on core academic skills like reading comprehension, problem-solving, and executive functioning to support classroom success.

Academic Support Intervention Strategies for Tier 2

Effective Tier 2 academic interventions provide targeted support for students who need reinforcement beyond general classroom instruction. These strategies help address learning gaps, improve skill retention, and build student confidence. Small-group instruction, peer support, and explicit skill-building strategies allow educators to provide structured, high-impact interventions without pulling students out of the general education setting.

Small-Group Instruction

Small-group instruction provides focused support for students needing extra reinforcement in specific skills. These structured sessions allow for direct instruction, guided practice, and peer collaboration in a small setting of three to five students.

To be effective:

• Identify learning needs using formative assessments
• Use direct instruction before guided and independent practice
• Monitor progress and adjust instruction based on student growth

Consistent scheduling and immediate feedback help reinforce skills and boost student confidence.

Check-In/Check-Out (CICO)

CICO provides students with daily check-ins to set goals, receive feedback, and reflect on progress. A teacher or mentor meets with the student at the beginning and end of the day to reinforce expectations and provide encouragement.

Best practices include:

• Setting clear, measurable goals aligned with classroom success
• Keeping check-ins brief and scheduled at the same time each day
• Engaging families in progress updates for added support

CICO works best when focused on encouragement and relationship-building rather than correction.

Peer Tutoring

Peer tutoring pairs students for structured academic support, allowing struggling learners to receive help while reinforcing concepts for student tutors. This method builds confidence, communication, and academic skills in both roles.

To ensure success:

• Choose tutors with strong subject knowledge and communication skills
• Provide structured guides to keep sessions focused and goal-oriented
• Offer teacher oversight to ensure quality and provide support when needed

Well-structured peer tutoring improves academic outcomes while fostering collaboration.

Explicit Strategy Instruction

Explicit strategy instruction teaches essential learning skills like organization, time management, summarizing, and note-taking to help students process and retain information.

Effective implementation includes:

• Modeling strategies step-by-step before guided student practice
• Providing multiple opportunities to apply strategies across subjects
• Encouraging students to reflect on which strategies work best for them

Embedding these strategies into daily instruction helps students develop independent learning habits.

Academic Support Intervention Resources for Tier 2

Tier 2 academic interventions provide structured support for students who need help with organization, executive functioning, and problem-solving. The following resources offer practical strategies to help students develop independence, manage tasks effectively, and strengthen their critical thinking skills.

? Executive Functioning Goal Poster

The executive functioning poster helps students develop organization and self-management skills by breaking down executive functioning into simple, actionable steps.

How to use it:

• Display the poster in the classroom to reinforce organization and time management.
• Incorporate the strategies into daily routines to help students plan, prioritize, and stay on track.
• Encourage students to set personal organization goals using the steps outlined on the poster.

This resource provides a visual guide to help students develop habits that support long-term academic success.

? Video Modeling Lesson: Staying Organized Video Lesson for Elementary School

This video lesson provides students with actionable steps to improve organization and manage their workload more effectively.

How to use it:

• Watch the video as a class or assign it for independent viewing.
• Discuss key takeaways and identify strategies that students can apply immediately.
• Pair the video with the Organizational Habits Activity for additional practice.

By reinforcing organization skills through multiple formats, students develop habits that promote academic success.

? Interactive Activity: Task Initiation Interactive Dice Roller for Elementary

This interactive tool helps students overcome procrastination and task avoidance by making task initiation engaging and structured.

How to use it:

• Have students roll the dice for a task initiation challenge.
• Guide them through the selected prompt to quickly and confidently start assignments.
• Use in small groups or as an individual self-regulation tool.

This resource helps students build motivation, improve focus, and take ownership of their learning process.

? Video Modeling Lesson: Understanding My IEP for Middle & High School

Self-advocacy is a critical skill for students with IEPs, allowing them to take ownership of their learning and accommodations. This video lesson helps students understand the purpose and structure of their IEP while building confidence in discussing their needs.

How to use it:

• Watch the video as a class or assign it for independent viewing.
• Discuss the key components of an IEP and why self-advocacy matters.
• Encourage students to set personal goals for participating in IEP meetings.

This resource empowers students to take an active role in their education and accommodations.

? Interactive Activity: Organizational Habits for Middle & High School

This interactive activity supports middle and high school students in recognizing, tracking, and improving their organizational skills.

