If you’re searching for MTSS reading interventions, clarity around MTSS tiers, or simply want to better understand what MTSS means in education, the fastest path to confidence is learning from leaders who have built successful Multi-Tiered System of Supports in real schools.
This guide highlights the best books on MTSS recommended by Dr. Stephanie Stollar, school psychologist, national MTSS consultant, and literacy expert. Whether you're a classroom teacher implementing Tier 1, a principal leading data meetings, or a district administrator designing your MTSS framework, these books will help you turn research into results.
Before diving into the book list, let’s ground ourselves: MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) is a systemwide framework that integrates reading instruction, intervention, assessment, and behavior supports so every student gets what they need.
Educators often search for “MTSS meaning” or “MTSS vs RTI,” but here’s the truth: MTSS is not a program. It’s not new. And it’s not complicated when you understand how the system works.
At its core, MTSS ensures that:
These book recommendations make those principles actionable in any school or district.
These titles help educators build powerful MTSS reading improvement systems grounded in evidence and the science of reading.
If you only buy one book about MTSS, let it be this one. While I’m definitely biased, this book is the result of reading every book available on the topic and filling in the gaps. It’s the most comprehensive connection between the science of reading research and the MTSS pyramid.
You’ll learn how to design Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 reading supports and integrate reading instruction into one coherent system. You’ll get agendas and protocols for MTSS data meetings, along with resources you can put into practice right away.
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If you’ve ever sat in an MTSS meeting unsure of what to ask, what to prioritize, or what the data is really telling you, this book is your guide. It breaks down data-based decision making in a clear, replicable way that works across K–12 literacy, math, and behavior.
You’ll learn how to structure MTSS meetings, interpret screening and progress monitoring data, and translate information into strong instructional decisions. It’s an essential resource for anyone leading or participating in MTSS problem-solving teams.
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If you want to understand the research foundations behind MTSS—beyond surface-level definitions—this is the most authoritative text available. Written by two of the most respected national MTSS researchers, this book explains exactly how an integrated academic and behavior framework operates in real systems.
You’ll learn the why and how behind districtwide MTSS implementation, PBIS integration, sustainability planning, and systems alignment. It’s ideal for higher education programs, district leaders, and anyone designing long-term MTSS structures.
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If your data is pointing you back to Tier 1 (and it usually is), this book belongs at the top of your stack. It focuses entirely on strengthening universal reading instruction, the part of MTSS that has the most significant long-term impact on students.
You’ll learn how to evaluate the effectiveness of your Tier 1 system, identify what needs to improve, and implement changes that raise achievement across the board. It’s deeply practical, filled with examples, and perfect for schoolwide book studies.
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If your school or district is working toward stronger inclusion, equitable Tier 1 practices, or better alignment across student support systems, this book gives you the roadmap. It helps leaders design MTSS structures that serve every student, including those with disabilities or higher support needs.
You’ll learn how to integrate school improvement efforts, create seamless support pathways, and strengthen your system’s ability to deliver equitable outcomes. It’s a must-read for anyone working at the district level or leading change across multiple schools.
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If you’re introducing anything new, whether it be MTSS, a core program, instructional routines, or a coaching model, this book helps you implement it well. It translates implementation science into practical steps educators can actually follow.
You’ll learn how to build buy-in, plan for change, anticipate barriers, and sustain new practices in the long term. If your district launches many initiatives, this is the book that helps them finally stick.
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If you love learning through stories, this book offers something rare: honest accounts from national MTSS experts about the times implementation didn’t go as planned, and what they learned from it.
Each chapter explores a real-world challenge in reading, math, behavior, or SEL implementation, followed by research-based reflections and practical guidance. It’s short, engaging, and insightful, and it’s perfect for dipping into whenever you need clarity or a fresh perspective.
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If you're just entering the world of MTSS in education, here’s how to begin:
Together, these books give you the complete picture.
Each recommended book supports one of the core pillars of MTSS interventions:
Whether you're a teacher trying to build stronger Tier 1 literacy routines or a superintendent designing a district MTSS plan, these titles will help you build a coherent, long-lasting system.
High-performing MTSS systems aren’t built overnight. They’re built by educators who continuously learn, reflect, implement, and improve. Books like these give you the perspective, tools, and confidence to lead meaningful systems change.
If improving reading outcomes is your priority, or if your district is refining Tier 1 instruction, these MTSS books will help you create a system where every student receives the right support at the right time.
MTSS, or Multi-Tiered System of Supports, is a framework that integrates academic, behavioral, and social-emotional supports to ensure every student receives the right level of instruction and intervention. MTSS uses data-based decision-making, strong Tier 1 instruction, and targeted Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions to improve outcomes for all learners.
Some of the best MTSS books for educators include MTSS for Reading Improvement, Untangling Data-Based Decision Making, Integrated Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, Effective Universal Instruction, and Leading Equity-Based MTSS for All Students. These books help teachers and school leaders understand MTSS tiers, evidence-based instruction, and systems-level implementation.
MTSS improves reading outcomes by strengthening Tier 1 instruction, aligning interventions to student needs, and using frequent assessment data to guide decisions. When implemented with fidelity, MTSS reading interventions reduce the number of students needing intensive support and increase the effectiveness of core instruction across grade levels.
RTI (Response to Intervention) focuses primarily on academic intervention, while MTSS includes academics, behavior, and social-emotional systems under one integrated framework. MTSS also emphasizes leadership, data systems, and whole-school collaboration, making it a more comprehensive approach than RTI.
To begin implementing MTSS, start with strengthening Tier 1 instruction, building a leadership team, setting up a data review process, and selecting evidence-based practices. Books such as MTSS for Reading Improvement and Effective Universal Instruction offer step-by-step guidance for schools building their MTSS framework from the ground up.
