Schoolin' Around

By Schoolin' Around by Branching Minds

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-1... more

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FAQs about Schoolin' Around:

How many episodes does Schoolin' Around have?

The podcast currently has 161 episodes available.

Schoolin' Around episodes:

July 25, 2023 How Teamwork Makes a Difference for MTSS with Gwinnett County Schools
It takes a lot more work and planning to make a large wheel turn, but in Gwinnett County Schools, their team did just that. They have been working hard these last few years, making the wheel of school improvement turn with their strategic work with MTSS, and they are seeing the impact of their efforts.
In this episode, Larissa chats with Dr. Tinisha Parker, Executive Director of Student Services, Dr. Debbie Durrance, Executive Director of Data Governance, and Elizabeth Moore, Director of Instructional Development and Support for Gwinnett County Schools in one of the largest school districts in the country. They share the process of bringing their teams together to truly make a difference for their students and how sometimes the MTSS process requires unlearning before adding anything new. They also share their wisdom for those just beginning the process and share about their work moving forward.
Learn more about making system level change with MTSS. https://www.branchingminds.com/mtss-guide https://www.branchingminds.com/branching-minds-solution
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.
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47min
July 11, 2023 MTSS and Montessori: Personalized Learning at Island Village
In this episode, we talk with Jennifer Ocana and Jennifer Sessa from Island Village Montessori, a K-8 charter school in Florida's Sarasota County School system. Jennifer Ocana is the Head of School for Island Village but has been teaching and leading for 20 years in Montessori schools. Jennifer Sessa is the Director of Pupil Support, working with the Special Education staff. We talk about how MTSS and the Montessori philosophy are closely linked and how they lean into differentiated instruction to help meet the needs of their diverse population.
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.
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32min
June 27, 2023 MTSS for Maximizing Learning for Students with Dyslexia with Kristen Beesaw
Reading difficulty has an outsized effect on a student's ability to be successful in school and life. In the past few years, more and more states are passing legislation around dyslexia, requiring schools and teachers to have the knowledge and to screen students early.
Dyslexia is “a brain-based learning disability that specifically impairs a person’s reading ability.” Fortunately, research suggests that early identification and intervention for dyslexia prevents further difficulty for the student.
In today’s episode, I sat down with Kristen Beesaw, Assistant Director of Interventions and 504 for Bryan Independent School District. We talked how about misconceptions about dyslexia and how a Multi-Tiered System of Supports can help meet students that are at risk for dyslexia. Kristen was kind enough to share how Bryan is striving to intervene early and implement best practices to support students at risk for dyslexia.
Kristen Beesaw has been in education for 28 years, all with the Bryan Independent School District. She has served as a high school Language Arts teacher for 13 years, then Technology Specialist, Secondary Language Arts Coordinator, and then as Dyslexia Coordinator. Currently, she is the Assistant Director of Interventions & §504, where she oversees MTSS/RtI, Dyslexia, Secondary Reading interventions, the district’s summer programming, and §504.
For more information about dyslexia, check out our recent webinar from with Dr. Eva Dundas. https://www.branchingminds.com/webinars/identifying-and-supporting-dyslexia-within-mtss
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.
