What is the primary role of a school psychologist within MTSS/RTI?

• A. Conduct standardized testing for remediation only.
• B. Coordinate universal screening, progress monitoring, data-based decision making, and the design and evaluation of tiered interventions across the tiers.
• C. Provide individual therapy to every student.
• D. Manage disciplinary referrals and classroom management exclusively.

Answer: (B)

In MTSS/RTI, the school psychologist leads and supports a data-driven, system-level approach to student supports. This means using universal screening to identify students at risk early, employing progress monitoring to track how students respond to interventions, and applying data-based decisions to determine the appropriate level and type of support. They also design and evaluate tiered interventions across all levels of the system, ensuring that strategies are evidence-based, implemented with fidelity, and adjusted based on outcomes. This role emphasizes building and guiding a framework that helps many students succeed, rather than focusing solely on individual testing for remediation, providing therapy to every student, or managing disciplinary referrals.