Schoolin' Around

By Schoolin' Around by Branching MindsBusiness Education Non-Profit

Schoolin' Around episodes

April 02, 2024Reading SOS: What About Secondary Students Who Can't Read?
In this conversation, Dr. Katherine McKnight discusses the challenges and trends in secondary students' literacy. She emphasizes the importance of higher-level questioning and deep comprehension skills. Dr. McKnight also highlights the need for a clearly defined literacy plan and professional development for teachers. Additionally, she addresses the integration of literacy instruction across content areas and the role of school leaders in prioritizing literacy education.
Resources:
EngagingLearners.com
Science of Reading Podcast:
Dr. Katie McKnight on Twitter: https://twitter.com/katiemcknightEL/status/1644067711016751132
Read More here: 5 Practical Reading Comprehension Strategies for Secondary Students
Takeaways:
Secondary students often struggle with reading comprehension and deep comprehension skills.
A clearly defined literacy plan and professional development are essential for improving literacy instruction in middle school and high school.
Integration of literacy instruction across content areas is crucial for deepening understanding and promoting higher-level thinking.
School leaders should prioritize literacy education and provide the necessary resources and support for teachers.

Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our website Branchingminds.com, or Sign up for our weekly newsletter on all things MTSS with this link. Newsletter (https://hubs.la/Q02g9lwV0 ) Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds.
42 min
March 26, 2024MTSS Explained: How To Apply an MTSS Mindset to Your PD
In this episode, Larissa discusses how to apply the MTSS mindset to professional development (PD) for adults. She highlights the need for effective PD and many teachers' dissatisfaction with the quality of their learning experiences. Larissa emphasizes the importance of differentiating PD for adult learners and explains how to assess their needs and engage them in their learning. She also explores the concept of flipped learning and how it can maximize the impact of PD sessions. Larissa suggests differentiating PD for different roles within the MTSS process and provides strategies for scaffolding new staff members into the MTSS practice. She concludes by emphasizing the importance of ongoing support and coaching for educators.
Resources:
Guide: https://www.branchingminds.com/administrators-guide-supporting-teachers-mtss
Blog: https://www.branchingminds.com/blog/adult-learning-theory-mtss-professional-development
Blog: https://www.branchingminds.com/blog/4-considerations-for-supporting-educators-in-mtss-professional-development
Webinar: https://www.branchingminds.com/webinars/mindset-is-a-resource
Takeaways
Effective professional development is crucial for supporting teachers and improving student outcomes.
Differentiate professional development for adult learners based on their needs and preferences.
Apply the MTSS mindset to professional learning by providing systematic and differentiated PD for educators.
Scaffold new staff members into the MTSS practice and provide ongoing support and coaching.

Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our website, branchingminds.com, or Sign up for our weekly newsletter on all things MTSS with this link. Newsletter (https://hubs.la/Q02g9lwV0) Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds.
16 min
March 19, 2024 EdHotTake – Arts and Electives Classes, a Forgotten Element in MTSS?
In this conversation, Larissa and Lindsay discuss the role of arts and elective classes in developing the whole child. They highlight the importance of belonging and connectedness, shared experiences and a sense of responsibility, learning soft skills and reinforcing job skills, overcoming challenges and building resilience, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence, and learning life skills and the consequences of choices. They emphasize the significance of electives and arts classes in providing a more robust educational experience and acknowledge the impact of teachers in creating safe spaces for students.
Resources:
Article: https://www.branchingminds.com/blog/4-ways-electives-and-arts-classes-support-mtss

Takeaways:
--Arts and elective classes provide opportunities for students to work with their creativity, develop self-expression, and foster a sense of belonging.
--These classes offer a safe space for students to explore their interests and develop a shared sense of responsibility.
--Electives and arts classes help students learn soft skills and reinforce job skills that are important for their future professional lives.
--Students in these classes learn to overcome challenges, build resilience, and develop critical thinking and emotional intelligence.
--The experiences and skills gained in electives and arts classes contribute to the development of the whole child and should be valued in education.

Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our website Branchingminds.com, or Sign up for our weekly newsletter on all things MTSS with this link. (https://hubs.la/Q02g9lwV0) Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds.
18 min
March 12, 2024 Ask an Expert: Why Mental Health in Schools is a Big Deal
Dr. Essie Sutton, the Director of Learning Science at Branching Minds, discusses the connection between student mental health and academic performance. It is well-established that these two factors are deeply connected, with poor mental health impacting a student's ability to focus and engage in learning. This relationship is bi-directional, with academic performance also influencing mental health. However, there are barriers to addressing mental health issues in schools, such as limited resources and a focus on academic priorities.
Resources:
Read-- https://www.branchingminds.com/blog/supporting-students-social-emotional-behavioral-needs-referrals-interconnected-systems-framework
Watch-- https://www.branchingminds.com/webinars/integrating-mtss-and-mental-health-supports
Takeaways:
-Student mental health and academic performance are deeply connected, with poor mental health impacting a student's ability to focus and engage in learning.
-The relationship between mental health and academic performance is bi-directional, with academic performance also influencing mental health.
-Barriers to addressing mental health issues in schools include limited resources and a focus on academic priorities.
-Creative approaches like flexible scheduling and wellness centers can help address mental health issues in schools.
-Allocating funds for mental health initiatives is crucial, but focusing on implementing one initiative at a time is important for effective implementation.
Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our website Branchingminds.com, or Sign up for our weekly newsletter on all things MTSS with this link. (https://hubs.la/Q02g9lwV0) Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds.
25 min
March 05, 2024 What Can We Do About Attendance?
Lindsey Helton, an elementary school principal, discusses the importance of attendance and shares strategies for addressing attendance issues. She emphasizes the need for a strong home-school connection and student-led conferences to empower students and improve attendance. Lindsey also highlights the challenges of high mobility and the importance of treating people with respect and assuming positive intent. She believes that elementary education is the foundation for future success and encourages schools to focus on getting students on grade level.
Resources:
Attendance Works: https://www.attendanceworks.org/
Student Led Conferences: https://www.edutopia.org/blog/student-led-conferences-resources-ashley-cronin
Additional Reading: https://www.branchingminds.com/blog/mtss-in-tracking-and-supporting-student-attendance
Takeaways:
--Building a strong home-school connection is crucial for addressing attendance issues.
--Student-led conferences empower students and improve attendance.
--High mobility can be a challenge in addressing attendance.
--Treating people with respect and assuming positive intent is foundational to effective leadership.
--Elementary education is the foundation for future success and should focus on getting students on grade level.

Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting Branching Minds Website , or Sign up for our weeklyNewsletter on all things MTSS with this link. Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds.
40 min
February 27, 2024 MTSS Explained: What Does Fidelity Monitoring Mean for MTSS Interventions?
In this episode, host, Larissa, explores the concept of fidelity monitoring in MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports). Fidelity monitoring refers to the consistent implementation of interventions and assessments to ensure student progress. Larissa highlights the importance of fidelity in intervention implementation and the challenges that can arise when fidelity is lacking. It also discusses the role of fidelity monitoring at the school level and provides strategies for supporting staff and improving fidelity.
Takeaways:
Fidelity monitoring is crucial in MTSS to ensure the consistent implementation of interventions and assessments.
Common challenges to student progress include selecting the wrong intervention, student absences or behavioral issues, and lack of critical features in intervention implementation.
Fidelity monitoring at the school level involves regular observation and feedback, self-evaluation, and reflection.
Supporting staff and improving fidelity requires the use of fidelity rubrics, direct observation, and adequate training and follow-up.
Resources:
MTSS Implementation Fidelity Reference Guide: https://www.branchingminds.com/mtss-implemetation-fidelity-guide
https://www.branchingminds.com/mtss-guide
Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our website Branchingminds.com, or Sign up for our weekly newsletter on all things MTSS with this link. (https://hubs.la/Q02g9lwV0) Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds.
11 min
February 20, 2024 EduHotTake – Schools Should Be a Community Hub!
In this conversation, Larissa and her guest, Whitley, discuss the importance of schools in the community and how educators can lead the transformation of school-community relationships. They emphasize the need for schools to be viewed as community hubs and highlight the impact that can be achieved through shared goals and stakeholder involvement. They also explore specific ways in which schools can engage with the community, such as partnering with local businesses and organizations, hosting events outside of the school building, and leveraging resources like public libraries. The conversation underscores the significance of building strong connections between schools and the community to support the holistic development of students.
Takeaways:
- Schools should be viewed as community hubs, bringing together various stakeholders and resources to create a sense of partnership and shared goals.
- Engaging with the community can have a positive impact on students, families, and educators, fostering a network of support and investment.
- Building bridges with the community requires intentional efforts, such as seeking out partnerships, hosting events outside of the school building, and leveraging existing resources.
- School culture plays a crucial role in community engagement, and it is important to prioritize the heart work of education alongside curriculum and instruction.
Check out these resources:
- National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments: Family-School-Community Partnerships: https://bit.ly/3wlqYLx
- School-Community Learning Partnerships: Essential to Expanded Learning Success: https://bit.ly/3uI7jor
- https://bit.ly/48q4zK2
- Branching Minds Guide for Community and Families: https://www.branchingminds.com/mtss-guide-for-families
Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our website Branchingminds.com, or Sign up for our weekly newsletter on all things MTSS with this link. (https://hubs.la/Q02g9lwV0) Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds.
18 min
February 13, 2024 Ask an Expert – Are MTSS and SPED the Same Thing?
In this episode, Larissa interviews Ashley Pennell, a Senior Customer Success Manager at Branching Minds, about the overlap between MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) and special education. They discuss the confusion surrounding these two concepts and how they work together. The conversation concludes with strategies for administrators to help teachers understand the role of special education in the MTSS process.
Takeaways
MTSS is a framework for supporting all students and setting up equitable practices, while special education is a service within the MTSS framework.
Data analysis plays a crucial role in both MTSS and special education, helping to identify students who may need additional support or evaluation for a disability.
Challenges in implementing MTSS as an administrator include the siloed approach to education, lack of universal screening processes, and the need for training and resources.
Strategies for administrators include starting with equitable practices like universal screening, utilizing the expertise of special education teachers and school psychologists, and fostering open conversations about MTSS and special education.
Check out these resources: https://www.branchingminds.com/blog/mtss-special-education
https://www.branchingminds.com/mtss-sped-guide
Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our website Branchingminds.com, or Sign up for our weekly newsletter on all things MTSS with this link. (https://hubs.la/Q02g9lwV0) Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds.
23 min
February 06, 2024 MTSS is not another thing, but THE Thing — Live Podcast with Dr. George Batsche and Dr. Judy Elliot
This episode features the live recording of the Schooling Around podcast with Dr. Judy Elliott and Dr. George Batsche. They discuss trends and challenges in MTSS, empowering teachers, supporting mental health, and implementing MTSS at the secondary level. They emphasize the importance of data-driven decision-making, collective leadership, and collaboration in the MTSS framework. They also highlight the need for student voice and the role of district-level support in implementing effective MTSS practices. The conversation concludes with strategies for addressing initiative fatigue and building trust in the MTSS process.
Resource mentioned in the conversation: https://bit.ly/4btu5AQ
Takeaways:
-Data-driven decision-making and collective leadership are essential in the MTSS framework.
-Supporting student mental health and incorporating student voice are crucial for successful MTSS implementation.
-Empowering teachers and providing system-level support are key to sustaining MTSS practices.
-Implementing MTSS at the secondary level requires schedule adjustments, resource mapping, and early warning systems.
-Addressing initiative fatigue involves building trust, starting with data, and taking incremental steps. In implementing MTSS, it is crucial to involve all levels of the educational enterprise in the decision-making process.
-MTSS promotes equity by providing differentiated supports for all students.
Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our website Branchingminds.com, or Sign up for our weekly newsletter on all things MTSS with this link. (https://hubs.la/Q02g9lwV0) Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds.
58 min
January 30, 2024 MTSS Explained- How To Find Evidence-Based Interventions
In this conversation, Rachel Butler, Learning Science Content Specialist, discusses the importance of good interventions in the context of a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). She emphasizes the need to consider the research behind interventions and recommends using the ESSA tiers of evidence to determine their effectiveness. Rachel also highlights the factors to consider when evaluating intervention research, such as study design, results, sample size, and alignment with the school or district context. She provides resources for finding evidence-based interventions and suggests involving school psychologists in the decision-making process.
Takeaways:
-Good interventions are essential in MTSS and should be based on research and evidence of effectiveness.
-The ESSA tiers of evidence provide a framework for determining the quality and suitability of interventions.
-Resources like What Works Clearinghouse and Evidence for ESSA can help educators find evidence-based interventions.
Resources:
The Jed Foundation: https://jedfoundation.org/?gad_source=1
What Works Clearinghouse: https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/
Evidence for ESSA: https://evidenceforessa.org/
Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our website Branchingminds.com, or Sign up for our weekly newsletter on all things MTSS with this link. (https://hubs.la/Q02g9lwV0) Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds.
Timeline:
00:46 Importance of Good Interventions
01:51 Using ESSA Tiers of Evidence
03:27 Factors to Consider in Intervention Research
05:05 Resources for Finding Evidence-Based Interventions
06:35 Considerations for Choosing Interventions
07:21 Utilizing the Expertise of School Psychologists
07:52 Specific Interventions: Reciprocal Teaching
08:15 Specific Interventions: Customized Self-Correction Checklist
12:17 Interventions for Upper Grades
13:15 Activity Sets for High School Students
14:32 Conclusion
16 min

About Schoolin' Around

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Schoolin' Around is a weekly podcast hosted by Branching Minds, featuring prominent leaders, subject-matter experts, and thought innovators with their perspectives on the current challenges facing K-12 education.