What Do MTSS and Wine Tasting Have in Common?
Recently a group of my dearest friends went camping in wine country. Most of us are educators and wine lovers. One evening we were chatting about our current projects, my presentation on Equity-Based MTSS, and our wine-tasting plans for the next day. An idea was born to connect the two experiences. Truthfully, I’m using this blog as a fun escape from analyzing my cycle one research data for school. Thank you for allowing me this reprieve, I hope you enjoy and get a laugh from it.
You might think Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and wine tasting have nothing in common. One is a data-driven educational framework that ensures every student gets exactly what they need to thrive academically and socially. The other is a sensory journey to explore the diverse world of wines. But bear with me because I’ve found some delightful parallels between these two worlds.
Universal Support: White Wines and the Starting Point
MTSS starts with universal supports for all students. Think of this as the foundational instruction and resources that everyone benefits from. In the world of wine, this is your light, crisp white wines: accessible, familiar, and generally pleasing to most palates. Like universal supports, these whites set the stage for what’s to come, giving everyone a solid starting point.
Additional Support: Rosés and Light Reds
Some students may need a bit more help, in comes the targeted interventions to meet specific needs. Similarly, wine tasting moves to rosés or lighter reds. These wines aren’t as universally loved as whites, but for those who appreciate them, they provide a richer, more flavorful experience. Targeted supports in MTSS work the same way, giving students the additional boost they need to stay on track.
Intensive Support: Bold Reds for Unique Needs
For students requiring intensive interventions, MTSS offers robust, individualized supports. This is the bold, tannin-rich red wine stage of the tasting. Not everyone can handle the intensity of a Malbec or Cabernet Sauvignon, but for those who crave complexity and depth, these wines shine. In the same way, intensive supports are customized for students who need the strongest interventions to thrive.
A Framework for Everyone
At its heart, MTSS is about equity, providing students what they need, when they need it, for as long as they need it. Wine tasting, in its own playful way, mirrors this. Whether you’re a novice or a sommelier, tastings guide you step-by-step through the experience, ensuring you’re supported as you explore the flavors that resonate with you.
Bottom Line: Support Systems for Success
MTSS supports educators and students by creating a responsive and dynamic environment where everyone can succeed. Wine tastings, on the other hand, offer educators a moment of connection, learning, and indulgence. A way to recharge while reflecting on their work. Both are about matching the right resources to the right needs, creating moments of growth and joy.
So next time you sip a bold red or plan an intervention, remember: it’s all about savoring the experience and ensuring everyone has what they need to thrive. Cheers to that! 🥂