Student reading problems can be prevented through early intervention programs.  The Three-Tier Approach is a model of prevention designed to meet the needs of young readers.  It provides an instructional framework for preventing reading difficulties by identifying students early, before they fall behind.  Then intensive support is provided by means of interventions designed to meet their needs so students are reading at grade level or higher by the end of Grade 3 and throughout their school years.

Progressive levels of instruction and intervention make up the Three-Tier Model and increase in intensity over time to meet the specific needs of students at every level of learning.  (Tier 1 - Core Instruction, Tier 2 - Supplemental Intervention, Tier 3 - Intensive Intervention)  Students are not permanently assigned to levels.  They flow in and out of levels as their progress dictates.