Intervention Strategies Used to Improve Academic Performance of Students Identified by the Early Warning System (EWS) at Silver Lakes Middle School

Silver Lakes Middle School utilizes a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework to address the academic, attendance, and behavioral needs of students identified through the Early Warning System. During the 2025-2026 school year, the EWS identified students with chronic absenteeism, multiple suspensions, Level 1 performance on statewide ELA and Mathematics assessments, retention history, and students demonstrating multiple risk indicators. The school uses a comprehensive set of interventions designed to improve student achievement by addressing both academic and non-academic barriers to learning. 

Academic Interventions

Students identified with academic risk factors, including Level 1 performance on statewide ELA and Mathematics assessments, receive targeted academic support through data-driven MTSS and PBIS processes. The school leadership team routinely reviews academic, attendance, and behavioral data to identify students requiring intervention and monitor progress. The PBIS/MTSS team uses shared data dashboards and structured problem-solving protocols to assign targeted Tier 1 and Tier 2 interventions and monitor student outcomes. 

Teachers are supported through ongoing professional development focused on recognizing early warning indicators such as declining academic performance, disengagement, and changes in classroom behavior. Staff are expected to document concerns and referrals early so that interventions can be provided before students experience significant academic failure. 

Classroom-level supports include evidence-based strategies such as CHAMPS and PBIS classroom management systems, which promote active engagement, increase instructional time, and improve learning environments. Specific interventions include:

• Effective classroom structure and routines.
• Preferential seating and removal of distractions.
• Individualized organizational supports.
• Reteaching expectations and academic behaviors.
• Redirection, prompts, cues, and reminders.
• Modification of academic assignments when appropriate.
• Providing student choices and structured support. 

Attendance Interventions

Because chronic absenteeism is one of the most significant EWS indicators, Silver Lakes Middle School employs a tiered attendance intervention system designed to maximize instructional time and increase academic engagement. The school monitors attendance data weekly and identifies students with warning signs such as prior chronic absenteeism, three or more absences within the first four weeks of school, or attendance below 90%. 

Tier 1 attendance supports include:

• Daily attendance monitoring through FOCUS.
• Parent communication through robocalls, emails, newsletters, ParentLink, SAC meetings, and conferences.
• Schoolwide attendance recognition programs and incentives.
• Attendance awareness campaigns and positive attendance messaging. 

Tier 2 interventions include:

• Attendance Success Plans and Attendance Contracts.
• Parent conferences and individualized attendance goal setting.
• Assignment of Attendance Buddies who provide daily encouragement and support.
• Referrals to appropriate services when barriers such as homelessness, food insecurity, transportation challenges, or health concerns are identified. 

Tier 3 interventions provide intensive support through:

• Individualized attendance intervention plans.
• Frequent family outreach and progress monitoring.
• Coordination with community agencies and social services.
• Ongoing case management and barrier removal strategies. 

The school's attendance goals specifically target increases in Average Daily Attendance and reductions in chronic absenteeism and severe chronic absenteeism to improve academic outcomes. 

Behavioral Interventions Supporting Academic Success

The school recognizes that behavioral concerns negatively affect academic performance and therefore implements a comprehensive Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework. Students exhibiting behavioral warning signs receive interventions such as:

• Check-In/Check-Out programs.
• Mentoring opportunities.
• Social skills instruction and group interventions.
• Restorative conversations and behavioral coaching.
• Positive reinforcement systems using "Caught Being Good" tickets and recognition programs.

The school explicitly teaches behavioral expectations and location-specific rules throughout the year and reteaches them following school breaks. These practices improve school climate, reduce disciplinary incidents, and increase student engagement in learning. 

Social-Emotional and Wellness Supports

Recognizing the connection between social-emotional well-being and academic achievement, Silver Lakes Middle School provides:

• Life Skills and Wellness instruction through ReThink Ed.
• Resiliency Curriculum lessons focused on emotional regulation, coping skills, perseverance, and problem-solving.
• Counseling services and behavioral interventions.
• Monitoring through discipline data, attendance data, climate surveys, and student progress measures. 

Student Recognition and Motivation

To increase engagement and academic persistence, the school implements recognition programs that celebrate positive behavior, attendance improvement, and character development. Students demonstrating monthly character traits are recognized through the "Kid of Character" program, certificates, announcements, and incentive activities. Families are informed to reinforce positive outcomes at home. 

Progress Monitoring and MTSS Oversight

The Integrated MTSS/PBIS Leadership Team regularly reviews academic, attendance, discipline, and intervention data using quarterly meetings and continuous problem-solving processes. Student progress is monitored through attendance reports, behavioral referrals, academic performance data, and intervention outcomes. The team adjusts supports based on student response to interventions and ensures timely access to Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 services. 

Summary: Silver Lakes Middle School improves academic performance for students identified through the Early Warning System by implementing a coordinated MTSS framework that combines targeted academic support, intensive attendance interventions, PBIS behavioral supports, social-emotional learning, mentoring, attendance recognition, family engagement, and continuous progress monitoring. These interventions are designed to address both academic deficiencies and the attendance and behavioral factors that contribute to poor academic outcomes. ]