Web-Based Tool
Mark's Web-Based Elementary MTSS Proactive Design App
A practical, data-driven web application to help schools proactively design and implement Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) for elementary students.
About the App
Proactive MTSS Design for Elementary Schools
Turn Your Tiered Intervention Planning Into a Math Problem!
Mark's Web-Based Elementary MTSS Proactive Design App is a practical tool built to help school teams move from reactive problem-solving to proactive, data-informed MTSS planning. Grounded in decades of CBM research and Dr. Shinn's direct experience supporting schools across 45 states, the app guides teams through the key decisions that define an effective MTSS framework.
Rather than place students into Tiers one at a time, identify the Structures (Intervention Group Size, # of Minutes of Intervention) and Available Resources (Teachers, Paras, Specialists, etc.) into an analysis of # of hours of interventionist time for each Tier. Systematically thinking of What Is Needed enables administrators and teams to not get overwhelmed by seeing the "big picture" in advance. The downloadable app keeps all your information on a local computer or phone.
Designed for building-level teams, instructional coaches, and district MTSS coordinators, the app translates research-based MTSS principles into actionable steps that fit the real-world constraints of elementary schools.
Read a Sample Report
See how one elementary school — worried they didn't have sufficient resources to deliver MTSS and planning to have core General Education teachers deliver Tier 1, Tier 2, and even Tier 3 — used the app's Analysis of Structures and Resources to find an approach that actually gave core teachers a System of Supports, too.
Download Sample ReportKey Features
What the App Helps You Do
Universal Screening Design
Establish which assessments to use, when to administer them, and how to interpret results to identify students who need additional support.
Benchmark Goal Setting
Set grade-level benchmark goals grounded in CBM norms so teams can make consistent, defensible decisions about student risk.
Tier Placement Decision Rules
Define clear, data-based criteria for placing students in Tier 1, Tier 2, or Tier 3 — reducing subjectivity and improving consistency across classrooms.
Progress Monitoring Planning
Determine how often to monitor student progress, which tools to use, and what growth rates signal adequate response to intervention.
Team Decision-Making Protocols
Build structured protocols for data team meetings so every discussion leads to clear next steps and accountable follow-through.
Implementation Fidelity Checks
Embed fidelity checkpoints so teams can verify that Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions are being delivered as designed.
The Proactive Difference
Why Proactive Design Matters
Most MTSS implementations are reactive — schools identify struggling students only after they have fallen significantly behind. A proactively designed MTSS flips that sequence. By establishing clear structures before the school year begins, teams spend less time in crisis mode and more time delivering effective instruction.
Benefits of Proactive Design
- Reduces time spent in reactive problem-solving meetings
- Ensures all students receive appropriate screening and monitoring
- Creates consistency across classrooms, grade levels, and buildings
- Aligns MTSS structures to evidence-based CBM practices
- Supports special education eligibility decisions with stronger data
Who It's For
Built for School Teams
Building Principals
Understand your school's MTSS framework at a glance and ensure structures are in place before the school year starts.
Instructional Coaches
Guide grade-level teams through data review and tier placement with clear, consistent protocols.
School Psychologists
Connect universal screening and progress monitoring data directly to special education eligibility and IEP goal-setting.
District MTSS Coordinators
Establish a common MTSS framework across buildings and monitor implementation fidelity at scale.
Get the App
Download the MTSS Proactive Design App
One-time purchase. Runs locally on your computer or phone — no subscription, no login required.
Mark's Web-Based Elementary MTSS Proactive Design App
$29.99
- Proactive Structures & Resources analysis
- Calculates interventionist hours needed per Tier
- Helps teams see the "big picture" before placement
- Runs locally — no internet connection required after download
- Supports building-level teams, coaches, and district coordinators
- Immediate access after purchase
Questions about the app? Contact Dr. Shinn
Interested in the MTSS App?
The app is currently available through Dr. Shinn's professional learning and consultation services. Contact Dr. Shinn to learn more about access, pricing, and how the app fits into a broader MTSS professional development plan.