Honoring the People Who Shaped What is Possible

The inaugural MTSS Hall of Fame recognizes individuals whose ideas, leadership, research, and service have profoundly influenced our field.

Their contributions helped shape the science, systems, and practices we rely on today—and remind us that progress is built across disciplines, roles, and generations.

Stan Deno, PhD

Father of Curriculum-Based Measurement

Established curriculum-based measurement (CBM), revolutionizing educational assessment and establishing the foundation for progress monitoring and problem-solving within modern MTSS

Presented by: Kim Gibbons, PhD
Director, Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement (CAREI), University of Minnesota

Evelyn Deno

Champion for Cascade of Service

For being a pioneer in special education and advocating for the Cascade of Services tiered approach that became the foundation for MTSS

Presented by: Matthew K. Burns, PhD
Fien Professor of Special Education
University of Florida

Douglas Fuchs, PhD

Pioneer of Academic Intervention Science

For advancing research on academic intervention systems and helping establish response to intervention as a framework for supporting struggling learners

Presented by: Donna Sacco, PhD
Senior Technical Assistance Consultant, American Institutes for Research

Lynn Fuchs, PhD

Leader in Progress Monitoring and Mathematics Intervention

For advancing curriculum-based measurement, data-based instructional decision making, and mathematics intervention to improve outcomes for students with diverse learning needs

Presented by: Donna Sacco, PhD
Senior Technical Assistance Consultant, American Institutes for Research

Dan J. Reschly

Architect of Response to Intervention

For shaping the research, policy, and systems thinking that established Response to Intervention (RtI) as a foundation for the modern MTSS framework

Presented by: John Hosp, PhD
Professor, Special Education
University of Massachusetts Amherst

James E. Ysseldyke, PhD

Champion of Data-based Decision Making

For transforming educational decision making through the use of data to improve instruction, resource allocation, and student outcomes

Presented by: Matthew K. Burns, PhD
Fien Professor of Special Education
University of Florida

George Sugai, PhD

Founder of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports

For establishing the research, implementation science, and organizational infrastructure that enabled PBIS to become a sustainable, scalable framework supporting millions of students worldwide

Presented by: Steve Goodman, PhD
Research Specialist, University of Connecticut

Jeff A. Grimes, PhD

Leader in Applied Problem Solving

For advancing the implementation of problem-solving models and helping schools transform MTSS from theory into effective practice

Presented by: Brad Niebling, PhD — Assistant Director of Technical Assistance & Professional Development, Iowa Reading Research Center, University of Iowa

Randy Allison

Pioneer of Implementation for Multi-level Prevention Systems

For translating research into sustainable practice and demonstrating how effective leadership can bring MTSS to life in schools, districts, and state systems

Presented by: Sarah Brown, PhD
President, System Impact Consulting

Edward S. Shapiro, PhD

Leader in Problem Solving and Assessment

For integrating curriculum-based assessment and problem-solving approaches to strengthen data-driven educational decision making

Presented by: Tessie Bailey, PhD
Principal Technical Assistance Consultant
American Institutes for Research (AIR)

Robert H. Horner, PhD

Founder of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports

For co-creating Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), transforming how schools build proactive, prevention-focused systems for behavior, climate, and student success

Presented by: Rhonda Nese, PhD
Associate Professor, University of Oregon

Kenneth W. Howell, PhD

Pioneer of Educational Problem-Solving

For advancing problem-solving models that transformed how schools identify learning needs, design interventions, and improve outcomes for students

Presented by: John Hosp, PhD
Professor, Special Education, University of Massachusetts Amherst
Learn more about the Kenneth W. Howell Tribute Award

Russell J. Skiba, PhD

Champion for Equity in School Discipline

For transforming the national conversation around discipline, disproportionality, and educational equity, ensuring that MTSS systems better serve all students

Presented by: Kent McIntosh, PhD
Philip H. Knight Chair and Professor of Special Education
University of Oregon

Jeffrey R. Sprague, PhD

Leader in Data-based Decision Making for Behavior Challenges

For advancing the use of behavioral data, prevention science, and school-wide systems to improve student outcomes and strengthen MTSS implementation

Presented by: Chris Borgmeier, PhD
Professor, Special Education
Portland State University

Hill M. Walker

Pioneer of Behavioral Prevention

For advancing early identification, prevention, and social-emotional supports, laying the foundation for today's tiered approaches to behavior and mental health within MTSS

Presented by: Chris Knowles, PhD
Senior Research Associate, Center on Human Development at the University of Oregon

With gratitude for those whose work has shaped our field—and whose legacy will continue through every learner we serve.

International MTSS Association

View the 2026 MTSS Award Honorees