How to use it:

• Have students complete the Organizational Habits Worksheet to assess their current habits.
• Discuss different strategies for organization and set personalized goals for improvement.
• Reinforce organization skills by reviewing progress at regular intervals.

This activity provides self-awareness and practical strategies to help students refine their organizational skills.

2. Behavioral Interventions

Some students need additional behavioral support to navigate classroom expectations, manage impulses, or build appropriate social behaviors. Tier 2 behavioral interventions offer structured reinforcement to help students stay engaged and develop self-awareness.

Behavioral interventions typically include clear goal-setting, consistent feedback, and structured reinforcement systems to encourage positive habits. These interventions provide students with a predictable structure for self-monitoring and help educators proactively address challenges before they escalate.

Behavioral Intervention Strategies for Tier 2

Effective Tier 2 behavioral interventions provide structured support for students struggling with classroom expectations, emotional regulation, and peer interactions. These strategies help students develop self-management skills while ensuring that behavior challenges are addressed proactively rather than reactively.

By incorporating small-group instruction, structured behavior plans, and self-monitoring techniques, educators can provide targeted interventions that promote positive behaviors and long-term success.

Social Skills Small Groups

Small-group instruction focused on social skills development helps students build communication, self-regulation, and problem-solving skills in a structured setting. These sessions should include direct instruction, modeling, and interactive activities to help students apply new skills in real-world scenarios.

To be effective:

• Select topics based on student needs, such as turn-taking, frustration management, or problem-solving
• Use role-play and guided discussions to provide hands-on practice
• Reinforce learning with visual supports like social scripts and cue cards

Social skills groups should meet regularly, and learned strategies should be reinforced throughout the school day to help students generalize skills.

Behavior Contracts

Behavior contracts create clear expectations and structured reinforcement for students who need additional support in managing their behavior. These agreements, developed collaboratively with students, outline goals and consequences to encourage self-monitoring and accountability.

Key components include:

• Defining clear, measurable behavior goals to track progress
• Establishing meaningful reinforcements to motivate students
• Reviewing contracts regularly and adjusting as needed

Behavior contracts should be positive, goal-oriented tools that help students take ownership of their actions rather than feel like punishments.

Self-Monitoring Strategies

Self-monitoring encourages students to track their own behaviors, reflect on patterns, and make adjustments in real time. When students learn to regulate their own actions, they develop greater independence and responsibility.

To support self-monitoring:

• Use checklists or behavior logs to help students track progress
• Provide structured reflection time for students to assess their actions
• Offer teacher feedback to reinforce improvements and adjustments

When paired with consistent teacher guidance, self-monitoring strategies empower students to take an active role in behavior management.

Break Cards and Cool-Down Passes

Break cards allow students to take brief, structured breaks when they need time to self-regulate. This strategy helps prevent frustration from escalating while promoting self-advocacy and emotional awareness.

To ensure success:

• Set clear expectations for when and how students can use break cards
• Provide a designated quiet space with calming activities
• Limit break frequency to maintain balance between regulation and engagement

Break cards should be framed as a proactive self-regulation tool rather than an avoidance strategy, helping students develop effective coping mechanisms.

Behavioral Intervention Resources for Tier 2

Tier 2 behavioral interventions provide structured support for students who need additional guidance in managing emotions, self-monitoring, and following behavioral expectations. The following resources help students develop self-regulation, emotional awareness, and self-advocacy skills in a structured, engaging way.

? Interactive Yoga Pose Library for Pre-K, Kindergarten, & Elementary School

Movement-based regulation strategies, like yoga, provide an engaging way for students to release energy, refocus, and manage emotions.

How to use it:

• Introduce a few simple poses as part of movement breaks.
• Use yoga before or after transitions to help students reset and refocus.
• Allow students to select a pose when they need a calming strategy.

Incorporating yoga for kids into the classroom helps support focus, relaxation, and emotional balance.

? Video Lesson: Body Scan for Elementary School

A simple, guided body scan exercise that helps students release tension and become aware of physical stress.

How to use it:

• Play the video during transition times or before tests to help students reset.
• Teach students to use body scans as a personal calming strategy.
• Pair with a discussion on recognizing body cues related to emotions.

Body scanning builds mindfulness and self-awareness, key skills for emotional regulation.

? The Big Feelings Toolbox for Elementary School

This interactive Big Feelings Toolbox provides structured self-regulation strategies for students to identify, manage, and express emotions effectively.

