The Tier 1 Instructional Intensification Checklist is a research-informed resource designed to support teachers, instructional coaches, and school leaders in strengthening core instruction before considering additional tiers of support.

Grounded in the science of reading, explicit instruction, and formative observation, this checklist helps teams examine key instructional variables that directly influence student learning. The tool emphasizes instructional match, frequency and variety of Opportunities to Respond (OTR), response rate aligned to task complexity, explicit modeling and guided practice, immediate error correction, and purposeful pacing.

Rather than focusing on individual student deficits, the checklist centers on instructional design and teacher-controlled levers that can be adjusted in real time. It is intended to support collaborative reflection, coaching conversations, and instructional goal setting within Tier 1 core instruction.

This resource can be used during lesson planning, walkthroughs, grade-level team meetings, or MTSS discussions to ensure instruction is intentional, responsive, and aligned to research-based practices.

Best suited for:

Teachers refining Tier 1 instruction
Instructional coaches supporting classroom practice
School leaders facilitating data-informed instructional conversations
MTSS teams focused on strengthening core instruction

Tier 1 Intensification

Tier 1 Instructional Intensification Checklist_OTR Focus