Schoolin' Around

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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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

Administrators Guide to Supporting Teachers

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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

Administrators Guide to Supporting Teachers

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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]!

In this Ask an Expert episode, Larissa asks Dr. Essie Sutton, Director of Learning Science and Trudy Bender, Senior Manager of Thought Leadership, about the benefits of universal screening for social and emotional needs in schools. The conversation highlights the importance of addressing the social and emotional needs of all students, including those who may fly under the radar. These experts provide recommendations for schools overwhelmed by the number of students needing support, including focusing on tier one interventions, seeking community partnerships, and implementing structured recess programs.

Resources:

Guide for Universal Screening for SEL & Behavior

Common Questions for MTSS & SEL

Tier 2 Behavior Guide

Nurturing a Sense of Belonging in Schools Webinar

Request a consultation

Takeaways:

• Universal screening allows schools to assess the social and emotional needs of all students, providing a more systematic and unbiased approach compared to teacher referrals.
• Transparency and clear communication with parents about the purpose and use of screening data are crucial for building trust and engagement.
• Addressing the social and emotional needs of all students, including those who may fly under the radar, is essential for creating a safe and supportive learning environment.
• When overwhelmed by the number of students needing support, schools can focus on tier one interventions, seek community partnerships, and implement structured recess programs.
• Conducting screening multiple times throughout the year allows schools to track progress, identify patterns, and inform targeted interventions.

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 interviews Christie Creele, the assistant director of MTSS at Garland Independent School District in Texas. They discuss how to set up the school year for successful MTSS implementation. Christie shares insights on creating buy-in, addressing assumptions, and supporting the whole child. She emphasizes the importance of team collaboration, involving all stakeholders, and providing training and support. Christie also talks about the challenges and stages of MTSS implementation and offers practical tips for the first few weeks of school.

Resources:

Beginning of Year MTSS Gameplan Ebook

Beginning of Year MTSS Gameplan Webinar

MTSS Meetings Guide & Toolkit

MTSS From Buy-in to Implementation Article

Request a consultation

Takeaways:

• Setting up the school year for successful MTSS implementation requires creating buy-in and addressing assumptions.
• Team collaboration and involving all stakeholders are crucial for effective MTSS implementation.
• Providing training and support, as well as clear communication and consistent meetings, are essential for building a robust MTSS system.
• MTSS implementation is an ongoing process that takes time and requires continuous improvement.
• Supporting the whole child and focusing on what's best for students should be the driving force behind 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]!

In this episode, Larissa discusses the importance of attendance in schools and how schools can use a multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) to address attendance issues. The conversation also highlights concrete examples of attendance interventions, such as mentorship programs, family engagement initiatives, incentive programs, and promoting school connectedness. The episode concludes by recommending additional resources for further exploration of the topic.

Resources:

MTSS and Attendance Article

A Guide to Finding and Using Evidence-Based MTSS Interventions

Attendance Works

Podcast Episode: What Can We Do About Attendance?

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Takeaways:

• Attendance is crucial for student success, and schools can use a multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) to address attendance issues.
• MTSS involves tracking and supporting student attendance through data analysis and early intervention.
• Concrete examples of attendance interventions include mentorship programs, family engagement initiatives, incentive programs, and promoting school connectedness.
• Additional resources, such as Attendance Works and NASP, provide research and strategies for improving student attendance.

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]!