In today’s educational landscape, supporting all students equitably requires thoughtful, responsive strategies. One of the most pivotal tools in a school's toolkit is Tier 2 intervention—targeted instruction designed to bridge early learning gaps before they widen. But what makes Tier 2 truly effective?
In a recent educator-focused Sadlier webinar, seasoned literacy leader Ellen Edmonds outlined seven essential components that elevate Tier 2 instruction from routine to transformative. Whether you’re an interventionist, classroom teacher, or school leader, these insights offer both clarity and direction.
To learn more about what makes tier 2 intervention truly impactful, watch the on-demand webinar. In this session, Ellen shares practical strategies and insights to support every learner. Access the webinar now!
Tier 2 intervention isn’t a replacement for strong core instruction—it’s additive. Designed for roughly 5–15% of students (though often more in practice, especially post-pandemic), Tier 2 focuses on students who are starting to show signs of struggle but haven’t yet qualified for more intensive, Tier 3 support.
Done well, Tier 2 is a short-term, skill-specific lifeline. It’s high-frequency, data-driven, and laser-focused on accelerating students back to grade-level expectations as quickly as possible. The stakes are high, particularly in early grades when gaps are still narrow—and more easily closed.
Great intervention starts with great data. Effective Tier 2 instruction requires valid and reliable assessment tools to identify which students need support and to diagnose the specific skills they’re missing. Digital tools are increasingly favored for their time efficiency and actionable reporting.
However, these assessments must do more than confirm a hunch. They must offer granular, diagnostic insights—so you’re not just grouping students broadly but targeting instruction precisely.
→ Try this: Phonics Assessment
The heart of Tier 2 is individualization. Instruction must match the specific needs of the student group, whether that means more practice, repeated modeling, or direct feedback. It’s not about covering everything, it’s about covering what each student genuinely needs, right when they need it.
In schools with limited personnel, classroom teachers often deliver Tier 2. This requires thoughtful planning: pulling students for just 15 minutes a day can be incredibly powerful when paired with a well-matched scope and sequence.
→ Try this: 5 Common Phonics Difficulties and Solutions Tip Sheet
Many struggling readers aren’t guessing—they’re missing foundational decoding skills. That’s why explicit and systematic phonics instruction is non-negotiable. This means breaking sounds down clearly, modeling articulation, blending sounds purposefully, and ensuring ample opportunities for practice and feedback.
Scope and sequence matter here. Build from simple to complex, integrate review and repetition, and avoid jumping from skill to skill without intention.
→ Try this: What to Look For in Key Phonics Instruction Routines Checklist
If you’re not monitoring progress, you’re flying blind. Progress monitoring tools—short, skill-specific, and easy to administer—are critical to track growth and adjust instruction in real time.
Be mindful, though: only monitoring newly taught skills can create a false sense of proficiency. Effective monitoring includes cumulative review and even nonsense word assessments (especially for older students) to ensure mastery, not just familiarity.
While Tier 2 doesn’t typically offer one-on-one instruction (that’s more common in Tier 3), group size still matters. Smaller groups (ideally six or fewer) allow for tighter instructional fit and more immediate, meaningful feedback.
But it's not just about numbers. The quality of interactions—the precision of your questions, the responsiveness to student misconceptions, the ability to pivot mid-lesson—is what truly drives growth.
No matter how skilled the instruction, using weak materials undercuts progress. Materials should be:
Even the most dedicated educators can’t rely on instinct alone. With emerging neuroscience and new understandings from the science of reading, ongoing professional development is key to keeping instruction sharp.
Teachers need practical training in effective strategies, especially in diagnostics, phonics, and student engagement—and time to reflect, adapt, and grow.
Educators face real-world challenges: limited time, language barriers, scheduling conflicts, and a shortage of interventionists. But educators know how creativity, collaboration, and a clear instructional framework can overcome these barriers.
Whether it's using centers, rotating technology, or maximizing just 15 focused minutes—done thoughtfully, even short bursts of Tier 2 instruction can yield powerful results.
Educators face real-world challenges: limited time, language barriers, scheduling conflicts, and a shortage of interventionists. But educators know how creativity, collaboration, and a clear instructional framework can overcome these barriers.
Tier 2 is both a commitment and an opportunity. When implemented with care, urgency, and evidence-based strategies, it can change the trajectory of a student’s learning journey.
As we were reminded, “It isn’t just about what we love—it’s about what works.” That distinction is especially important for our most fragile learners.
The next time you're refining your intervention approach, revisit this list. Check for alignment. Reflect on impact. And lean into what we know: when we get Tier 2 right, we change lives.
