In this engaging conversation, Larisssa and Patty McGee explore the multifaceted nature of literacy, emphasizing the importance of writing alongside reading. They discuss the need for authentic conversations in education, the rethinking of grammar instruction, and the role of educators in fostering a supportive environment for young writers. The discussion highlights the significance of feedback, the integration of grammar into writing, and the necessity of creating a safe space for students to express themselves. Patty shares valuable insights and strategies for improving writing instruction and supporting students in their writing journeys.

Resources:

Patty’s Resources

1. Website
2. Grammar Memes
3. Book: Not Your Granny’s Grammar
4. Learning Plan Example

Early Literacy and Branching Minds Article

Takeaways:

1. Literacy encompasses both reading and writing, and both are essential.
2. Authentic conversations in education foster deeper understanding.
3. Rethinking grammar instruction can enhance student engagement.
4. Writing is a powerful tool for self-expression and advocacy.
5. Feedback should focus on teaching the writer, not just correcting mistakes.
6. Creating a neutral tone during writing time encourages student participation.
7. Modeling writing techniques helps students understand expectations.
8. Integrating grammar instruction into writing practice is crucial.
9. Young writers need a safe space to explore their creativity.
10. Educational leaders play a vital role in supporting effective writing instruction.

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 podcast episode, Larissa and Dr. Brian Gaunt discuss the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), clarifying its definition, misconceptions, and its role in education. They explore how MTSS differs from other frameworks like RTI and PBIS, emphasizing its focus on prevention and effective decision-making. The conversation also highlights the essential components of an MTSS system and the interconnectedness of academics, behavior, and social-emotional learning (SEL) in supporting the whole child.

Resources:

A Guide to Self-Assessment of MTSS Implementation

Free Download: What is MTSS?

MTSS FAQs: Your Simple Questions About Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, Answered

Enter 2025 Wins Giveaway

Request a consultation

Takeaways:

1. MTSS is a framework that creates conditions for effective decision-making.
2. It's essential to understand MTSS as a guide for school improvement, not just another program.
3. Prevention is a key aspect of MTSS, focusing on supporting students before they fall behind.
4. The success of MTSS relies on being integrated into the district's policies and practices.
5. Different states may define MTSS differently, but core components remain similar.
6. MTSS encompasses both academic and behavioral support, addressing the whole child.
7. Effective implementation of MTSS requires ongoing professional development and coaching.
8. Data-driven decision-making is crucial for identifying student needs and monitoring progress.
9. Collaboration among teams is necessary to address the interconnected needs of 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, we explore the significance of celebrating wins in the educational field, particularly within the context of MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports). The conversation emphasizes the importance of recognizing both small and big achievements to combat burnout and foster motivation. It provides practical strategies for integrating celebration into daily routines and highlights the impact of community involvement in recognizing educational successes.

Resources:

How To Establish a Supportive & Successful MTSS Culture

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/empower-your-mind/202406/from-small-steps-to-big-wins-the-importance-of-celebrating

https://www.newleaders.org/blog/how-celebrating-your-schools-wins-leads-to-more-wins

Momentum Awards 2025

Enter 2025 Wins Giveaway

Takeaways:

1. Celebrating wins is essential for motivation and mental health.
2. Skipping celebrations can lead to burnout in educators.
3. Small wins are just as important as big milestones.
4. Celebration can be integrated into regular meetings.
5. Personalized celebrations can have a significant impact.
6. Community involvement strengthens the educational system.
7. Celebrating successes builds a sense of collective efficacy.
8. Recognition can be as simple as a handwritten note.
9. Creating a 'wall of wins' can boost morale.
10. Acknowledging even minor achievements is crucial

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, Dr. Claudia Rinaldi discusses the importance of supporting English Language Learners (ELLs) through the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework. She emphasizes the need for thoughtful strategies, collaboration among educators, and effective progress monitoring to ensure ELLs receive the support they need. The discussion also highlights the significance of cultural connections, data-driven decision-making, and practical strategies that can be implemented in the classroom to enhance language development and academic success for ELLs.

