Breaking Barriers: Making Tier 1 Instruction Work for Every Student

What if the “impossible” in education wasn’t so impossible after all?

On May 6, 1954, Roger Bannister broke through what was once thought to be an unbreakable barrier—the four-minute mile. Experts had long believed it was physically impossible. Yet just 43 days later, another runner surpassed his time. Within a year, three more followed. Today, the fastest mile stands at 3:43.13. Bannister didn’t just break a record—he broke a belief.

Educators across the country are doing the same. They’re challenging the notion that Tier 1 instruction is only suitable for some students. These educators are proving that high-quality, grade-level instruction can—and should—be accessible to every student. The secret isn’t superhuman effort—it’s a shift in mindset, a toolkit of practical scaffolds, and a commitment to making Tier 1 instruction for all the foundation for all learners.

Why Tier 1 Matters

For years, the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) pyramid has guided how schools structure instruction and interventions. At its base is Tier 1: whole class, grade-level teaching designed for all students. But recent trends show a worrying inversion: more students are receiving targeted or intensive interventions, while fewer experience robust Tier 1 instruction. This shift often results from gaps in foundational skills, inconsistent attendance, and the overwhelming demands placed on intervention systems. The result? Increased costs, underprepared staff, and missed opportunities for student growth.

Making the Impossible Possible

Just as athletes once believed the four-minute mile was unattainable, educators may feel that true Tier 1 instruction for all is out of reach. But when Bannister broke that barrier, others quickly followed. The lesson: When we change our mental model and believe in the potential of every student, new possibilities emerge. Tier 1 instruction isn’t just for some; it's for everyone.

How Scaffolding Unlocks Grade-Level Success

Scaffolding is more than an educational buzzword. It's a proven strategy for helping all students tackle grade-level content. Defined by Wood, Bruner, and Ross (1976), scaffolding enables learners to solve problems and master tasks that would otherwise be beyond their reach. In practice, this means teachers provide support—modeling, pre-teaching vocabulary, activating prior knowledge, and using visual aids—so students can gradually build independence and confidence.

Ways to Scaffold Grade-Level Texts

• Modeling and demonstration
• Activating prior knowledge
• Pre-teaching vocabulary
• Visual aids and graphic organizers
• Encouraging student oral expression

These strategies ensure that every student engages with authentic, grade-level texts, experiencing the richness of vocabulary and content without watering down expectations.

Why Scaffolding Works

Research shows that scaffolding allows teachers to maintain high standards while providing multiple access points for students. Instead of altering the text or lowering expectations, scaffolds help students manage and master challenging material through “just-right” moments of support. This allows students to develop resilience, confidence, and the skills needed to thrive in grade-level work.

Practical Steps for Implementing Scaffolds

Effective scaffolding starts with thoughtful planning and a step-by-step process:

• Break complex skills into logical chunks.
• Sequence skills to build upon one another.
• Select curricular examples that progress in complexity.
• Provide complete models and demonstrations.
• Incorporate hints and prompts for practice.
• Use aids like checklists to reinforce processes.

By embedding these steps into daily instruction, teachers create a classroom environment where every student can succeed.

Real-World Results

Districts like Birmingham City Schools in Alabama have seen remarkable outcomes by prioritizing Tier 1 instruction for all. Leaders share how shifting focus to whole class, scaffolded teaching has helped students soar, proving that with the right mindset and strategies, transformation is possible.

Committing to Tier 1 Instruction

How will you and your team champion Tier 1 instruction for every student? Whether it’s through professional learning, balanced assessments, intentional scheduling, or flexible groupings, your commitment can make a lasting impact. Take time to reflect, share ideas with colleagues, and dream big about what’s possible in your classroom.

Tier 1 instruction for all isn’t just a goal; it's a movement. By breaking mental barriers, embracing scaffolding, and committing to high expectations, you can empower every student to achieve more. The journey starts with belief, and the results speak for themselves.

Wood, D. J., Bruner, J. S., & Ross, G. (1976). The role of tutoring in problem solving. Journal of Child Psychiatry and Psychology, 17, 89–100.

Ready to make Tier 1 instruction a reality for all your students? Check out the difference Magnetic Literacy, our core program for Grades K–6, can make in your classroom.

Other Literacy Resources for You:
Reading Intervention Strategies to Help Older Students
Small Shifts, Big Gains: How Educators Can Transform Literacy Outcomes
Creating a Home Away from Home: Building a Culture of Belonging for Students in Your Literacy Classroom