​​In this conversation, Larissa and Ashlie Cox discuss the myth that more homework leads to more learning. They explore the purpose of homework, the impact of excessive assignments on students, and the equity challenges faced by those without resources. The discussion emphasizes the importance of meaningful homework that has a clear purpose and relates to real-world applications, while also providing alternatives to traditional homework. The conversation concludes with advice for educators and parents on how to approach homework in a way that supports student learning without causing stress.

Resources:

Article: Student Engagement: Why it’s Important and How to Promote it

Article: 6 Daily Engagement Practices for Every MTSS Tier

Core Instruction Guide

Takeaways:

• More homework doesn't necessarily lead to more learning.
• Homework should have a clear purpose and be minimal.
• Excessive homework can lead to student burnout and stress.
• Equity issues arise when homework requires resources not all students have.
• Meaningful homework should relate to real-world applications.
• Busy work does not teach discipline or reinforce learning.
• Parents often expect homework as a sign of learning.
• Teachers should consider the time students have for homework.
• Alternatives to traditional homework can enhance engagement.
• Rethinking homework can 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. 

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In this episode, Larissa discusses the transformative potential of the MTSS framework in schools. She emphasizes the importance of building a shared vision among staff, engaging them in the process, and leading with purpose. The conversation covers practical strategies for implementing MTSS, including gradual rollouts, celebrating progress, and empowering teachers to take leadership roles. Larissa shares real-life examples and actionable insights to help leaders foster a collaborative culture that supports every student's success.

Resources:

Slide Template: Introducing MTSS to Your Team

Leader Protocol Guide for Buy-In

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Takeaways:

• MTSS is a framework designed to meet the needs of all students.
• Leadership is crucial for the successful implementation of MTSS.
• Buy-in from the team starts with understanding the 'why'.
• Connecting MTSS to shared values can enhance engagement.
• A phased rollout of MTSS helps reduce resistance.
• Modeling vulnerability as a leader builds trust.
• Celebrating small wins keeps morale high.
• Empowering teachers fosters ownership and investment.
• Creating leadership teams can bridge gaps between staff and administration.
• MTSS is an opportunity to strengthen the school community.

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. 

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This conversation with author Mitch Weathers, delves into the concept of executive functioning in education, emphasizing its importance for student success. The speakers discuss the challenges students face in managing their time and tasks, the significance of establishing routines, and the need for educators to explicitly teach executive functioning skills. They highlight the role of working memory in learning and the impact of a supportive and predictable learning environment. The discussion also touches on the importance of collective efficacy among educators to create a cohesive approach to teaching and learning.

Resources:

Executive Function Toolkit

Executive Function in MTSS

Organized Binder

Webinar: Ask the Author: Executive Functioning in Every Classroom

Takeaways:

• Executive functioning is crucial for goal-oriented behavior.
• Students need explicit instruction on executive functioning skills.
• The hidden curriculum can significantly impact student success.
• Predictability in routines helps students feel safe and engaged.
• Working memory is the engine for learning and retention.
• Collective efficacy among educators enhances student outcomes.
• Teaching skills should be a universal approach, not just for struggling students.
• Repetition and practice are key to mastering executive functioning skills.
• Creating a supportive learning environment reduces cognitive load.
• Students can transfer executive functioning skills to real-world situations.

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. 

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In this conversation, Larissa and Joyce Abbott discuss the impact of the TV show Abbott Elementary on the perception of educators, Joyce's personal experiences as a teacher, and the importance of community, teamwork, and effective communication in education. They explore the challenges teachers face, including student behavior and burnout, while emphasizing the rewarding nature of teaching and the need for support within the profession.

Resources:

Teaching the Ms. Abbott Way

Ms. Abbott's Website

Classroom Management Is Much More Than Discipline

Administrators Guide to Supporting Teachers

Takeaways:

• Joyce Abbott's experiences as a teacher inspired the show Abbott Elementary.
• Writing a book allowed Joyce to reflect deeply on her teaching career.
• Teaching involves understanding students' backgrounds and building relationships.
• Effective teaching goes beyond instruction; it requires holistically addressing students' needs.
• Teamwork among educators is crucial for student success.
• Communication with students should be conversational, allowing their voices to be heard.
• Building community partnerships enhances the educational experience for students.
• Teacher burnout is a significant issue that requires support and understanding.
• Teaching is a calling that can change lives, one student at a time.

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 Sandra discuss essential back-to-school strategies for educators and school leaders. They emphasize the excitement of a new school year, the importance of setting a positive tone, and the need for clear communication and visibility in leadership. They also highlight the significance of building relationships and support systems among staff, the necessity of meaningful professional development, and the role of feedback in fostering a culture of continuous improvement. The discussion provides practical tips and insights for creating a successful school year.

Resources:

Administrators Guide to Supporting Teachers

Leader Protocol Guide for Buy-In

Beginning of Year MTSS Gameplan Ebook

Takeaways:

• The excitement of a new school year brings fresh opportunities.
• Showing value to staff and students is crucial for success.
• Clear expectations help prioritize important goals.
• Effective communication reduces stress and fosters collaboration.
• Visibility and approachability of leaders enhance school culture.
• Building relationships among staff supports a positive environment.
• Professional development should be meaningful and relevant.
• Feedback should be constructive and promote growth.
• Creating a culture of continuous improvement benefits everyone.
• Leaders should focus on one goal at a time to avoid overwhelm.