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39min
June 13, 2023 Supporting ELL Students through Classroom Relationships with Gabi Graham
As educators, we know that we cannot control what students bring in with them each day, whether that be academic, behavioral, emotional, or even language learning needs. An educator's job is to support students, helping them feel safe so that they can learn and meet their goals.
This episode is a conversation with Gabi Graham, a former elementary dual language teacher passionate about helping schools support students from other cultures. We talk about how different aspects of student mental health can affect outcomes and how sometimes simple things can make all the difference in helping students feel safe and that they belong, no matter their culture.
Gabi Graham balances the roles of being the mother of 2 sweet girls and a successful sales development representative for Branching Minds. As a former dual language educator and lover of all things EdTech, she can understand user needs daily. She lives in a beautiful west Texas border city where the mountain views are breathtaking, the people are warm, and the tacos are truly the best! Give her a good book on a rainy Texas day and she is sure the be the happiest gal around!
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.
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37min
May 30, 2023 Reflecting on Your MTSS Practice with Karen Castle
Karen Castle, veteran educational leader and Executive Director of Professional Learning at Branching Minds, offers wisdom about wrapping up the school year and questions for leaders to reflect on their MTSS practice.
We also dive into the idea that “Remembering Your Why” is not sufficient with the why and the how of making school transformation.
Karen is the Executive Director of Professional Learning at Branching Minds, where she leads a team of education consultants to provide guidance and support to schools and districts, as they implement Branching Minds and improve their MTSS practice. Prior to Branching Minds, Karen spent 12 years building a national professional development program for Amplify Education, a leading company in the education technology space. Prior to her work in the Edtech space, Karen served as curriculum director, principal, and teacher for several school districts in the North Texas area for 23 years. Karen holds an M.Ed. from the University of North Texas and a Superintendent’s Certification from the University of Texas at Arlington.
Check out this blog for more from Karen:
https://www.branchingminds.com/blog/5-questions-you-should-be-asking-about-your-mtss
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.
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39min
May 16, 2023 School Transformation Begins with the Adults ft AJ Crabill
The guest for this episode, AJ Crabill, advocates for taking risks to find a better way to improve schools and support students. AJ Crabill believes that “Student outcomes don't change until adult behaviors change.”
In this conversation with AJ, we talk about his work in helping improve schools and helping schools create student-led restorative circles. Restorative practices focus on resolving conflict, repairing harm, and healing relationships. It is an overarching term referring to strategies that help build community in ways that treat humans with dignity and respect.
AJ Crabill serves as Conservator at DeSoto, Texas ISD. During his guidance, DeSoto improved from F ratings in academics, finance, and governance to B ratings. He’s also Faculty at the Leadership Institute of Nevada and Director of Governance at the Council of the Great City Schools. He served as Deputy Commissioner at the Texas Education Agency and spearheaded reforms as board chair of Kansas City Public Schools that doubled the percentage of students who are literate and numerate. Crabill is a recipient of the Education Commission of the State's James Bryant Conant Award.