Resources:

Can Do Descriptors

Summit Session from Dr. Rinaldi

English Language Learner Article

Dr. Claudia Rinaldi

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Takeaways:

• MTSS provides a preventive framework for ELLs.
• Progress monitoring should include language development.
• Teachers need to collaborate and share expertise.
• Cultural connections enhance learning for ELLs.
• Data-driven decision-making is crucial for effective support.
• Peer-assisted learning strategies can benefit ELLs.
• Educators should view themselves as consultants.
• Background knowledge is essential for ELL success.
• Using native language can aid in understanding concepts.
• Regular meetings among educators 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. 

Send feedback or inquiries to [email protected]!

In this conversation, Larissa and R. Keeth Matheny discuss the importance of preparing students for college and careers through the development of essential skills, particularly emotional intelligence and soft skills. They explore how educators can integrate these skills into the curriculum, the role of parents and community in supporting students, and the real-life applications of these skills. The discussion emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to education that nurtures both academic and human skills, preparing students for a rapidly changing workforce.

Resources:

@eqcoach_rudy

Coach Rudy's Website: https://sellaunchpad.com/ 

ExSELent Teaching: Classroom strategies to support the social, emotional, and academic growth of students

School Connect: https://school-connect.net/

College and Career Readiness Webinar

How MTSS Supports College and Career Readiness for All Students

Request a consultation

Takeaways:

• Preparing students for college and careers is critical.
• College and career readiness involves strong academic roots and emotional intelligence.
• The future of work will require emotional intelligence skills.
• We need to grow great humans who can launch into the world.
• Soft skills are essential for success in life and relationships.
• Educators can layer soft skills into content delivery.
• Collaboration and communication are key skills for students.
• Parents and community play a vital role in reinforcing skills.
• Real-life applications of skills help cement learning.
• The future belongs to those who can master new technology while maintaining human skills.

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 Schoolin' Around, host Larissa Napolitan engages with Angie Plugge, the Director of Learning at Waverly School District in Nebraska, to discuss the implementation and impact of the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) in education. They explore the challenges and successes of MTSS, the importance of continuous improvement, and share real-life stories of student success. The conversation emphasizes the need for collaboration, data analysis, and the significance of setting a strong foundation at the beginning of the school year.

Resources:

Waverly's Success

Guide for Sustainable MTSS Implementation

Capacity Building for MTSS Article

Request a consultation

Takeaways:

• We have to prioritize where we really want to focus.
• Data analysis is not intuitive.
• It's about helping people meet their fullest potential.
• We have to build capacity for sustainable capacity.
• There's power in stories with MTSS.
• We need to connect the student outcome to the teacher action.
• Every year your group of students is different.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to MTSS and Educational Challenges

01:29 The Importance of Setting Up Structures

04:17 Angie's Journey with MTSS

06:53 The Role of Data in MTSS

09:54 The Impact of MTSS on Student Success

12:41 Gradual Release and Building Capacity

15:27 Connecting Teacher Actions to Student Outcomes

17:58 Celebrating Student Success and Teacher Efficacy

20:59 Final Thoughts on MTSS Implementation

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]!

The conversation explores the challenges educators face in utilizing data effectively. It highlights the overwhelming nature of data, the difficulty in extracting actionable insights, and the importance of leadership in guiding teachers to make informed decisions based on data.

Resources:

Article: How Meaningful Metrics Drive MTSS Success

Progress Monitoring Guide and Toolkit

2025 Branching Minds MTSS Summit

Request a consultation

Takeaways:

• Data overload can hinder effective teaching.
• Teachers often struggle to find actionable insights.
• Vague data does not provide clear guidance for educators.
• Leadership plays a crucial role in data utilization.
• Effective teaching requires clear direction from data.
• Data should serve as a map, not a mountain.
• Educators need support in interpreting data.
• Actionable insights can transform teaching practices.
• Data-driven decisions require clarity and purpose.
• Leadership can bridge the gap between data and teaching.

