McAllen ISD rolls out elementary MTSS behavioral framework across 18 campuses

McAllen, Texas — McAllen ISD administrators on Jan. 13 briefed trustees on the elementary rollout of a Multi‑Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) behavioral framework intended to align academic interventions and positive behavioral supports across all 18 elementary campuses.

Janet Nino, associate superintendent for instructional leadership, said the MTSS framework combines existing response‑to‑intervention academic practices with PBIS to create a whole‑child approach. “The big why is just to ensure that we identify our students that are struggling to help provide interventions at the start,” Nino said. She explained that each campus created a behavior matrix and visible posters to teach expectations and that the district has established a recognition and reward system.

Clarissa Partida, an elementary principal representing campus leaders, described campus implementation and student engagement strategies: “We worked through our behavior matrix... we went through every area that students would be in,” Partida said, adding that students from different grades participate in video announcements and skits to teach peers the ‘3 B’s.’

Administration said the timeframe began in October with principal training and principal‑led campus rollouts beginning in early January; a parent partner hour and campus events have supported family engagement and take‑home activities to reinforce expectations.

The presentation was informational; trustees thanked staff and asked administration to continue supporting campuses with training and resources as the district collects implementation data.