In this insightful interview, Patrick Hall and Laura Frederick from Wyoming Indian Schools share their journey of implementing MTSS, leveraging data, and fostering transparency with families to improve student outcomes. Discover how their strategic use of Branching Minds has transformed their approach to student support and community engagement.

Resources:

MTSS & Families Article

Navigating Parental Consent in MTSS to Empower Parents to Make Informed Decisions

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Takeaways:

• View parents and families as teammates in education.
• Build transparency and strengthen family connections.
• Understand cultural sensitivities and historical context.
• Use data to drive decisions and improve outcomes.
• Communicate consistently with families about interventions.
• Empower teachers to build trust and improve culture.
• Focus on continuous improvement and refining practices.
• Plan for future improvements and enhance family involvement.

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]!

Beth Corkum, the MTSS coordinator at SAU 67 in New Hampshire, shares her journey of transforming data meetings at Bow Elementary through technology and strategic planning. Discover how streamlined processes, staff collaboration, and district support have enhanced student support and educator morale.

Resources:

MTSS Meetings Guide

Effective Meetings Webinar

Article: Ensure Efficiency with MTSS Teams & MTSS Meetings

Takeaways:

• Focus on making quick decisions with data, not just gathering information.
• Automate data tasks to give teachers more time with students.
• Encourage teamwork by setting aside time for collaboration.
• Small changes in systems can lead to big improvements over time.
• Make data accessible to everyone to empower decision-making.
• A district strategist can connect different educational levels for better 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]!

This episode explores the shift from reactive referral-based behavior support to proactive, universal screening methods in schools. Experts discuss the limitations of referral systems, the benefits of universal screening tools like the SSRS-IE, and practical strategies for implementation and staff training.

Featuring Branching Minds Team members, Ashley Pennell, Rachel Butler, and Christina Solinger.

Resources:

Guide for Universal Screening for SEL & Behavior

Article: Changing the Way (and the Reason) You Document Behavior

Webinar: Moving from Referral to Screening-Based Tiering for Behavior Support

Why Universal Behavioral/SEL Screening Matters

Learn more about Branching Minds: Request a consultation

Takeaways:

• Universal behavior screening shifts the paradigm from reactive to proactive support
• Data integration across academic and behavioral domains unlocks holistic student support
• Teacher biases and subjectivity distort student identification without standardized tools
• Capacity and cultural considerations are central to successful screening adoption
• Fear of data leading to intervention is valid but manageable through clear planning

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 insightful interview, Author and Educator, Katrina Huels discusses her book 'Transformational Tools for Special Educators' and explores practical strategies to combat educator burnout. The conversation emphasizes emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and resilience building to support educators' well-being and improve student outcomes.

Resources:

Administrators Guide to Supporting Teachers

https://howwefeel.org/

Katrina's Website: https://www.huelsappliedharmony.com/

Katrina's Book: https://a.co/d/00siKtaO

MTSS Coaching Toolkit

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Takeaways:

1. Developing emotional intelligence can reduce burnout and improve school culture.
2. Consistent practice of self-awareness and breathwork enhances resilience.
3. School-wide adoption of emotional skills fosters supportive environments.

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 episode explores effective strategies for summer professional development, emphasizing adult learning principles, ongoing support, and building strong MTSS frameworks through targeted leadership coaching.

Resources:

School Leader Guide to PD

Differentiating Your MTSS PD article

Administrators Guide to Supporting Teachers

Toolkit for Leading Adults in MTSS Learning

Utilizing Adult Learning Theory in MTSS Professional Development

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Takeaways:

1. Effective summer professional development strategies
2. Adult learning theory and its application in education
3. Building and sustaining a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS)
4. Leadership development and coaching for school leaders
5. Creating a culture of continuous learning and improvement

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, Cass McKay, a former testing coordinator and member of the Branching Minds team, shares practical tips, humorous stories, and insights to help educators navigate the stressful assessment season. From planning and team management to debunking myths, discover how to survive and thrive during testing time.

Resources:

8th/9th Month MTSS Checklist

School Leader Guide to PD

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Takeaways:

1. Always have a backup plan for testing day disruptions.
2. Build a supportive team with clear communication tools.
3. Don’t be too rigid with schedules; adapt as needed.
4. Take care of yourself — wear comfortable shoes and eat well.
5. Use humor and stories to connect and reduce stress.

