Understanding Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 in Learning to Read

When it comes to helping children learn how to read, the Canadian educational system uses a framework called Multitiered Systems of Support (MTSS) to provide varying levels of support. This framework is designed to ensure that all students, regardless of their starting point, receive the help they need to develop strong reading skills. In this blog post, we'll break down the differences between Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3, and explain how each level supports students on their journey to becoming proficient readers.

What Are Tiers in Reading Instruction?

In the MTSS model, students are grouped based on the level of support they need to succeed in reading. There are three tiers:

• Tier 1: Universal, classroom-based instruction
• Tier 2: Targeted, small-group instruction
• Tier 3: Intensive, individualized support

Each tier serves a different purpose, and the goal is to ensure that all students receive the right level of support at the right time.

Tier 1: High-Quality Instruction for All Students

Tier 1 represents the foundation of reading instruction that is provided to all students in the classroom. This is the core instruction that focuses on essential reading skills such as phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and reading comprehension.

• What it looks like: In Tier 1, students receive daily whole-group lessons that cover key literacy concepts. The instruction is designed to meet the needs of most students in the class, using research-based teaching strategies that are effective for a broad range of learners. Activities might include group discussions, reading exercises, and independent reading practice.
  
  
• Who benefits from it: Ideally, most students will progress well with Tier 1 instruction alone. These are typically students who are on track with their reading skills and don’t require additional support.
  
  

Tier 1 is universal and for all students in the full classroom. 

Tier 2: Targeted Support for Struggling Readers

Not every student will meet the grade-level standards with Tier 1 instruction alone. Tier 2 instruction provides additional support for students who are struggling but are still capable of making progress with extra help.

• What it looks like: Students in Tier 2 typically work in small groups with a teacher or reading specialist. The instruction is more focused and personalized, often targeting specific skills like phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, or comprehension. Students might work on these skills a few times a week to get the practice and attention they need to improve.
  
  
• Who benefits from it: Students who are slightly below grade level but still have the potential to catch up with some extra support. These students might need some additional time and practice, but they are not far behind enough to require intensive intervention.
  
  

Tier 2 is for students who need a little extra help to meet grade-level expectations.

Tier 3: Intensive, One-on-One Support for Struggling Readers

For students who need more than what Tier 2 can offer, Tier 3 provides the most intensive level of support. This tier is for students who are significantly behind in their reading development and who have not made enough progress with Tier 2 intervention.

• What it looks like: In Tier 3, students often receive one-on-one instruction or work in very small groups. The focus is on intensive interventions tailored to each student’s unique needs. These interventions may happen daily and involve specialized programs or strategies designed for students with the greatest challenges.
  
  
• Who benefits from it: Students who are far behind grade-level expectations and need consistent, personalized attention to catch up. These students may face significant learning difficulties, and the interventions are designed to provide the support they need to make progress.

Tier 3 is for students who require intensive, individualized support to overcome reading challenges.

Why Are These Tiers Important?

The beauty of the MTSS model is that it allows for early identification of reading difficulties and provides the right level of support at the right time. By starting with universal instruction (Tier 1) and moving to more specialized interventions (Tier 2 and Tier 3) as needed, educators can help every student succeed, regardless of where they start.

In Summary:

• Tier 1 is for all students and involves regular, whole-class instruction that addresses core reading skills.
• Tier 2 is for students who need extra help beyond the classroom instruction and involves small-group interventions.
• Tier 3 is for students with significant reading challenges who require intensive, individualized support.

The MTSS model in Canadian schools helps ensure that all students have access to the resources and support they need to become successful readers. By understanding these tiers, parents, and educators can work together to make sure every child gets the help they need to thrive in their reading journey.

Where does SpellRead fit in? 

Tier 2 and Tier 3 structured literacy interventions are essential for students because they provide targeted, research-based support to help struggling readers develop essential literacy skills. These interventions follow the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework, ensuring that students receive instruction tailored to their specific needs.

SpellRead Addresses Learning Gaps Early (Tier 2)

• Tier 2 interventions are designed for students who need extra support beyond core classroom instruction.

• SpellRead can be taught in a small group, allowing for more individualized attention.

• SpellRead provides systematic, explicit teaching in phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.

• An intervention and remediation program like SpellRead prevents students from falling further behind by addressing difficulties early.

SpellRead Provides Intensive, Individualized Support (Tier 3)

• Tier 3 interventions are for students with significant reading challenges, often provided in one-on-one or very small groups.

• Uses diagnostic assessments to pinpoint areas of difficulty. Students are often referred to our clinics after having an educational assessment with a psychologist.

• Tier 3 students need highly structured, explicit, and cumulative instruction; Halifax Learning’s SpellRead offers this. 

• Essential for students with dyslexia, language processing disorders, or severe reading difficulties.

SpellRead Supports Brain Development and Literacy Acquisition

• Structured literacy is based on the science of reading, which emphasizes how the brain learns to read.

• Helps students build strong neural pathways for decoding, word recognition, and comprehension.

• Without intervention, struggling readers may develop poor reading habits that are difficult to correct later.

SpellRead Prevents Long-Term Academic Struggles

• Literacy is foundational for success in all subjects.

• Students who struggle with reading often face challenges in math, science, and social studies due to difficulty accessing content.

• Early intervention reduces the risk of long-term academic failure, low self-esteem, and frustration.

SpellRead Promotes Equity in Education

• Without structured literacy interventions, students from disadvantaged backgrounds or those with learning disabilities may fall behind.

• Provides all students with access to high-quality, science-based reading instruction.

• Helps close the literacy gap and ensures every student has the opportunity to succeed.

SpellRead: Reading made easy! 

Tier 2 and Tier 3 structured literacy interventions are critical for identifying and supporting struggling readers before they fall too far behind. By using a research-backed, explicit, systematic program like SpellRead, students build the foundational literacy skills they need for academic success and lifelong learning.

At Halifax Learning, we train teachers in the SpellRead program. If you would like more information on our teacher training menu of services, please email us at training@halifaxlearning.com.

If you have questions regarding our after-school program or online clinic, please email kim@halifaxlearning.com.