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Hatching Tier Two and Three Interventions in Your Secondary School Counseling Program
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Hatching Tier Two and Three Interventions in Your Secondary School Counseling Program

First Edition
Edited by:
  • Whitney Triplett - Director of Professional Development, Hatching Results, LLC
  • Vanessa L. Gomez - Coordinator of Student, Community and Personnel, San Jacinto Unified School District
  • Danielle Duarte - Education Leadership Doctoral Candidate, Harvard Graduate School of Education
  • Trish Hatch - CEO and President, Hatching Results; San Diego State University, USA


June 2026 | 432 pages | Corwin

Turn "random acts of guidance" into intentional, data-driven practices that support every student

If your office feels more like an emergency room than an educational setting, you aren't alone. Secondary school counselors can get stuck in a cycle of reactivity, putting out fires and responding to the loudest voices rather than preventing issues before they start. But to truly serve all students equitably, we must shift from "who shows up" to "who needs us most."

Hatching Tier Two and Three Interventions in Your Secondary School Counseling Program is your guide to making that shift. Focused on Tier 2 (supplemental) and Tier 3 (intensified) interventions within a Multi-Tiered, Multi-Domain System of Supports, this book helps you move beyond catching students after they fail, offering a systematic approach to getting them back on track. Key features include:

  • A breakdown of the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle to help you implement, evaluate, and improve interventions without the stress of perfectionism
  • Actionable strategies for Tier 2 and Tier 3, including step-by-step strategies for running effective small groups, handling crisis response, and managing re-entry meetings
  • Practical, downloadable tools such as referral forms, root cause analysis templates, and "Flashlight" presentation guides to showcase your data
  • Personal insights from practicing counselors and special sections dedicated to the unique needs of counselors in alternative education settings

Stop guessing and start Hatching Results! This book gives you the structure to ensure that every intervention is intentional, every student is seen, and your impact is undeniable.


 
FOREWORD
 
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
 
ABOUT THE EDITORS
 
CONTRIBUTING AUTHORS
 
LEARNING TARGETS
 
CHAPTER 1: MULTI-TIERED, MULTI-DOMAIN SYSTEM OF SUPPORTS
A Framework for Tier 2

 
An Introduction to MTSS in Education

 
Beginnings in RTI and PBIS

 
MTSS 101

 
MTSS and School Counseling

 
Connecting MTSS to School Counseling Domains: MTMDSS

 
Multi-Tiered, Multi-Domain System of Supports (MTMDSS)

 
Tier 1: Universal Support—For All Students (100%)

 
Tier 2: Supplemental Support—For Some Students (~15%–20%)

 
Tier 3: Intensified Support—For a Few Students (~5%–10%)

 
MTMDSS Alignment to Text

 
Aligning MTMDSS With the ASCA National Model

 
Aligning MTMDSS With the ASCA School Counselor Professional Standards and Competencies

 
Aligning MTMDSS With the ASCA Ethical Standards

 
Aligning MTMDSS With the ASCA Position Statements

 
MTMDSS Assessment

 
 
CHAPTER 2: NEW APPROACHES TO TIER 2: SHIFTING PARADIGMS AND PDSA
Shifting Paradigms

 
Guidance Versus School Counseling

 
Data-Driven Versus Referral-Driven

 
Effective Referral Systems and Forms

 
Role Clarification and Alignment

 
Districtwide Alignment

 
From Random Interventions to a Systemic Approach

 
Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA): A Continuous Improvement Cycle

 
The Four Steps in PDSA

 
PDSA and School Counseling

 
Step 1: Plan—Start With Data and Root Cause Analysis

 
Step 2: Do—Deliver the Intervention With Fidelity

 
Step 3: Study—Analyze Results and Reflect

 
Step 4: Act—Decide What to Do Next

 
Why PDSA Matters for School Counseling

 
 
CHAPTER 3: USING DATA AND WRITING GOALS
Data Basics for School Counselors

 
Process Data

 
Perception Data

 
Outcome Data

 
Hatching Results Conceptual Diagram

 
“Buckets” for Identifying Tier 2 Needs Through Data

 
Demonstrated Needs

 
Missed Opportunities

 
Student Groups

 
Word Choices Matter

 
Fishnet Approach

 
Focusing Our Attention on School and District Priorities

 
Disaggregating Data

 
Utilizing Imperfect Data Platforms

 
Tool for Using Data to Identify Students in Need of Tier 2 Support

 
Getting Started With the Planning Tool

 
Bucket and Data Indicator

 
Specific Data Cut Points

 
Targeted Students or Student Groups

 
Time Frame/Frequency for Reviewing Data

 
Writing Effective Goals to Drive Equitable Student Outcomes

 
Developing Inclusive, Equitable SMARTIE Goals

 
Inclusive Goals

 
Equitable Goals

 
Aligning Goals With School and District Priorities

 
 
