Tier 1 Instruction: Optimizing Company Training

When implementing a corporate training program, a tier 1 instruction model ensures your workforce can access high-quality instruction on key topics. Tier 1 instruction is one of the core components of the multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) model, a comprehensive educational framework designed to maximize the success of your instructional design.

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What is tier 1 instruction?

Tier 1 instruction is the first level of instruction learners receive. Instructors teach the concept to the entire class in a style that fits the needs of the majority of learners. All learners have equitable access to high-quality instruction, reducing any inconsistencies in curricula from the start. If your tier 1 instruction is low-quality, this reduces the effectiveness of your entire instructional plan.

The goal of implementing tier 1 instruction is to lay the groundwork for a supportive and effective learning environment. You design the curriculum around evidence-based practices for effective large-group learning. You want to make the most significant collective impact and provide a basis for learners to have additional support as needed. Once you are confident that every learner has had baseline instruction on the topic, any additional instruction learners need can inform further supplemental interventions.

Read more: Fostering a Learning Culture Within Your Company: Your 2024 Guide

Tier 1 vs. tiers 2 and 3

Tier 1 instruction is the first component of a multi-tier framework. Understanding the differences and uses of each tier can help you implement tier 1 curricula successfully and focus on the key drivers in this stage of learning. The main differences between tier 1 and tiers 2 and 3 are the number of learners engaged in each instructional module, the assessment regularity, and the design of the educational content.

Tier 1 lesson plans are typically designed to be comprehensive and derive from research-based practices. The instruction primarily addresses the class as a whole, with some secondary small group activities to support the primary instruction. Tier 2 instruction, in contrast, uses small-group instruction (typically three to seven learners) with biweekly or monthly assessments. Usually, 10 to 15 percent of learners need this additional support following tier 1 instruction. The content included in tier 2 lessons directly caters to the needs of this small group and targets a specific area. 

Lastly, tier 3 uses individual or small-group instruction methods (typically one to three learners) with weekly assessments to further personalize course content. Only 1 to 5 percent of learners usually need this level of attention following tier 1 or tier 2 instruction.

How tier 1 instruction fits into corporate settings

By implementing a strong tier 1 educational program, you can meet the educational needs of about 80 percent of your workforce. This provides your employees with the primary level of training and ensures your workforce has equitable access to the core educational content and foundational training needed to succeed in your industry. Your tier 1 instruction plan should address common learning and development needs across the workforce to create a strong baseline of knowledge and skills across your employees.

After tier 1 instruction, you can assess your employees' knowledge and skills to identify those needing additional support. If a high percentage of your employees need additional training in the content area (over the 10 to 15 percent expected), this indicates your tier 1 education may be below the standard required for effective baseline training. Starting at tier 1 helps you identify the root cause of any skill gaps before moving to more tailored, personalized programs.

Strategies for implementing Tier 1 instruction

To successfully implement a high-quality tier 1 instruction plan, think carefully about the foundational knowledge required for employee success in the topic. Determine coursework that aligns with industry or company standards in that area, alongside instructional practices that best meet the needs of most learners. You can do this in a few different ways:

• Modeling and guided practice: Begin by clearly demonstrating new concepts or skills to all employees as a group. Then, you can guide employees through practice examples.

• Collaborative learning in small groups: Pair learners strategically in small groups to review concepts and discuss new topics. This can complement the larger group lectures.

• Instructor collaboration: Encourage collaboration among instructors to share best practices, insights, and challenges.

• Differentiated instruction techniques: Use a variety of instruction techniques throughout the lesson to address the needs of the majority of learners. This approach increases the impact of the training across your workforce, regardless of employees' prior knowledge or skill level.

• Clear expectations: Set clear learning objectives and expectations right from the start. Clearly define assessment criteria and provide regular feedback to help employees understand how they are progressing and what is expected of them.

• Engaging materials: Use engaging and visually appealing training materials, including visuals and interactive activities. 

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Example tier 1 instructional plan

A tier 1 instructional plan will look different depending on your course content, workforce, and organizational structure. However, many tier 1 plans include a mix of whole-group instruction and guided small-group practice. When implementing a tier 1 course design, a session might look something like this:

1. Whole group instruction

Start with a session that addresses all employees together. This part of the training focuses on delivering core concepts that every employee must understand without differentiating between job role and skill level. This could include company policies, basic operational procedures, or fundamental skills.

2. Segmented small group instruction

After the initial whole group session, divide employees into smaller groups based on their ability levels or specific needs.

During small group instruction, each group may be in a different learning setting based on what they need for success. For example, one group might get additional instruction to review the concept again, another might complete learning activities, and a third group might watch a recorded lecture.

3. Concluding independent practice

At the end of the session, you may choose to allow learners to apply what they learned in the small group session. This helps groups integrate new knowledge at every learning speed and ask questions immediately.

How to maintain an effective tier 1 instructional strategy

Implementing effective tier 1 instruction requires careful planning to ensure your training is comprehensive and applicable to employees with diverse backgrounds and current skill levels. This involves integrating best practices in instructional design, such as clear learning objectives, engaging content delivery, and regular assessments. 

One of the most important parts of maintaining an effective tier 1 instructional strategy is administering regular assessments. Continuously evaluate your instructional plan's effectiveness through data analysis. This involves assessing how well employees grasp the concepts and where they might need curriculum improvements. Consider assessment strategies that include regular short quizzes, reviews with similar question styles, and post-test review sessions to go over results.

This ongoing evaluation helps you adapt the training program to meet the needs of your workforce. Over time, this data will also help you identify employees within the workforce who require additional help, such as tier 2 or 3 instruction. You can also integrate technological tools to track learner progress better and provide opportunities for more engaging instruction.

Read more: 9 Ways to Boost Employee Skills at Your Company

Implement a tier 1 instructional strategy with Coursera

Tier 1 instruction is a great way to provide high-quality instruction to your entire workforce. This instruction ensures all your employees have access to strong foundational training on core concepts and allows you to make the most significant collective impact with your training initiatives. 

By leveraging the resources on Coursera, you can effectively deploy a tier 1 instruction strategy that addresses the foundational learning needs across your organization in an engaging way. To begin, consider the Achieving Personal and Professional Success Specialization to provide your employees with self-paced, flexible educational material on how to achieve their workplace goals. Also, explore the advantages of adding Coursera for Business to your training program.