This paper introduces the Multi-Tiered System ofSupports (MTSS), an inclusive instructional designframework that integrates foundational and social-emotional/behavioral (SEL/SEB) competenciesthrough a preventive approach and an adaptive re-sponse to students’ educational needs. After outlin-ing its defining features, the paper reviews the avail-able evidence on its effectiveness on literacy, math-ematics, and SEL/SEB outcomes. The findings indi-cate moderately positive effects, particularly forTier 2 interventions in reading and writing and forspecific numeracy interventions, as well as improve-ments in school climate and reductions in problembehaviors. In conclusion, the paper discusses condi-tions, policy opportunities, and critical issues for theadoption of MTSS in the Italian school system, withattention to organizational sustainability and to aculture of evaluation and effectiveness.
Il contributo presenta il Sistema di Supporto Multi-livello (MTSS), un modello di progettazione didat-tica inclusivo volto a coniugare lo sviluppo dellecompetenze di base e socio-emotive/comportamen-tali (SEL/SEB), in ottica preventiva e di rispostaadattiva ai bisogni educativi degli studenti. Dopoaverne descritto gli elementi distintivi, si presentanole evidenze disponibili sulla sua efficacia in ambitoalfabetico-funzionale, matematico e SEL/SEB. I ri-sultati indicano effetti mediamente positivi, soprat-tutto per interventi mirati di Tier 2 nelle compe-tenze di letto-scrittura e per specifici interventi dimatematica, oltreché per il miglioramento del climascolastico e la riduzione di comportamenti proble-matici. In conclusione, si discutono condizioni, op-portunità normative e criticità per un’adozionedell’MTSS nella scuola italiana, con attenzione allasostenibilità organizzativa e alla cultura della valu-tazione e dell’efficacia
Sistema di Supporto Multilivello (MTSS). Cosa sappiamo sulla sua efficacia e quali opportunità (e vincoli) per la scuola italiana.
Silvia Cau
;Nicole Murroni;Giuliano Vivanet
2026-01-01
Abstract
This paper introduces the Multi-Tiered System ofSupports (MTSS), an inclusive instructional designframework that integrates foundational and social-emotional/behavioral (SEL/SEB) competenciesthrough a preventive approach and an adaptive re-sponse to students’ educational needs. After outlin-ing its defining features, the paper reviews the avail-able evidence on its effectiveness on literacy, math-ematics, and SEL/SEB outcomes. The findings indi-cate moderately positive effects, particularly forTier 2 interventions in reading and writing and forspecific numeracy interventions, as well as improve-ments in school climate and reductions in problembehaviors. In conclusion, the paper discusses condi-tions, policy opportunities, and critical issues for theadoption of MTSS in the Italian school system, withattention to organizational sustainability and to aculture of evaluation and effectiveness.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.