How to use it:

• Guide students in choosing personalized coping strategies from the toolkit.
• Use as part of a small-group intervention for emotional regulation.
• Encourage students to reflect on their emotions and practice new strategies.

This resource helps students develop healthy self-regulation habits in a hands-on way.

? Video Modeling Lesson: Problem-Solving for Middle & High School

Problem-solving is a critical skill for both behavioral success and real-world decision-making. This video lesson provides a structured approach to tackling challenges step by step.

How to use it:

• Watch the video and walk through each step of the problem-solving process.
• Have students apply the strategies to real-world scenarios or academic challenges.
• Reinforce the lesson through discussion and reflection activities.

This resource helps students develop logical thinking, persistence, and confidence in solving problems.

? Video Modeling Lesson: Keeping Self-Control for Middle & High School

This lesson teaches students how to stay in control of their actions and emotions, even in challenging situations.

How to use it:

• Watch the video and discuss real-life scenarios where self-control is needed.
• Have students reflect on strategies they use when emotions run high.
• Reinforce with self-monitoring tools, like behavior logs or goal-setting exercises.

3. Social Skills

For students who struggle with emotional regulation, frustration tolerance, or peer relationships, targeted Tier 2 interventions help them develop strategies for managing emotions and interacting effectively with others.

These interventions focus on teaching self-regulation strategies, problem-solving skills, and conflict resolution techniques. They often include structured mentoring, coaching on coping strategies, and guided social skills practice to equip students with the tools they need to succeed in social and academic settings.

Social Skills Intervention Strategies

Tier 2 social skills interventions help students develop emotional awareness, stress management, and self-monitoring skills. These strategies provide structured opportunities for students to reflect on their emotions, build resilience, and strengthen executive functioning.

Through mentoring, coping strategies, and check-in systems, educators can help students develop the self-regulation skills they need to manage challenges and stay engaged in learning.

Mentoring Programs

Mentoring programs pair students with a trusted adult or peer mentor who provides encouragement, accountability, and structured guidance. These relationships help students build confidence, develop responsibility, and practice self-management skills.

To establish an effective mentoring program:

• Match students with mentors based on their needs and personalities
• Schedule regular check-ins to provide consistent support
• Incorporate goal-setting and reflection activities to encourage growth

Mentoring relationships should be built on trust, ensuring students feel supported and empowered to seek guidance.

Coping Strategies Coaching

Coping strategies coaching teaches students how to manage frustration, anxiety, and stress by practicing self-regulation techniques in a supportive setting. These strategies help students build resilience and maintain emotional control in challenging situations.

Key elements of effective coaching:

• Introduce a variety of techniques such as deep breathing, visualization, or grounding exercises
• Encourage students to identify and practice strategies that work best for them
• Reinforce skills with visual reminders, check-ins, and teacher support

Integrating coping strategies into daily routines allows students to develop emotional awareness and independence in using these techniques.

Check-In Systems

Check-in systems provide students with regular, structured opportunities to reflect on their progress, receive guidance, and set goals. These brief, solution-focused meetings help students develop self-awareness and stay accountable for their emotional and behavioral growth.

To implement an effective check-in system:

• Keep meetings short and focused to avoid disrupting the school day
• Use reflection prompts to help students assess challenges and successes
• Follow up consistently to track student progress over time

A predictable check-in routine fosters a sense of security, ensuring students feel heard and supported throughout their school experience.

Social Skills Intervention Resources

Students who struggle with social interactions and communication often benefit from structured interventions that teach them how to navigate peer relationships, express themselves effectively, and handle social challenges. The following resources help students build these skills through modeling, guided practice, and real-world application.

? Video Modeling Lesson: Sharing Ideas in Play for Preschool

Young learners develop foundational communication skills through collaborative play. This video teaches preschoolers how to share ideas, take turns, and engage in cooperative play with their peers.

How to use it:

• Play the video before group play activities to introduce positive communication strategies.
• Use guided discussion to help students practice phrases for sharing ideas.
• Reinforce with play-based social scripts for students who need additional support.

Encouraging effective communication in early play settings builds confidence and social awareness.

? Video Modeling Lesson: Staying Calm When I’m Angry for Pre-K & Kindergarten

Recognizing and managing frustration is an essential part of effective social communication. This video helps students identify their emotions and use calming strategies before reacting.

