Schoolin' Around

Jessica Orenstein, a behavioral scientist and public health practitioner, joins Larissa Napolitan to discuss the emotional challenges students face as they transition from high school to college. As the Director of Programmatic Partnerships at The Jed Foundation (JED), a leading nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for teens and young adults nationwide, Jessica oversees partnerships and resources that extend JED's school-based programs and directly impact students’ everyday lives. In this conversation, Jessica emphasizes the importance of emotional readiness, the impact of societal pressures on decision-making, and the need for supportive environments so caregivers and educators can show up for students during this exciting yet stressful time. She also shares insights on recognizing signs of emotional distress in students and offers educators strategies to provide support Larissa and Jessica’s conversation emphasizes the importance of normalizing struggles, fostering resilience, and preparing students for emotional transitions, and highlights the need for schools to focus on holistic education, building independence, and developing life skills. 

In this episode, you’ll also learn about JED’s Set to Go program, which offers tools to support students, educators, and caregivers in navigating these transitions effectively.

Resources:

Set To Go Resources

The Jed Foundation (JED)

JED Mental Health Resource Center

Blog: The Importance of Social-Emotional Learning in Secondary School

Guide: Guide for Universal Screening for SEL & Behavior

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Takeaways:

• Students often feel homesickness and loneliness during transitions.
• It's important to normalize changing one's mind about career paths.
• Emotional readiness is crucial for students transitioning to college or the workforce.
• Community building is essential for student well-being.
• Supportive environments can help students thrive emotionally.
• Asking the right questions can guide students in their decision-making.
• Students should be encouraged to prioritize their emotional well-being. Students may not always ask for help, so teachers should anticipate struggles.
• Academic performance can be misleading; high achievers may also struggle.
• Focusing on the holistic side of education is crucial for student success.
• Colleges and jobs offer various resources to assist students in their transition.

Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our Branching Minds Website, or sign up for our weekly Newsletter on all things MTSS. Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds. 

Send feedback or inquiries to [email protected]!

In this conversation, Larissa and “Coach Rudy” discuss the critical role of emotional intelligence in education, emphasizing the need for students to develop responsibility and prioritization skills. “Coach Rudy” shares insights on effective teaching methods, the importance of leadership in implementing social emotional learning (SEL) programs, and the long-term impact of these skills on students' lives. He highlights the necessity of a coherent narrative and common language across educational settings to ensure the success of SEL initiatives.

Resources:

2024 MTSS Virtual Summit

"Coach Rudy" Website: https://sellaunchpad.com/about/

Social Emotional Learning in Secondary Schools

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Takeaways:

• Emotional intelligence is crucial for student success.
• Students need to learn responsibility and prioritization skills.
• Proactive skill development can change a child's life.
• Teaching should focus on explicit instruction and practice.
• Leadership plays a vital role in implementing SEL programs.
• Common language across educators enhances SEL effectiveness.
• Curriculum should be research-based and evidence-driven.
• SEL initiatives require support and resources for teachers.
• Success stories demonstrate the impact of SEL on students.
• Building emotional intelligence leads to better academic outcomes.

Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our Branching Minds Website, or sign up for our weekly Newsletter on all things MTSS. Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds. 

Send feedback or inquiries to [email protected]!

In this episode of Schooling Around, host Larissa Napolitan speaks with Sarah Frazelle, Senior Researcher and MTSS Trainer at American Institutes for Research. They discuss the importance of early intervention in education, the role of data in decision-making, and the challenges faced by schools in implementing effective support systems. Sarah emphasizes the need for community involvement, the significance of student voice, and the importance of creating a supportive school environment to enhance student success.

Resources:

EWS Article

MTSS and Attendance Article

Early Warning System Webinar

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2024 MTSS Virtual Summit

Takeaways:

• Every child has the ability to succeed.
• Identifying root causes of student struggles is crucial.
• Data analysis is essential for predicting student outcomes.
• Early warning systems can help intervene before students fall behind.
• Community and parental involvement are key to student success.
• Student voice should be integrated into decision-making processes.
• Creating a supportive school environment enhances student engagement.
• Teachers need to collaborate and communicate effectively.
• Less is more when it comes to data; focus on key indicators.
• Education should be a positive experience for all students.

Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our Branching Minds Website, or sign up for our weekly Newsletter on all things MTSS. Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds. 

Send feedback or inquiries to [email protected]!

