Recently it has been reported that more than 80 Percent of U.S. Public Schools say the pandemic has negatively impacted student behavior and socio-emotional development.  

Our guest today is the perfect person to give us some insight into how the system and school culture can help teachers with these issues.  Trudy Bender previously served as the Coordinator of District Behavior Intervention for the Waco Independent School District, where she facilitated the implementation of a Multi-Tiered System of Supports for Behavior, including initiatives to improve school climate and connection, provide effective Tier 2 and Tier 3 behavior intervention programs, and coordinate wrap-around services and transitional support for students in alternative disciplinary settings. 

Not only that, but she built a multi-year sequence of teacher training in classroom management, behavior intervention, and peer coaching to help build capacity and collaboration among teachers. 

Now, she is Branching Minds MTSS Content Manager.  But she still serves the state of Texas as a Restorative Discipline Facilitator. Trudy is a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology and a Nationally Certified School Psychologist.

Quotes:

"So often we wanna chase down where the problems are rather than chasing down where is the student succeeding and how can we multiply and build on that in other contexts. And in behavior, that's really important. If there is a place where that student is finding success, if you can figure out who they're connected to and what kind of structure provides success for them, then you can often bring some of those elements into other places in the school where they're not being as successful."

"Behavior is becoming more challenging. But so is our understanding of those behavior challenges and the tools and resources that we have to address those challenges. And MTSS is like the engine that's driving that, that's driving that response to behavior challenges."

Resources:

• A Tier 2 Behavior Intervention Guide: https://www.branchingminds.com/mtss-tier-2-behavior-intervention-guide 

• MTSS Platform Buyer’s Guide: https://www.branchingminds.com/mtss-platform-buyers-guide 

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