School-Level Implementation of Assessment, Standards, and Instruction

In alignment with State Board Rule 6A-6.053, McNicol Middle School utilizes a comprehensive Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework and Response to Intervention (RtI) process to identify and support students who exhibit early warning indicators. Student performance, attendance, behavior, and academic progress are reviewed regularly to ensure timely interventions and equitable access to support services.

Embedded High-Quality RtI Process

McNicol Middle School employs a data-driven decision-making process through MTSS, PLC collaboration, and bi-weekly data reviews to identify students requiring additional academic and behavioral support. 

• Absenteeism (10% or more days): 154 students
• Suspensions (one or more): 135 students
• Course Failures:
  • ELA: 0 students
  • Math: 0 students
• Level 1 on Statewide Assessments:
  • ELA: 93 students
  • Mathematics: 63 students
• Substantial Reading Deficiency: 88 students
• Students with Two or More Early Warning Indicators: 137 students
• Students Retained Last School Year (2025-2026): 2 students
• Students Retained Two or More Times: 34 students

These data are reviewed by grade-level teams, administration, counselors, ESE specialists, instructional coaches, and teachers to develop targeted intervention plans.

Intervention Strategies

To address the needs of students identified through the Early Warning System, McNicol Middle School implements the following evidence-based strategies:

1. Tiered Academic Supports

• Tier 1: High-quality standards-based instruction aligned to Florida's B.E.S.T. Standards in all content areas.
• Tier 2: Targeted small-group instruction based on diagnostic and formative assessment data.
• Tier 3: Intensive individualized interventions for students with significant academic deficiencies in reading and mathematics.
• Ongoing use of differentiated instruction, scaffolds, and intervention resources during the school day.

2. Progress Monitoring and Data Analysis

• Regular administration of district assessments, classroom formative assessments, and diagnostic tools.
• Weekly PLC and MTSS meetings to monitor student progress and adjust interventions.
• Individual student data chats to support goal-setting and ownership of learning.
• Frequent review of attendance, behavior, and academic performance data.

3. Reading and Mathematics Interventions

• Targeted interventions for students scoring Level 1 on statewide assessments and those identified with substantial reading deficiencies.
• Supplemental instruction and intervention programs designed to strengthen foundational literacy and numeracy skills.
• Small-group and individualized support provided through intervention classes and push-in/pull-out services as appropriate.

4. Attendance Improvement Initiatives

• Daily monitoring of attendance and early identification of attendance concerns.
• Parent communication through phone calls, conferences, letters, and attendance contracts.
• Collaboration with counselors, social workers, and community agencies to remove barriers affecting attendance.
• Mentoring and incentive programs designed to encourage consistent attendance.

5. Behavioral Supports

• School-wide implementation of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS).
• Tiered behavioral interventions, restorative practices, and social-emotional learning opportunities.
• Individual behavior support plans and counseling services for students with repeated disciplinary incidents.
• Ongoing monitoring of suspension data to identify trends and provide proactive interventions.

6. Academic Recovery and Student Success Supports

• Expand Extended Learning Opportunities through during-school, after-school, and targeted tutoring to provide additional academic support.
• Credit recovery and academic support services for students who demonstrate academic risk.
• Student mentoring programs focused on strengthening engagement, attendance, behavior, and academic achievement.
• Collaboration among teachers, counselors, ESE specialists, and families to provide comprehensive support for students with multiple early warning indicators.

Monitoring and Evaluation

The effectiveness of intervention strategies is evaluated through ongoing progress monitoring, MTSS reviews, district assessment results, attendance data, behavior reports, and academic performance indicators. Intervention plans are adjusted based on student response to ensure each student receives the support needed to achieve academic success and remain on track for promotion and graduation readiness.