In this episode, host Larissa speaks with Krissy Martin, the director of MTSS at a school district in North Carolina. They discuss the importance of standard treatment protocols in supporting students with varying needs, the role of teachers in the MTSS process, and the significance of collaboration among educational staff. Krissy shares insights on implementing research-based interventions, the process of intensifying support for students, and success stories from her district that highlight the positive impact of MTSS. The conversation emphasizes the need for patience and continuous improvement in educational practices.

Resources:

2024 MTSS Virtual Summit

MTSS Intervention Flowchart Guide

The MTSS 6 Week Check-In Webinar

​​NC MTSS Implementation Guide 2.0

Problem Solving Steps and Questions

School-Level Data Analysis Protocol (Template)

• Elementary Math Core Example 
• Middle Math Core Example

Tips for Intensifying Instruction at Tier 1

Tips for Intensifying Instruction at Core - Literacy

Tips for Intensifying Core - Math

Tips for Intensifying Attendance Practices

-Elementary Sample Literacy Support Plan

Takeaways:

• Standard treatment protocols simplify the support process for students.
• There is a clear distinction between standard treatment protocols and problem-solving protocols.
• Research-based interventions are essential for addressing student needs.
• Intensifying support is necessary when students do not respond to initial interventions.
• Collaboration among educators enhances the effectiveness of MTSS.
• Success stories demonstrate the positive impact of MTSS on student achievement.
• Continuous monitoring and adjustment are key to effective inter

Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our Branching Minds Website, or sign up for our weekly Newsletter on all things MTSS. Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds. 

Send feedback or inquiries to [email protected]!

In this MTSS Simplified episode, Larissa discusses the essential components of effective MTSS intervention plans, focusing on the importance of progress monitoring, establishing data trends, implementing interventions with fidelity, maintaining flexibility, and utilizing data visualization. She emphasizes that regular monitoring and adjustments based on data are crucial for ensuring that intervention plans are effective and responsive to student needs.

Resources:

MTSS Intervention Flowchart Guide

Progress Monitoring Guide and Toolkit

Article: How to Know if Your Intervention is Working

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Takeaways:

• Progress monitoring is essential for tracking intervention effectiveness.
• Collect data frequently to catch issues early.
• Establishing data trends requires multiple data points.
• Interventions must be implemented with fidelity to be effective.
• Data visualization helps make progress monitoring actionable.
• Regular adjustments to interventions can lead to better outcomes.
• Communication with parents can enhance student attendance and progress.
• Using the right tools can simplify the monitoring process.
• MTSS is about adapting to meet each student's unique needs.

Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our Branching Minds Website, or sign up for our weekly Newsletter on all things MTSS. Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds. 

Send feedback or inquiries to [email protected]!

In this conversation, Larissa and Jodee Nelson, teacher and MTSS interventionists, discuss the challenges and opportunities surrounding meetings in the education sector. They explore why educators often dislike meetings, the importance of effective practices, and how to create a collaborative environment. They also touch on the potential of AI to enhance meeting efficiency and the significance of fostering a safe space for open dialogue.

Resources:

MTSS Meetings Guide & Toolkit

Article: Ensure Efficiency with MTSS Teams & MTSS Meetings

Effective Meetings Webinar

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Takeaways:

• Clear agendas and data-driven discussions enhance meeting effectiveness.
• Teachers appreciate options during meetings to reduce decision fatigue.
• Creating a culture of respect and safety improves meeting outcomes.
• Effective meetings require equal voice and active listening from all participants.
• Time management is crucial to respect educators' busy schedules.
• Vulnerability in discussions can lead to more productive outcomes.
• Encouraging quieter members to share can yield profound insights.
• The culture of a school influences the effectiveness of meetings.

Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our Branching Minds Website, or sign up for our weekly Newsletter on all things MTSS. Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds. 

Send feedback or inquiries to [email protected]!

In this conversation, Connie Rockow, from Oakfield-Alabama School District in New York, discusses the challenges and strategies involved in implementing Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) in education. She emphasizes the importance of building momentum, ongoing support, and the need for effective communication and feedback among educators. Connie shares her experiences in leading a small rural school district, highlighting the significance of celebrating small wins and addressing unexpected challenges. She offers valuable leadership advice for sustaining momentum and fostering a collaborative learning environment among teachers.

