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In this candid, practical episode, host Athena Cordero sits down with Dr. Kent McIntosh (University of Oregon; Co-Director, National Center on PBIS) and Angie Mgbeke (Project Manager, Prevention & Intervention at CAHELP) to talk about what it really takes to help schools thrive right now. They cut through post-COVID noise, staff turnover, community tensions, initiative overload and focus on a simple formula: relationships first, data always, teams over heroes. Kent shares how to look at discipline and equity data before making assumptions, while Angie explains how coaching-plus-follow-up (not one-and-done PD) turns plans into practice. Together, they model tactful, honest leadership: celebrate wins publicly, deliver corrective feedback clearly, repair harm restoratively, and keep adults, and students focused on what we can do next.

🔑 Highlights & Takeaways

• Back to basics after disruption: Reduce the noise; return to practices that build safety, belonging, and consistency for students and staff.
• Data before conclusions: Check for disproportionality and fairness locally instead of assuming national patterns; let the numbers guide the conversation (not accusations).
• Relationships > programs: Frequent, genuine recognition and visible leadership set the tone; trust makes tough feedback doable.
• From “initiative fatigue” to integration: Use MTSS/PBIS as the umbrella—attendance, SEL, mental health, and prevention work fit into tiers (All / Some / Few).
• Make PD stick: Pair training with coaching, action plans, and walkthroughs; share data ahead of time so teams can process before meeting.
• Practical facilitation moves:
  • Look for the “arms-crossed” temperature check and aim to reduce resistance by the end.
  • Use after-action reviews (“What worked? What didn’t? What next?”).
  • Favor steady positive interactions over the old “compliment sandwich.”
  • Invite thoughtful skeptics into planning—they often foresee real barriers.
• Restorative leadership: Own missteps without burdening others to forgive on the spot; repair relationships and outline concrete next steps.
• Family partnership is essential: Schools function as resource hubs; align supports for working families and changing home dynamics.
• What kids remember: Adults who believed in them and told the truth—firmly, kindly, and consistently.

This episode is a must-listen for principals, district leaders, coaches, and teacher teams who want an actionable playbook for leading with empathy, using data well, and integrating supports so every student and educator can succeed.

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