CHAPTER 4: DETERMINING ROOT CAUSES AND SELECTING INTERVENTIONS
Determining Root Causes

 
Identifying the “Why”

 
How to Conduct a Root Cause Analysis

 
The 5 Whys Technique

 
Pre-Intervention Surveys

 
Minute Meetings

 
Empathy Interviews

 
Additional Ways to Get to the Root of the Problem

 
Acquisition Needs, Performance Concerns, and Systemic Issues

 
Selecting Interventions: Matching Support to the Root Cause

 
Don’t Just Treat the Visible Symptom

 
Best Practices for Matching the Root Cause to the Intervention

 
 
CHAPTER 5: TYPES OF TIER 2 INTERVENTIONS
Direct Tier 2 Supports and Interventions

 
Small-Group Counseling

 
Workshops or Seminars

 
Individual Counseling

 
Post-Discipline or Post-Suspension Counseling

 
Restorative Practices and Meetings

 
Conflict Mediation

 
Check-In/Check-Out (CICO)

 
Other Innovative, Direct Tier 2 Programming

 
Indirect Tier 2 Supports and Interventions

 
Consultation and Collaboration

 
Teacher and Staff Education

 
Targeted Caregiver Support and Education

 
Referral to In-School and Outside Resources

 
Tier 2 Services Based on a Demographic Indicator

 
“Closing the Gap” Interventions

 
Intervening to Change the System

 
 
CHAPTER 6: PLANNING FOR INTERVENTIONS
Beginning a Plan of Action for Tier 2 Interventions

 
How to Complete a Tier 2 Action Plan: Utilizing a Chapter Case Study

 
Target Group and SMARTIE Goal

 
Title/Type of Tier 2 Activity and Content (Process Data)

 
Materials and Resources Needed (Process Data)

 
When and For How Long? (Process Data)

 
Number of Students (Process Data)

 
ASCA Mindsets and Behaviors (Perception Data)

 
Attitudes, Knowledge, and Skills to Be Measured (Perception Data)

 
Achievement-Related and Achievement Data (Outcome Data)

 
Continuing With the Chapter Case Study for More Intervention Planning

 
Plan Phase, Part 2: Steps 5–7

 
Step 5: Select Standards and Write Measurable Objectives

 
Step 6: Develop a Pre- and Post-Test to Measure Student Learning

 
Step 7: Write Lesson Plans for the Interventions and Plan for Logistics

 
Evidence-Based School Counseling and Tier 2 Interventions

 
EBSC and Research-Based Curriculum/Programs

 
Collaboration to Create Tier 2 Interventions

 
The Art and Science of Tier 2 School Counseling Interventions

 
Putting It All Together: Evidence, Reflection, and Impact

 
 
CHAPTER 7: PLANNING FOR SMALL GROUPS
Why Small Groups Matter

 
Planning for Logistics

 
Group Composition

 
Gender-Specific Groups Versus Mixed-Gender Groups

 
Family/Caregiver Notification

 
Informed Consent and Assent

 
Active Consent

 
Passive Consent

 
Creating Student Information System Queries to Support Tier 2 Groups

 
Scheduling Groups

 
Flex Periods: An Ideal Option

 
Options for Traditional or Block Schedules

 
Utilizing Lunch and Break Times: Proceed With Caution

 
Calendaring Small Groups at the Beginning of the School Year

 
Small-Group Counseling Toolbox

 
Knowledge of the Developmental Phases of Groups

 
Basic Counseling Skills in Small Groups

 
Cultural Considerations

 
Creating Structure

 
Effective Screening

 
Setting the Tone and Expectations

 
Clarifying the Group’s Purpose

 
Establishing Group Norms

 
Creating and Following Routines

 
Use of Lesson Plan Templates

 
Engagement Strategies

 
Using Movement and Music

 
Games and Competitions

 
Peer teaching

 
Video Recording as an Engagement Strategy

 
Youth Participatory Action Research

 
Peer Teaching Through Videos

 
Management Strategies

 
Effective Use of Space

 
Positive Language to Redirect Behaviors

 
Reinforcements and Incentives

 
Other Considerations

 
Balancing Facilitation and Leadership

 
Responding to Difficult Behaviors

 
Collaborating With Educational Partners

 
Allowing for Flexibility

 
Recognizing When Some Students May Need More

 
Conclusion

 
 
CHAPTER 8: TIER 3 INTENSIFIED SUPPORT
From Crisis to Systems

 
What Is Tier 3?