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.
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38min
May 02, 2023 Using Early Warning Indicators to Support Students with EWI Expert Sarah Frazelle
Part of any good system of support isn’t just reacting to student needs but also being proactive in supporting students at risk. Intervening early can be the best way to prevent students from missing out and falling further behind.
One way would be to utilize Early Warning Indicators, such as attendance, behavior, and class grades. These are helpful indicators for identifying students that may need support in the future and allow educators to intervene before a student needs more intense support.
In this episode, we talk with Sarah Frazelle, a researcher in Early Warning Indicators. We talk about why getting systematic support is necessary and why teachers might have difficulty taking attendance.
Sarah Frazelle is the Director of Early Warning Indicator Systems and MTSS for the Puget Sound Education Service District in Seattle, WA. She has been working on Early Warning Indicator Systems since 2012. In that time, she's moved from the analysis of early warning data to coaching school, district, and state agencies on how to implement these systems most effectively. She has helped support a variety of districts, from small rural districts in Montana to large urban districts like Portland, Oregon, and across multiple states.
Resources:
Puget Sound Educational Service District- https://www.psesd.org/
Article: https://www.branchingminds.com/blog/mtss-in-tracking-and-supporting-student-attendance
Guide: https://www.branchingminds.com/mtss-tier-2-behavior-intervention-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.
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41min
April 18, 2023 How MTSS Can Support Positive Behavior With School Psychologist, Trudy Bender
Recently it has been reported that more than 80 Percent of U.S. Public Schools say the pandemic has negatively impacted student behavior and socio-emotional development.
Our guest today is the perfect person to give us some insight into how the system and school culture can help teachers with these issues. Trudy Bender previously served as the Coordinator of District Behavior Intervention for the Waco Independent School District, where she facilitated the implementation of a Multi-Tiered System of Supports for Behavior, including initiatives to improve school climate and connection, provide effective Tier 2 and Tier 3 behavior intervention programs, and coordinate wrap-around services and transitional support for students in alternative disciplinary settings.
Not only that, but she built a multi-year sequence of teacher training in classroom management, behavior intervention, and peer coaching to help build capacity and collaboration among teachers.
Now, she is Branching Minds MTSS Content Manager. But she still serves the state of Texas as a Restorative Discipline Facilitator. Trudy is a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology and a Nationally Certified School Psychologist.
Quotes:
"So often we wanna chase down where the problems are rather than chasing down where is the student succeeding and how can we multiply and build on that in other contexts. And in behavior, that's really important. If there is a place where that student is finding success, if you can figure out who they're connected to and what kind of structure provides success for them, then you can often bring some of those elements into other places in the school where they're not being as successful."
"Behavior is becoming more challenging. But so is our understanding of those behavior challenges and the tools and resources that we have to address those challenges. And MTSS is like the engine that's driving that, that's driving that response to behavior challenges."
Resources:
• A Tier 2 Behavior Intervention Guide: https://www.branchingminds.com/mtss-tier-2-behavior-intervention-guide
• MTSS Platform Buyer’s Guide: https://www.branchingminds.com/mtss-platform-buyers-guide
Check out us out:
• Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our website Branchingminds.com
• 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.
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36min
April 04, 2023 Connecting MTSS Best Practices to Education Policy with Abigail Woodworth and Yoni Doron
Now more than ever, a spotlight is being shined on our education system. Requiring states to make decisions to help support educators. Schools, teachers, and students need help. In this episode, our two guests are working to connect and build relationships with policymakers, researchers, and those who can help change the system for better student outcomes.
Abigail Woodworth, VP of Communications at Branching Minds, and Yoni Doron, Branching Minds Chief Strategic Partnership Officer, have been a part of the company since the beginning and have seen how important it is to help schools and districts not only individually but at the policy level.
Abigail Woodworth, VP of Communications, is a seasoned communications professional with over two decades of experience developing and implementing comprehensive communication strategies that drive organizational growth, building and leading successful teams, and enhancing reputation, reach, and revenues of companies. Prior to joining Branching Minds, she served as VP of External Affairs at the Legal Action Center; VP of Public Affairs at the Treatment Research Institute; and occupied senior management roles at the University of Pennsylvania and The Johns Hopkins University. She earned a BA and an MS in Social Policy from the University of Pennsylvania.
Yonatan Doron is the Chief Strategic Partnership Officer at Branching Minds, where he focuses on developing and maintaining long-term relationships with organizations and institutions that further the mission of Branching Minds. Yonatan has been part of the Branching Minds team since 2013, helping the organization expand to over 30 states and serving over 1.5M students nationwide. Prior to Branching Minds, Yonatan worked at the Aspen Institute in Washington, DC, and at the Joyce Foundation in Chicago, IL. Yonatan received his MPP from the Harris School of Public Policy at the University of Chicago and B.A. from SUNY Geneseo.
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.
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33min
March 21, 2023 MTSS + Tech = Magic: Solving Educators’ Pain Points With Emily-Rose Barry, VP of Product
Often, as a teacher using educational technology, I had frustrations about its uses in the classroom, its functionality, and its purpose. I wish I had known our guest back then to discuss how to make technology work FOR me, not against me.
In this episode, we talk with Emily-Rose Barry, the VP of Product at Branching Minds. Much like many of our guests, her journey began in the classroom as a student wondering how learning worked. Our conversation covers her accidental journey to her current role and how technology assists educators in doing their job better.
Emily-Rose Barry has worked in Education Technology in roles overseeing Product and Customer Success for the past ten years. Before joining the world of agile software development, she taught reading and writing at every level, from early childhood to college, administered special programs for an adult literacy nonprofit, and published short fiction and poetry as a freelance writer. She co-founded ProductTank Buffalo, a local community for networking and professional development.
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.
...more
37min

FAQs about Schoolin' Around:

How many episodes does Schoolin' Around have?

The podcast currently has 161 episodes available.

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