DISTRICT SPOTLIGHT:
MORGAN COUNTY SCHOOLS
Building a System of Support: How MTSS Is Unlocking Every Student’s Potential
In the heart of Eastern Kentucky, Morgan County Schools stands as a testament to resilience, community, and the transformative power of equitable education. Serving approximately 1,600 students across four elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school, the district has leveraged recent legislative support to expand opportunity and strengthen learning for every child. With a commitment to ensuring that every student is seen, supported, and successful, Morgan County is creating a model for rural districts across the Commonwealth.
Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)
Morgan County Schools is empowering educators and students alike through the implementation of a robust Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). This framework integrates assessment and intervention in a three-tiered approach to help every student reach their fullest potential.
By identifying students who need additional help, providing evidence-based interventions, and monitoring progress through data-driven collaboration, MTSS ensures that learning is both personalized and purposeful. With legislative funding through increased SEEK and Tier I adjustments, as well as federal and state resources, the district is able to provide equitable access and opportunities—bringing local priorities like competitive salaries, student services, and instructional quality into sharper focus.
Unlocking Opportunities for Every Student
At its core, MTSS represents Morgan County’s unwavering belief that every child deserves the right supports at the right time. Through universal Tier I instruction, 80% or more of students meet or exceed grade-level standards. For those who need more, targeted Tier II and intensive Tier III interventions ensure that no student falls through the cracks.
This flexible, fluid system encourages continuous progress and reinforces the district’s “Portrait of a Learner” attributes—Impactful Citizen, Confident Contributor, Empathetic Servant, Solution Seeker, and Effective Communicator. These qualities, cultivated through small-group learning and responsive teaching, help students grow into engaged learners and compassionate community members.
Measurable Growth, Meaningful Change
The results are clear: Morgan County students are thriving. Academic performance on state and local assessments continues to rise, graduation rates remain high, and office referrals are decreasing. Teachers report more positive behaviors and increased engagement, while students gain confidence and mastery through personalized learning experiences.
Recognition from the Prichard Committee’s Family Friendly Schools program, multiple Blue Ribbon awards for Ezel and East Valley Elementary, and Blue Status performance on Kentucky’s Summative Assessment highlight the district’s steady climb toward excellence.
Stronger Together: Partnerships Powering Success
Morgan County’s success story is rooted in strong partnerships. Local businesses offer mentorships and work-based learning opportunities that bridge classroom instruction with real-world application. Community organizations provide vital supports in social-emotional learning, extracurricular engagement, and family outreach—reducing barriers and building trust. Higher education partners help extend advanced learning opportunities that inspire students to dream bigger and aim higher.
Together, these collaborations reinforce the MTSS framework by ensuring academic, social, and emotional supports are tailored to every learner’s needs.
Morgan County’s success story is rooted in strong partnerships. Local businesses offer mentorships and work-based learning opportunities that bridge classroom instruction with real-world application. Community organizations provide vital supports in social-emotional learning, extracurricular engagement, and family outreach—reducing barriers and building trust. Higher education partners help extend advanced learning opportunities that inspire students to dream bigger and aim higher.
Together, these collaborations reinforce the MTSS framework by ensuring academic, social, and emotional supports are tailored to every learner’s needs.
The Road Ahead: What’s Coming Next
As Morgan County continues to expand and refine MTSS, the district remains focused on continuous growth—deepening data use, professional learning, and family partnerships. Legislative support for SEEK funding, educator recruitment, and initiatives like the Read to Succeed and Numeracy Counts Act will continue to sustain progress and expand opportunity.
Superintendent Dr. Ralph W. Hamilton emphasizes that these investments are “about prioritizing people over programs,” ensuring that teachers have the resources and training they need to meet students where they are and move them forward together.
Shining a Light on Student Success
Morgan County’s story is one of perseverance and partnership. Through legislative vision, community commitment, and educator leadership, the district is transforming challenges into opportunities. Every student in Morgan County Schools is being equipped not only to meet grade-level expectations but to exceed them—and to lead with empathy, confidence, and purpose.
MORGAN COUNTY SCHOOLS
Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)
For more on this initiative, visit Morgan County Schools.
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