Which of the following is NOT typically part of data-based decision making in MTSS?

• A. Define the problem
• B. Select measures
• C. Ignore data and rely on intuition.
• D. Monitor progress and revise as needed

Answer: (C)

In MTSS, decisions about supports are guided by data collected from universal screening and ongoing progress monitoring. The idea is to use evidence from those data to identify needs, choose appropriate supports, and adjust interventions based on how students are actually responding. The option that doesn’t fit is ignoring data and relying on intuition, because that bypasses the whole data-driven process and opens the door to bias, inconsistent decisions, and ineffective supports.

Defining the problem is about specifying what skill or behavior to target and which students need help, which sets the focus for data collection. Selecting measures ensures you’re using reliable, aligned data that accurately reflect the problem you’re trying to solve. Monitoring progress and revising as needed is the ongoing loop: collect data, review what they show, and change instruction or support intensity based on evidence of student growth or lack thereof. When decisions are driven by data, responses are timely and tailored, increasing the chances that students make meaningful progress.