What else can schools be doing about behavior? 

Multi-tiered systems of supports (MTSS) to prevent escalation. 

• There are tier 1 supports that should happen in all classrooms. For example: 
• Routines 
• Proximity 
•  We also need additional levels of support, allowing teachers do tier 1 well. For example: 
• Small groups to support needs like friendship and anger, led by social workers or school counselors 
• In 2020-21, Minnesota ranked in the bottom 4 states for school counselor-to-student ratio (1:592) 
• SEL becomes support for behaviors that already exist. 
• Students more equipped to learn 
• Teachers more equipped to teach 

You might be thinking, “SEL should be taught at home.”  

• Circle of influence; I have no control around what happens or doesn’t outside of my space at school. 
• Future Episode (#5) in this series is on family and community involvement. 
• Positive intent about caregivers. 
• Likely working to teach these skills 
• There are other factors, like students being developmentally ready to learn the skill  
• Might not have been taught regulation skills themselves, or realize their benefits 
• Opportunities to learn and practice regulation is one of four factors proven to build resilience. We believe all students want to learn, but sometimes there are barriers. 

You might be thinking, “I’m not a mental health professional.” 

• Positive behavioral intervention strategies are part of the Minnesota teacher license renewal process. 
• Mental health professionals are a part of tiers of support; eventually, students might need access to mental health professionals. 
• What supports can intervene before professional mental health care is needed? 

See all the strategies we discussed in Handout-S1 Episode 2 

References and resources from part 2 

Graff-Radford, M. (2018, January 23). Stress Relief is Only a Few Breaths Away [web log]. Retrieved May 15, 2022, from https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/living-with-mild-cognitive-impairment-mci/newsfeed-post/stress-relief-is-only-a-few-breaths-away/.  

Mood meter. MOOD METER APP. (n.d.). Retrieved June 8, 2022, from https://moodmeterapp.com/  

Minnesota Department of Education. (n.d.). SEL implementation guidance. Retrieved June 8, 2022, from https://education.mn.gov/MDE/dse/safe/social/imp/  

Terada, Y. (2022, April 21). We drastically underestimate the importance of brain breaks. Edutopia. Retrieved June 8, 2022, from https://www.edutopia.org/article/we-drastically-underestimate-importance-brain-breaks  

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