Differentiated instruction is an integral part of Mars Area School District’s instructional approach. The goal of differentiation is to maximize student growth by responding to children’s learning needs and interests. In the classroom, teachers use differentiated materials and create activities that vary in difficulty to match student achievement levels. This provides all students with the opportunity to engage in meaningful learning experiences that are appropriately challenging.

Additionally, to help meet the needs of all students, Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) is in place for students to receive support from various classroom teachers and specialists in the building. MTSS provides academic support for reading instruction as well as behavioral supports. All classroom teachers are a part of the MTSS process, in addition to our Guidance Counselors, Reading Specialists and Special Education Teachers. MTSS is structured to provide specific supports based on student need, whether to fine-tune academic and behavioral skills or enrich and extend learning. During the MTSS times in each building, students may be working with different teachers based on their specific need within their grade level groupings.

Students are assessed three times a year in basic skills in Reading. Results from the PSSA, district, and other curriculum-based assessments will also provide information about a child’s overall performance. Depending upon need, students will move between tiers as they respond to the interventions in place.