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 speaks with Katie Ahsell and Trisha Senne from Community Consolidated School District 59 about the challenges and successes they have faced in supporting student needs, particularly in the wake of the pandemic. They discuss the unique demographics of their district, the importance of equitable resource allocation, and the collaborative efforts made to improve their multi-tiered system of support (MTSS). The conversation highlights the significance of clear communication, data-driven decision-making, and the positive outcomes resulting from their hard work and commitment to student achievement.

Resources:

A Guide to Self-Assessment of MTSS Implementation

Middle of the Year Webinar: MTSS Momentum

Leader Protocol Guide for Buy-In

2025 Branching Minds MTSS Summit

Request a consultation

Takeaways:

• Supporting student needs across a diverse school district is a challenge.
• A one size fits all approach to intervention is ineffective.
• Post-pandemic, the district had to adopt new curricular resources.
• Recognizing inequities in resource allocation was crucial for change.
• Collaboration among staff and departments was key to success.
• Evaluating and adapting intervention strategies is an ongoing process.
• Effective communication is essential during times of change.
• Celebrating successes boosts morale and confidence among staff.
• Commitment to continuous improvement is vital for student achievement.

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, Nicole Kade, Chief Education Officer of Greenfield Learning, shares her personal journey as a struggling reader and discusses the current challenges in literacy education. She emphasizes the importance of structured literacy, the need for effective teaching practices, and the role of MTSS in supporting struggling readers. Nicole also highlights the significance of engaging students and addressing emotional aspects of learning to read, while advocating for the use of technology as a supportive tool in literacy instruction.

Resources:

https://www.voyagersopris.com/products/reading/rewards  

https://www.thereadingleague.org/compass/

A Teachers Guide to Making Phonics Explicit

Website: www.greenfieldlearning.com

Facebook: @GreenfieldLearning

Twitter: @GreenfieldLearn

LinkedIn: @Greenfield Learning Inc

Branching Minds Resources:

• Why We Teach Reading This Way: Understanding Literacy Basics Through the Science of Reading
• Literacy Basics Slides
• Early Literacy and Branching Minds Article
• Early Literacy Webinar

Takeaways:

• Structured literacy is essential for effective reading instruction.
• Many students are not receiving the explicit instruction they need to learn to read.
• Teachers face challenges due to competing initiatives and lack of resources.
• MTSS provides a framework for supporting struggling readers effectively.
• Engagement and relationships are key to motivating students to read.
• Technology can enhance literacy instruction when used intentionally.
• Addressing emotional aspects of learning is crucial for student success.
• Teachers need to be equipped with the right tools and training to support literacy.
• It's never too late for students to learn to read.

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 Dr. Jess Plaza discuss the critical topic of school safety within the framework of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). They explore the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for students, emphasizing the need for both physical and emotional safety. Dr. Plaza shares insights on proactive versus reactive approaches to safety, the challenges of implementing safety protocols, and the significance of team dynamics in threat assessments. The discussion also highlights the role of data in identifying student needs and the importance of community support in fostering a holistic educational environment.

Resources:

Guide: Threat Assessment Guide

Article: Assessing Threats and Preventing Danger in Schools: A Multi-Tiered Process

2025 Branching Minds MTSS Summit

Request a consultation

Takeaways:

• School safety is a top priority for educators.
• Emotional and psychological safety is harder to address than physical safety.
• Proactive approaches can prevent crises in schools.
• Clear structures and routines help create a predictable environment.
• MTSS should address both academic and social-emotional needs equally.
• Data from threat assessments is crucial for planning interventions.
• Community support enhances the effectiveness of school safety measures.
• Training staff on responses to crises is essential.
• Building a sense of belonging improves student engagement.
• Confidentiality must be balanced with the need for support.

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]!