Tier 1 refers to a universal, evidence-based instruction all students receive in the classroom.This includes immediate, embedded support when students begin to struggle with a concept or skill.
Explore more: LD@school Video—An Introduction to Differentiated Instruction
This short video explains how educators can use Differentiated Instruction (DI) to support diverse learning needs without creating individualized lesson plans for every student.
What Does Tier 1 Reading Support Look Like?
- All students are taught using evidence-based, high quality teaching practices designed to help all students succeed.
- Class profiles and Individual Learner profiles are used to understand students’ strengths, needs, interests, and identities.
- Teachers apply the principles of Differentiated Instruction (DI) and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in planning instruction and Assessment for all students.
Explore more: LDAO’s Online learning module on DI and UDL - Teachers monitor student progress through observations, conversations, and products to determine which skills and knowledge need reinforcement.
- Students are grouped strategically to focus on targeted skills.
- All students receive the support and intervention they need within the classroom environment.
Watch: An educator from KPR who discusses the importance of Tier 1 reading instruction.
Tier 1 Reading Supports: What the Ministry Recommends
The Ontario Ministry of Education’s Policy/Program Memorandum on Reading Instruction and Early Screeners emphasizes that Tier 1 support is grounded in the belief that all students can learn, and should be informed by each students’ strengths, needs, and learning profile. Key elements of Tier 1 reading instruction include:
- Predictable schedules and classroom routines that clearly designate reading instruction time during the day;
- Systematic and explicit instructional strategies that support the development of foundational reading skills;
- Lessons aligned with the Language Foundations for Reading and Writing Continua in the curriculum, progressing from simple to more complex word reading skills;
- Systematic and explicit instruction of targeted foundational reading skills
- Multiple opportunities for small-group instruction, guided practice, teacher feedback,and independent reading;
- Rich and meaningful literacy experiences supporting student engagement and reinforce skill development; and
- Timely, descriptive feedback to support student growth and achievement. [4]
For more information, explore:
- Effective Early Reading Instruction: A Teacher’s Guide
- Some Considerations for Program Planning in Language
The learning needs of most students—typically around 80%—can be met with high-quality, evidence-based, systematic, and explicit instruction at Tier 1. When students require Tier 2 support, it is provided in addition to, not in place of, strong Tier 1 instruction. Similarly, Tier 3 support is layered on top of both Tier 1 and Tier 2, ensuring students continue to benefit from universal classroom instruction alongside more intensive, targeted support.
Components of effective reading instruction include oral language, word reading and reading comprehension. [5]The use of timely and ongoing data regarding a child’s reading skills will determine whether or not further support is needed. The topic of reading screeners and assessment for learning will be discussed in unit 3 of this module.
