In Support of Student Data

By Kristan Rodriguez Ph.D.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

A research- and evidence-based playbook for creating MTSS in schools

In Support of Student Data: A Data Workbook for MTSS Teams is a practical tool that student support teams can use every day to make meaningful, data-driven decisions. The first section of this book provides a framework and protocols for using data to support MTSS and drive systemic change, helping you align resources such as schedules, staffing, and materials to function effectively within a robust tiered system of support. The second section was built to replace antiquated and reactive pre-referral processes. This workbook walks teams through a clear, step-by-step approach to identifying student needs early and matching them with the right level of support.

After many successful years of supporting individual districts and schools, Dr. Rodriguez introduces her MTSS² framework to the world. The workbook helps educators move away from gatekeeping systems, where students have to fail or meet rigid criteria before receiving help, toward responsive, evidence-based solutions where real-time data drives immediate tiered support. Whether you're designing Tier 2 interventions, reviewing screening data, or crafting individualized student support plans, this guide provides ready-to-use tools.

This workbook also provides:

  • A modern process for student support teams to collaboratively review data and define timely, tiered supports

  • Protocols that guide each stage of intervention planning

  • Templates, checklists, and visual tools that simplify decision-making and streamline team meetings

  • Real-world examples, analogies, and case studies that make MTSS accessible and actionable

The Four Levels of MTSS (Systems Level)

These levels build the foundation for an effective, sustainable MTSS² Framework™:

Staffing

  • Clarify roles across general education, special education, and intervention.

Scheduling

  • Protect time for collaboration and intervention within the school day.

Materials

  • Use a focused set of evidence-based tools matched to student needs.

Assessments

  • Collect only what informs clear, actionable decisions.

The Four Stages of the MTSS² Framework™ (Student Level)

Once the system is built, teams follow a clear data flow to deliver the right support:

Stage 1.  Universal Screening
Identify students who need extra help.

Stage 2.  Diagnostic Screening:
Determine why challenges are occurring.

Stage 3. Skill-Specific Diagnostics
Target the exact skill or behavior to address.

Stage 4.  Comprehensive Data Synthesis
Align supports, assign staff, and monitor progress.

Structures that make data usable, not overwhelming
Frameworks and templates to organize Outcomes, Instructional, Perspectives, and Systems data so teams can see the full story, not just the numbers.

Inside the workbook, you’ll find:

Tools that bring alignment to your systems
Customizable resources for connecting staffing, scheduling, materials, and assessments across tiers of support. These include audit checklists, sample team agendas, and annotated examples drawn directly from schools in action.

Protocols that turn meetings into action
Step-by-step routines for data meetings, reflection, and decision-making so teams leave every meeting with clear, student-centered next steps.

Routines that sustain continuous improvement
Guidance on creating short data cycles, progress-monitoring calendars, and reflection tools that keep momentum going throughout the year.

To celebrate the launch, I’m offering a Preorder Giveaway! When you preorder, you’ll receive:

Bonus Resource

From Pre-Referral to Data-Driven Practice offers  a self-assessment tool to help your team reflect on current practices versus the recommended steps outlined in the book.

Exclusive Learning Module

Access to a free MTSS² mini-module, introducing the Four Levers of MTSS Change and how to operationalize them in your own setting.

How to Join the Giveaway

It’s time to move beyond systems that wait for students to fail. In Support of Student Data gives you the roadmap, and the tools, to make lasting, systemic change.

  1. Preorder In Support of Student Data on Amazon

  2. Upload proof of purchase at www.cca-pr.com/preordergiveaway

  3. Receive your free tools and be entered to win a private 30-minute team consultation with the author

Reviews

“When I work with schools, I hear the same thing over and over: ‘We get why MTSS matters, but how are we supposed to actually do it?’ This workbook is the answer. Kristan Rodriguez has created a clear, step-by-step guide designed for real teams doing the real work of supporting all students. With practical protocols, ready-to-use templates, and smart insight, it’s like an MTSS Swiss Army knife: compact, powerful, and endlessly useful.”

- Katie Novak, Ed. D., Educational Consultant and Author

“The MTSS2 FrameworkTM is the solution to the outdated pre-referral process that we have all been waiting for. This workbook is more than guidance. With clear tier definitions, protocols, samples and templates, it gives principals everything they need to lead real change.”

- Shannon Clarke, National Education Administration Leader and Former School Principal

“This book is a game-changer for school and district leaders who want to move beyond outdated pre-referral systems. Dr. Rodriguez brings unmatched expertise and clarity to building MTSS2 structures that meet today’s compliance standards, are data-driven, and are designed for real results. The handouts and activities are an excellent resource for creating an MTSS process that is comprehensive and consistent district-wide.”

- Brad Morgan, Superintendent of Schools, North Middlesex Regional School District