Attendance Improvement

Team-based problem solving is a structured process in which school teams use data to identify concerns, analyze contributing factors, develop action plans, and monitor outcomes. Effective Tier 1 teams collaborate regularly to make informed decisions that strengthen schoolwide systems and supports.

This process promotes shared ownership, efficient meetings, and consistent implementation of prevention-focused practices.

When problem-solving is unstructured or inconsistent, schools may struggle to move from identifying problems to implementing effective solutions. Team-based problem solving creates systems for collaborative decision-making and ensures actions are linked directly to data and outcomes.

Effective team-based problem solving supports:

• More efficient and productive meetings
• Improved consistency in decision-making
• Stronger alignment between identified needs and action plans
• Increased staff collaboration and shared ownership
• Better implementation and monitoring of schoolwide practices

• Representative team membership: Teams include individuals with varied roles and perspectives
• Defined meeting structures and roles: Teams use agendas, facilitators, data analysts, and action planning processes
• Data-based decision-making: Discussions and solutions are guided by data rather than opinions alone
• Clear problem identification: Teams define concerns specifically and objectively
• Action-oriented planning: Meetings result in clear next steps, responsibilities, and timelines
• Ongoing monitoring: Teams review progress and adjust plans based on outcomes

• Establish regular meeting schedules and consistent routines
• Use a structured problem-solving model such as TIPS (Team-Initiated Problem Solving)
• Define meeting roles clearly to improve efficiency and participation
• Focus on solvable problems and measurable goals
• Document decisions and action steps consistently
• Build time for reviewing implementation and outcomes—not just identifying concerns

Description:
Data systems and sources are the foundation of effective Tier 1 decision-making within a multi-tiered system of support (MTSS). Schools use multiple sources of academic, behavioral, attendance, climate, and engagement data to understand student and system needs, identify trends, and guide action planning.

At Tier 1, data systems help schools move from reactive decision-making to proactive, prevention-focused practices that support all students.


Importance:

Without reliable and accessible data systems, schools may rely on assumptions or isolated incidents when making decisions. Comprehensive data systems allow teams to identify strengths, detect emerging concerns early, and evaluate whether supports and practices are effective.

Strong data systems support:

• More proactive and efficient problem-solving
• Early identification of schoolwide needs and trends
• Improved alignment between data and interventions
• Greater consistency and transparency in decision-making
• More equitable practices and outcomes for students

• Use of multiple data sources: Schools review academic, behavioral, attendance, climate, and engagement data together
• Accessible and organized systems: Data are easy for teams to access, interpret, and use
• Regular data collection and review: Teams examine data consistently throughout the year
• Clear definitions and procedures: Staff use consistent methods for entering and interpreting data
• Disaggregation of data: Data are reviewed across student groups to identify patterns and inequities
• Alignment with school goals: Data systems support school improvement priorities and MTSS implementation

• Start with a small number of meaningful data sources before expanding systems
• Develop consistent routines and schedules for data review
• Train staff on accurate data collection and interpretation practices
• Use visual displays (graphs, dashboards, summaries) to improve accessibility
• Focus on trends and patterns rather than isolated incidents
• Ensure teams understand how data connect to action planning and decision-making

Fidelity and outcome data help schools evaluate whether practices and systems are being implemented as intended and whether they are producing desired student outcomes. Fidelity data measure the quality and consistency of implementation, while outcome data measure the impact on students and school systems.

At Tier 1, schools use both types of data together to guide continuous improvement and strengthen implementation effectiveness.


Importance:

Positive outcomes are difficult to interpret without understanding whether practices were implemented consistently and accurately. Schools that review both fidelity and outcome data are better able to determine whether adjustments are needed in implementation, supports, or systems.

Using fidelity and outcome data supports:

• Stronger implementation of evidence-based practices
• More accurate interpretation of student outcomes
• Improved accountability and sustainability
• Better alignment between practices and results
• Increased likelihood of long-term success

• Use of validated fidelity measures: Schools use tools aligned to evidence-based practices and frameworks
• Regular outcome monitoring: Teams examine behavioral, academic, attendance, climate, and engagement outcomes
• Comparison of implementation and outcomes: Teams analyze whether outcomes align with fidelity levels
• Ongoing review cycles: Fidelity and outcomes are reviewed consistently over time
• Action planning based on findings: Data guide professional learning, coaching, and system improvements
• Shared understanding of data: Teams understand the purpose and use of fidelity measures

• Use a small number of meaningful fidelity tools consistently
• Schedule fidelity and outcome reviews together during team meetings
• Focus on improvement and support—not compliance or blame
• Celebrate areas of strong implementation and growth
• Use data to identify coaching or professional learning needs
• Ensure staff understand how fidelity connects to student outcomes