How to use it:

• Introduce the video as part of a lesson on emotional regulation and problem-solving.
• Encourage students to practice deep breathing or visualization exercises when they feel frustrated.
• Provide reflection sheets where students can identify their triggers and coping strategies.

Helping students recognize their emotions allows them to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively.

? Video Modeling Lesson: Handling Conflict with Friends for Elementary School

Managing peer conflicts is a critical skill for young students. This lesson provides practical strategies for resolving disagreements in a respectful and constructive way.

How to use it:

• Watch the video as part of a small-group discussion on conflict resolution.
• Role-play different scenarios where students can practice using problem-solving language.
• Provide sentence starters to help students express their feelings and solutions.

Teaching conflict resolution skills proactively helps prevent misunderstandings and peer disputes.

? Video Modeling Lesson: Handling Embarrassment for Middle & High School

Social anxiety and embarrassment can impact a student’s willingness to engage in conversations or participate in class. This lesson helps students understand how to cope with uncomfortable social situations in a healthy way.

How to use it:

• Watch the video in small groups and discuss common situations where embarrassment occurs.
• Guide students through self-talk strategies and perspective-taking exercises.
• Encourage students to share personal experiences and identify what helped them recover.

Developing resilience in social situations helps students navigate challenges with confidence.

? Video Modeling Lesson: Reading Facial Expressions for Middle & High School

Nonverbal communication is an important part of understanding others and building strong relationships. This video teaches students how to read and interpret facial expressions to improve their social awareness.

How to use it:

• Play the video and discuss how different facial expressions convey emotions.
• Use flashcards or real-life scenarios to help students practice identifying emotions.
• Pair with a lesson on context clues in social interactions to reinforce understanding.

Improving nonverbal communication skills enhances peer interactions and helps students build stronger connections.

How to Plan Effective Tier 2 Interventions

Tier 2 interventions work best when they are structured, proactive, and aligned with student needs. A well-planned intervention strategy ensures that support is embedded in the classroom environment, making it easier for educators to implement and sustain over time.

• Identify and screen students early – Universal screening tools, teacher referrals, and classroom observations help determine who needs additional support. Early identification prevents students from falling further behind.
• Define clear intervention goals – Each Tier 2 intervention should have a specific, measurable goal that aligns with student needs. Whether addressing academic gaps or behavioral concerns, targeted objectives allow for effective progress monitoring.
• Use small-group or one-on-one formats – Tier 2 interventions should provide structured support in small groups or individual settings to ensure students receive focused attention and reinforcement.
• Ensure interventions are research-based – Using proven strategies and structured resources increases the likelihood of success while keeping implementation manageable for educators.
• Monitor progress and adjust as needed – Regular check-ins and data collection help track student progress and determine whether adjustments are needed. If a student is not responding to an intervention, modifications may be required.

By following these steps, educators can implement effective, sustainable Tier 2 interventions that provide students with the support they need to succeed.

Common Tier 2 Intervention Challenges

Despite the benefits of Tier 2 interventions, educators often face implementation challenges that can make it difficult to provide consistent support. Addressing these challenges proactively ensures that students receive targeted, meaningful interventions.

• Limited time and resources – Teachers already manage packed schedules, making it challenging to add interventions to their day. Using structured, ready-made resources can help reduce planning time while maintaining effectiveness.
• Ensuring consistency – Variability in implementation across classrooms or grade levels can reduce intervention effectiveness. Schools can provide structured frameworks, teacher training, and clear implementation guidelines to maintain consistency.
• Tracking progress effectively – Without a system in place, it can be difficult to determine whether an intervention is working. Simple data-tracking tools and regular check-ins can help monitor student growth and adjust interventions as needed.
• Securing teacher buy-in – Some educators hesitate to adopt new interventions, especially if they seem time-consuming. Highlighting the long-term benefits and providing structured, easy-to-use intervention plans can help increase adoption.

By addressing these challenges early, schools can ensure that Tier 2 interventions remain effective and sustainable for both students and educators.

Final Thoughts

Effective Tier 2 interventions ensure that students receive the right support at the right time, preventing academic and behavioral challenges from escalating. By implementing structured, research-based strategies, educators can provide targeted reinforcement without overwhelming their schedules.

The resources shared in this guide offer ready-to-use interventions that help students strengthen executive functioning, improve emotional regulation, and build essential social skills. With consistent implementation, progress monitoring, and a proactive approach, Tier 2 interventions can empower students to succeed while maintaining a manageable, supportive learning environment for educators.