 
Aligning Tier 3 With the PDSA Cycle

 
Three Domains in Tier 3

 
Efficient Use of Time for Tier 3 Interventions

 
Short-Term Support

 
Appropriate Use of Time for Tier 3 Interventions

 
Identifying Students in Need of Tier 3 Supports

 
Lack of Progress in Tier 2

 
Targeted Data Identifying a Need for Intensified Intervention

 
New Student With Tier 3 Data Needs

 
Examples of Tier 3 Data Indicators for New Students

 
Referral (Self, Peer, Staff, etc.) Requiring Immediate Action

 
Crisis Event (Academic, College/Career, Social/Emotional) That Triggers a Tier 3 Response

 
Tier 3 Support Spans All Three Domains

 
Social/Emotional Crisis

 
Academic Crisis

 
College and Career Crises

 
Direct Services in Tier 3

 
Individual Counseling

 
Check-In/Check-Out (Tier 3 Version)

 
Small-Group Counseling

 
Alternative Placement Reentry Counseling

 
Intensified Post-Suspension Reentry Meeting

 
Restorative Counseling and Circles

 
Student Intent-to-Register Meetings

 
Intensified Summer Melt Support

 
Student Study Team Meetings

 
IEPs and 504 Plans

 
Protocols and Assessments at Tier 3

 
Child Protective Services (CPS)

 
Self-Harm and Suicide Prevention Protocols

 
Suicide Prevention Protocol

 
Threat-to-Others Protocols

 
Crisis Response Protocols and PREPaRE

 
Indirect Tier 3 Services

 
Student-Centered Meetings

 
Family/Caregiver Meetings

 
Academic Intervention Programs

 
Multi-Tiered System of Supports Meetings

 
Alternative Placement

 
College Bridge Programs

 
Case Management

 
Referral to Outside Resources

 
Evidence-Based Tier 3 Curriculum and Programs

 
Developing Trusting Educational Partnerships

 
Collaboration Within the School System

 
Collaboration With the Local Educational Agency

 
Collaboration Outside the School System

 
Family Partnerships

 
Trusting Community Partners

 
Memoranda of Understanding and Releases of Information

 
Resource Mapping

 
Closing Reflection: Leading Beyond the Intervention

 
Summary

 
 
CHAPTER 9: PROGRESS MONITORING AND INTERVENTION EVALUATION
Progress Monitoring at Tiers 2 and 3

 
Impact Monitoring

 
Gathering Meaningful Baseline Data

 
Fidelity Monitoring

 
Additional Progress Monitoring Tools

 
Collecting the Three Types of Data When Progress Monitoring

 
Evaluating the Intervention

 
Decision About the Intervention: Adopt, Adapt, or Abandon?

 
Tool for Evaluating Intervention Effectiveness

 
Closing: Do What Works—And Let Go of What Doesn’t

 
 
CHAPTER 10: SHARING RESULTS
Sharing Results Is Essential

 
Turning Data Into a Story

 
Sharing Results: An Ethical and Professional Obligation

 
Taking Ownership of Results With Professionalism

 
Making Results Visible: Going Beyond Spreadsheets and Results Reports

 
Bringing Data to Life With Graphs

 
Tips for Creating Charts and Graphs

 
Sharing Results: Meaningful Ways to Inform and Engage Educational Partners

 
Easy-Ish Lifts (Minimal Prep, Big Visibility)

 
Medium-Ish Lifts (Takes a Little More Time)

 
Reach-Fors (High-Impact, Strategic Visibility)

 
Flashlight Presentations for Tier 2 Interventions

 
The Flashlight Presentation Template

 
A Flashlight Presentation One-Pager

 
ASCA Achievement Gap Plan and Data Report

 
When to Share Results

 
Presenting at Professional Venues (Board Meetings and Professional Conferences)

 
Using National School Counseling Week and Other Opportunities to Share Counseling Program Results

 
Marketing, Advocacy, and Systemic Change

 
Conclusion: Continuing the Work

 
 
INDEX

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ISBN: 9781071825556
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