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 interviews school leaders in Texas about what is going well in their districts. They share insights on how to foster a supportive environment for both educators and students, emphasizing the need for effective communication and shared leadership in schools.

Resources:

Administrators Guide to Supporting Teachers

College and Career Readiness Webinar

Leader Protocol Guide for Buy-In

MTSS & Families Toolkit

Tier 1 Core Instruction Article

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Takeaways:

1. Celebrating small wins can reignite motivation in education.
2. Community engagement is crucial for successful educational programs.
3. Collaboration among staff leads to improved student outcomes.
4. Data-driven decisions help identify areas for improvement.
5. Investing in leadership development enhances instructional quality.
6. Parent involvement is key to student success.
7. Utilizing effective curricula can lead to significant growth.
8. Shared knowledge among staff fosters a positive school culture.
9. Continuous training is essential for adapting to new educational challenges.
10. Building a supportive team environment is vital for achieving goals.

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 discusses the importance of teamwork in education with representatives from Springs Charter Schools, who have successfully implemented a holistic approach to student support through the MTSS framework. They share insights on the significance of data visibility, collaboration across departments, and the necessity of training for effective implementation. The discussion emphasizes the shift from individual responsibility to a shared commitment to student success, highlighting the importance of building relationships and addressing the root causes of student challenges.

Resources:

MTSS From Buy-in to Implementation Article

A Guide to Self-Assessment of MTSS Implementation

Middle of Year eBook

Momentum Awards

Takeaways:

1. Teamwork is essential for student success in education.
2. MTSS is a collaborative approach that involves all staff members.
3. Data visibility is crucial for understanding student needs.
4. Training is vital for effective implementation of MTSS.
5. Building relationships with students is foundational for progress.
6. Personalized learning requires flexibility and adaptation.
7. Collaboration across departments enhances student support.
8. Addressing root causes leads to better student outcomes.
9. Success stories motivate and inspire educators.
10. Continuous feedback and adjustment are necessary for improvement.

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 highlights the efforts of educators at Woodbury Hills Elementary and Danville Public Schools in Virginia, in fostering a positive school culture through various initiatives. The discussion covers the importance of celebrating successes, engaging students through social media, utilizing data-driven instruction, and recognizing both staff and student achievements. The collaborative efforts among teachers and staff are emphasized as key to supporting student growth and maintaining morale within the educational community.

Resources:

Administrators Guide to Supporting Teachers

Article: The Power of Strength Based Instruction

MTSS and Attendance Article

MTSS Momentum Awards

Takeaways:

1. Celebrating small successes leads to overall growth and improved morale.
2. MTSS is not just another program; educators are already implementing many of its principles.
3. Engaging students through social media has proven effective in increasing attendance.
4. Data-driven instruction helps identify student needs and tailor support accordingly.
5. Recognition of both students and staff fosters a positive environment.
6. Collaboration among educators enhances the effectiveness of teaching strategies.
7. Parental involvement is crucial for student success and attendance.
8. Creative approaches to engagement can significantly impact student motivation.
9. The importance of community and connection in driving educational 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]!

This conversation explores the journey of Lee School in Norridge School District in Illinois, focusing on their successful implementation of the MTSS framework. The educators discuss the importance of collaboration, teacher development, and family engagement in fostering student success. They share insights on building a strong MTSS framework, the significance of knowing the 'why' behind their efforts, and the continuous improvement of their processes. The conversation emphasizes the role of teachers and the community in creating a supportive educational environment.

Resources:

Momentum Awards

MTSS Intervention Flowchart Guide

MTSS Handbook Webinar

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Takeaways:

1. Success is built on momentum, which is crucial for sustaining educational initiatives.
2. Understanding the community and demographics is essential for effective educational strategies.
3. Collaboration among educators is vital for student success and should be ongoing, not just during meetings.
4. Knowing the 'why' behind MTSS helps in articulating goals and maintaining focus.
5. Creating clear guidelines and handbooks can help teachers navigate the MTSS process more effectively.
6. Investing in teacher development is key to ensuring they feel confident in implementing new strategies.
7. Engaging families in the educational process fosters a supportive environment for students.
8. Continuous improvement and layering new initiatives can enhance the effectiveness of existing programs.
9. Transparency and communication with parents help build trust and collaboration.
10. The dedication and effort of teachers are fundamental to the success of any educational framework.

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]!