Resources:

Guide for Sustainable MTSS Implementation

MTSS Implementation Article

Webinar: Buy-In (in MTSS) is Like Sunscreen

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Takeaways:

• A long-term project is like a marathon, requiring sustained momentum.
• Building MTSS involves foundational elements and baby steps.
• Ongoing monitoring and support are crucial for success.
• Celebrating small wins helps maintain motivation.
• Unexpected challenges, like technology issues, can slow progress.
• Feedback and communication are essential for effective implementation.
• Leaders should be vulnerable and learn alongside their teams.
• Establishing a common knowledge base is vital for success.
• Creating a supportive environment encourages open dialogue.
• Leadership requires balancing expectations with a positive approach.

Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our Branching Minds Website, or sign up for our weekly Newsletter on all things MTSS. Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds. 

Send feedback or inquiries to [email protected]!

This conversation explores the implementation of Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) in secondary education, specifically at Medina City Schools in Ohio. The discussion highlights the challenges faced, the roles of educators, and the importance of data-driven decision-making. The speakers share their experiences with MTSS, emphasizing the need for systematic support, collaboration among staff, and the integration of social-emotional learning (SEL) into the educational framework. They also provide insights into the progress made and the future goals for improving student outcomes.

Resources:

Early Warning System Webinar

MTSS in High School Article

High School MTSS Article #2

To get a tour of how Branching Minds can help with your high school MTSS, click here: Request a consultation

Takeaways:

• MTSS is becoming more common in secondary schools.
• Collaboration among educators is crucial for MTSS success.
• Data collection and analysis are foundational for effective MTSS.
• Social-emotional learning is essential for student engagement.
• Teachers need ongoing professional development to implement MTSS.
• Building relationships with students is key to their success.
• Addressing disproportionality in education is a priority.
• Focusing on one area of improvement at a time is effective.
• Creating a supportive school culture enhances student learning.
• Continuous communication about the purpose of MTSS is necessary.

Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our Branching Minds Website, or sign up for our weekly Newsletter on all things MTSS. Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds. 

Send feedback or inquiries to [email protected]!

In this episode, Larissa discusses the seven guiding principles of MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports), emphasizing the importance of proactive support for all students, strong leadership, research-based core instruction, effective assessments, clear response protocols, data-driven decision-making, and the continuous learning of educators. Each principle is explored with practical examples and insights to help educators implement MTSS effectively in their classrooms.

Resources:

Ultimate MTSS Guide

7 Guiding Principles of MTSS

Differentiating Your MTSS PD article

Admin Guide

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Takeaways:

• MTSS is designed to support all students, not just those struggling.
• Strong leadership is essential for successful MTSS implementation.
• Response protocols clarify how to support students at different tiers.
• Data guides instructional decisions and interventions.
• Confidence in MTSS leads to greater buy-in from teachers.
• MTSS is not just a framework, but a mindset for success.

Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our Branching Minds Website, or sign up for our weekly Newsletter on all things MTSS. Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds. 

Send feedback or inquiries to [email protected]!

In this conversation, Larissa and Austin Griffith, Senior Product Designer, discuss the use of AI in education and how it is being integrated into the Branching Minds product. They explore various ways AI is currently being used in schools, and touch on the challenges and concerns surrounding AI implementation, including privacy issues and the need for prompt engineering. They highlight the benefits of AI in education, including reducing repetitive tasks, interpreting data, and personalizing learning. They address misconceptions about AI, such as the fear of job replacement and impersonality, emphasizing that AI is a co-pilot and assistant rather than a replacement for human educators. They also discuss the importance of data privacy and the need for thoughtful and useful applications of AI in education.

Resources:

MTSS Meetings Guide & Toolkit

Teacher Workload Webinar

Admin Guide

Request a consultation

Takeaways:

• AI is being used in education for various purposes, including essay writing, lesson planning, and content generation.
• Implementing AI in education comes with challenges, such as privacy concerns and the need for prompt engineering.
• AI has the potential to improve efficiency and outcomes in education, but careful consideration and ethical use are necessary. AI has the potential to automate repetitive tasks, interpret data, and personalize learning in education.
• AI is a co-pilot and assistant, not a replacement for human educators.
• Data privacy is a crucial consideration when using AI in education.
• Thoughtful and useful applications of AI can lighten the cognitive load of educators and improve student outcomes.

Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our Branching Minds Website, or sign up for our weekly Newsletter on all things MTSS. Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds. 

Send feedback or inquiries to [email protected]!