Tier 2 Instructional Shifts: Strategies That Strengthen Small Group Instruction

In this episode, I unpack the instructional shifts that make Tier 2 more targeted, responsive, and effective. Too often, Tier 2 turns into a smaller version of whole-group instruction, repeating the same explanations and tasks that didn’t work the first time. I walk through what needs to change, from grouping students based on specific needs to using different instructional approaches, scaffolding thinking, and ensuring students are doing the cognitive heavy lifting. I also explore how pre-assessment and formative data can be used to proactively design support and enrichment, not just react after students struggle. Finally, I share how the station rotation model can create the time and structure teachers need to make small group instruction possible in real classrooms. Episode Resources Related Blog: https://catlintucker.com/2026/04/tier-2-instructional-strategies/ The Station Rotation Model & UDL