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 delves into the importance of foundational reading skills and the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) framework in education. It highlights the critical components of reading, the challenges faced by students, and innovative strategies educators can employ to enhance reading proficiency. The discussion emphasizes the need for tailored support and the role of technology in transforming reading instruction.

Resources:

Addressing Foundational Reading Skills with MTSS

3 Tips for an Effective Secondary School Literacy Plan

A Guide to Finding and Using Evidence-Based MTSS Interventions

Supporting Early Literacy and Dyslexia Within an MTSS Practice

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Takeaways:

• Foundational reading skills are essential for future learning.
• MTSS provides a structured framework for supporting students.
• Phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension are key components.
• Real-life examples, like Anna's story, illustrate the impact of targeted interventions.
• Engaging core instruction is crucial for all students.
• Small group interventions can effectively address specific gaps.
• AI tools can enhance reading comprehension and engagement.
• Collaboration and resource sharing among educators are vital.
• Celebrating literacy within schools fosters a positive reading culture.
• Addressing foundational skills is necessary at all educational levels.

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 Trudy Bender explore the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework, addressing common misconceptions and emphasizing the importance of consequences in behavior management. They discuss the balance between accountability and empathy in educational settings, the role of natural consequences, and the significance of restorative practices. The conversation highlights the need for clear expectations, data collection, and meaningful interventions to effectively support student behavior.

Resources:

Tier 1 Behavior Guide

PBIS: More than Points and Parties

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Takeaways:

• PBIS stands for Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, applying MTSS to behavior.
• A common myth is that PBIS means no consequences, which is misleading.
• Consequences are essential for teaching students about their actions.
• Natural consequences help students understand the impact of their behavior.
• Restorative practices should include meaningful consequences for wrongdoings.
• Accountability and empathy can coexist in educational settings.
• Teachers must balance discipline with understanding of student backgrounds.
• Data collection is a vital intervention strategy for behavior management.
• Positive reinforcement is the strongest tool in shaping behavior.
• PBIS should be part of a larger system of interventions, not a standalone solution.

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, Taren Hendricks and Dr. Kelsey Walker share their experiences and insights on implementing Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) and literacy initiatives in Goshen County Schools. They discuss the unique challenges and successes of working in a rural educational setting, and highlight the importance of data-driven decision-making and professional development.

Resources:

Reading in the Brain: The New Science of How We Read (Dehaene, 2010)

The Reading League’s summer book study

• Effective Universal Instruction (Gibbons et al., 2018)
• MTSS for Reading Improvement (Brown & Stollar, 2025)

MTSS Coach PLC

• Untangling Data-Based Decision Making (Harlacher et al., 2024)
• Intervention Central: Response to Intervention resources

WDE’s Wyoming MTSS Center

Resources & professional development

• AIR’s MTSS Center resources

MTSS and Science of Reading Article

MTSS Coaching Toolkit

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Takeaways:

• MTSS Implementation: The importance of a structured, system-wide approach to implementing MTSS to ensure consistent support across diverse educational settings.
• Data Utilization: How centralized data systems can enhance decision-making processes and improve student outcomes by providing clear insights into student progress and needs.
• Professional Development: The effectiveness of phased training and the application of adult learning theory in fostering teacher growth and improving instructional practices.
• Shared Leadership: The role of collaborative leadership in driving educational change and ensuring the sustainability of new initiatives.
• Teacher Support: The need for ongoing support and resources for teachers to effectively implement MTSS and adapt to new educational strategies.

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 of School and Around dives into the critical topic of threat assessments in schools, particularly in relation to Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). The conversation features experts Dr. Dewey Coronel and Dr. Ellina Xiong, who discuss the importance of a systematic approach to threat assessments, the need for multidisciplinary teams, and the role of community engagement in ensuring school safety. They emphasize the significance of psychological safety for students and the necessity of ongoing training for staff involved in threat assessments.

Resources:

Threat Assessment Guide

Webinar on Threat Assessment

Takeaways:

• Threat assessments are essential for preventing school violence.
• A unified team-based approach is crucial for effective threat assessment.
• Most threats reported in schools are not serious and require careful evaluation.
• Community education is vital to differentiate between seeking help and snitching.
• Psychological safety is foundational for a positive learning environment.
• Threat assessment processes should avoid overreaction and underreaction.
• Multidisciplinary teams enhance the effectiveness of threat assessments.
• Regular training and practice for threat assessment teams are necessary.
• Schools should focus on building relationships with students to prevent violence.
• Statistical data shows that school shootings are rare compared to other forms of violence.

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 importance of the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) in preparing students for college and career readiness. It emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach that includes academic skills, soft skills, career exploration, and civic engagement. The discussion highlights practical steps for implementing MTSS in high schools, focusing on data-driven decision-making, collaboration among educators and families, and the importance of ongoing professional development for teachers.

Resources:

MTSS Meetings Guide

Article: How MTSS Supports College and Career Readiness for All Students

Request a consultation

Takeaways:

• MTSS provides a proactive and data-driven way to support students.
• College and career readiness is about equipping students with skills and knowledge.
• Readiness varies for each student, requiring multiple pathways.
• Academic skills are foundational but must include transferable skills.
• Soft skills are essential for workplace success and should be integrated into learning.
• Career readiness involves exploration and clear pathways from middle school.
• Civic engagement should be part of the curriculum from the start.
• Data tracking is crucial for identifying student needs early.
• Collaboration among teachers, counselors, and families enhances MTSS effectiveness.
• Ongoing professional development is necessary for teachers to implement MTSS strategies.

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]!