Just-in-Time Support vs. Intervention: Why the Distinction Matters in MTSS

Presented by Dr. Bonnie Cochran, National Director of Innovation and Insights, HMH; Lisette Alves, Founder and CEO, LMA Education Solutions, and Former Assistant Superintendent, Division of Academics, Miami-Dade County Public Schools (FL); Sarah Jay, Executive Director of Equitable Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, Boston Public Schools (MA); and Serita Dodson, School Improvement Strategist, Frisco Independent School District (TX) Learn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features. When the distinction between just‑in‑time support and intervention is unclear, even well‑designed systems can lose coherence—and students can miss critical opportunities for support. This edLeader Panel will clarify the practical differences between the two, why both are essential within a strong RTI/MTSS framework, and how leaders can ensure each is used intentionally and effectively. Attendees will explore how time horizon and depth of need should guide instructional decision making, what happens when these distinctions become blurred, and the systems schools need to support both approaches without overwhelming educators or weakening intervention efforts. Dr. Bonnie Cochran, National Director of Innovation and Analytics at HMH, will serve as presenter and moderator, joined by district leaders who are leading this work at scale: Together, they will share real‑world perspectives on establishing clear decision rules, aligning teams across departments, and building sustainable structures that ensure students receive the right level of support at the right time. This edLeader Panel will be of interest to K-12 district leaders. Dr. Bonnie Cochran is National Director of Innovation and Insights at HMH. Dr. Cochran consults with school and district leaders around issues related to data, student achievement, and strategic planning. She previously served the Paulding County School District in Dallas, GA, for 31 years, in roles spanning from teacher to Associate Superintendent. She served as President of the Georgia Association of Curriculum and Instructional Supervisors and on the Board of Directors for the Georgia Association of Educational Leaders. With more than 35 years of experience in K–12 educational leadership, Lisette Alves is the Founder and CEO of LMA Education Solutions, a consulting and digital content creation firm focused on supporting schools, districts, and education‑focused organizations. Her work centers on strategic advising, professional learning design, and the development of practical tools that strengthen curricula, instruction, and organizational effectiveness. Previously, Lisette served as Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction at Miami‑Dade County Public Schools, where she helped lead large‑scale instructional initiatives and systemwide improvement efforts. Through LMA Education Solutions, she partners with education leaders to translate research into practice and build sustainable systems that support hi