Sonora High School is experiencing a dramatic shift in student behavior and discipline, thanks to the implementation of the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). MTSS is a comprehensive framework designed to provide varying levels of support based on individual student needs, focusing on proactive intervention, restorative practices, and consistent behavior management strategies. Over the past two years, the school has seen a 216% reduction in class suspensions, with the number dropping from 1,392 in the 2022-2023 school year to just 643 in 2023-2024. This impressive turnaround has led to more students staying in the classroom, learning, and engaging positively with their education.

Principal Karen Sells credits the MTSS framework for creating a more structured approach to handling student behavior. “We really focused on student behavior first,” Sells shared. “With the help of MTSS, students who exhibit disruptive behavior—whether it’s language issues, bullying, or other challenges—are now given the tools and support they need to reflect on their actions and improve.”

At the core of Sonora High’s MTSS is the Suite 360 behavior intervention system. When a student is suspended from class, they are assigned a module that helps them understand and correct their behavior. This approach, combined with restorative practices and consistent communication between teachers, administrators, and parents, has proven highly effective. Sells explained, “Consistency of response by teachers and administrators is key to holding students accountable and guiding them toward better choices.”

Strategies That Work: A Team Effort

One of the most impactful strategies within MTSS has been the use of Tier 1 and Tier 2 interventions. If a student is class suspended twice in one day or repeatedly within a short time frame, administrators step in for a discussion to help prevent future incidents. “This has worked well,” Sells said. “Involving parents and ensuring there’s communication at every level makes a huge difference.”

The focus on early intervention and communication has not only reduced suspensions but also improved classroom engagement. Bryan Craig, the school’s Student Support Coordinator, emphasized how Suite  has changed student outcomes: “It’s no longer just about sending a student out of class. We’re helping them understand their behavior and how to change it. This has led to fewer repeat behaviors.”

Craig highlighted an example where cyberbullying disrupted class and caused off-campus issues. “Through Suite  360, the student watched videos, took quizzes, and reflected on different scenarios. The student showed remorse and understanding by the end of the process. It’s about more than just punishment—it’s about growth.”

Collaboration and Communication are Key

Teachers and staff have received extensive training on MTSS, with two-thirds of the faculty currently taking MTSS courses to learn more effective strategies for managing student behavior. This training has led to a more unified approach across the school. “More apparent and transparent communication is crucial,” Sells noted. “We’re using tools like Minga to notify parents about even lower-level consequences like tardies and detentions, which helps build accountability early on.”

Sustaining the Progress

Looking ahead, Sonora High School is committed to maintaining the fidelity of the MTSS framework and further reducing suspensions. Administrator Will Sarkisian, who oversees in-class suspensions, highlighted the success of the tiered intervention system. “In the 2023/2024 school year, we only had 37 students qualify for Tier II Step 1, and just two students progressed beyond Step 3. This is a dramatic decrease, showing that MTSS is working.”

Sarkisian believes the next steps include organizing preemptive meetings with students to clarify expectations and identify positive behaviors before issues escalate. “It’s about helping students value their education and empowering them to take responsibility for their own success,” he said.

As Sonora High School continues to foster a culture of accountability and growth, the results speak for themselves—more students are staying in class, more learning is taking place, and the entire school community is benefiting from a more positive and supportive environment.

Photos:

Image 1 (left): Sonora High School students engage in hands-on learning during a science lab. Through the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), the school has reduced class suspensions, keeping students focused on education and personal growth.

Image 2 (right): Collaborative learning at Sonora High School exemplifies the positive environment fostered by the MTSS framework. With a 216% reduction in class suspensions, students are thriving in classrooms across campus.