The HILL MTSS Model
The foundation of all future learning begins with a student’s ability to read at grade level. The HILL Model recognizes this fundamental truth. It has designed the professional development, structures, and strategies that ensure schools can implement multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) effectively for students with diverse needs, transforming a standard framework that many schools struggle with into a powerful tool for literacy instruction.
Our Proven Framework
Our MTSS framework is structured around five critical priority goals, each of which is tied to comprehensive, high-leverage actions that schools and districts may work toward as part of their District Literacy Plans.
Goal One: Leadership
We help front-line literacy leaders put research into practice within their own fast-moving and complex organizations.
Key Activities:
- Develop effective leaders who champion literacy improvement efforts.
- Create a dedicated team to guide and oversee literacy initiatives.
- Use structured tools and processes to make informed decisions based on student data.
Goal Two: Assessment
Having an informed, efficient system for collecting, organizing, and managing the use of student assessment data is crucial in sustaining effective practices.
Key Activities:
- Create and refine the system for measuring student progress, choosing and implementing consistent assessment tools to inform all tiers of instruction.
- Establish routine data meetings to analyze student performance and monitor progress regularly.
- Use assessment results to guide actions at district, school, and classroom levels, refining instructional plans aligned with students’ literacy needs.
Goal Three: Multi-Tiered Instruction
Strategically
Key Activities:
- Implement a structured approach that guides literacy practices.
- Align multi-level instructional programs and interventions to ensure seamless student support.
- Provide ongoing coaching to improve the effectiveness of literacy instruction.
Goal Four: Professional Learning
Build educator capacity through targeted professional development grounded in the Science of Reading and evidence-based instructional practices.
Key Activities:
- Create comprehensive professional development plans.
- Implement structured literacy methods.
- Provide actionable courses that explain the what, why, and how of literacy instruction.
Goal Five: Family and Community Engagement
Foster meaningful partnerships with families using asset-based approaches that support student learning both at school and at home.
Key Activities:
- Engage families as experts on their own children who can articulate needs and goals, enabling them to be part of the solution.
- Ensure two-way communication to co-develop literacy goals and a shared vision.
- Foster strong family partnerships by providing regular progress updates.
- Connect families with resources that make literacy instruction transparent and show children’s growth.
Our Track Record
Research-Backed Results
Our MTSS implementation model’s effectiveness has been continuously validated through peer-reviewed research including a recent paper published in The Elementary School Journal by University of Chicago Press (December 2024).
Proven Partners
In partnership with the Massachusetts Departments of Elementary and Secondary Education and Early Education and Care, the HILL ran the Inaugural Literacy Launch Institutes during the summer of 2025. The two free 4-day institutes focused on Pre-K through third grade literacy provided evidence-based literacy instruction to 600 educators from over 100 districts.
HILL For Literacy is an incredible partner. They’ve really met us where we’re at and helped us to grow. They’ve been supportive and right there with us in the work.
Dr. Amy Hartley-Matteson, Assistant Superintendent, Randolph Public Schools (MA)
Ready to Transform Your District?
Our model gives you the tools to evaluate current practices and build a sustainable MTSS framework that fits your unique context. Let’s collaborate to ensure every student in your district becomes a confident, capable reader.