Schoolin' Around

By Schoolin' Around by Branching MindsBusiness Education Non-Profit

Schoolin' Around episodes

May 19Executive Functions for K-3 Students for a Strong Start
This episode explores the critical role of self-regulation and executive functions in early education, revealing how they underpin academic success. Authors Mitch Weathers and Sarah Oberle share practical strategies for creating classroom environments that nurture these skills. By focusing on routines and reducing distractions, educators can enhance students' ability to learn and behave effectively. This approach empowers teachers to foster independence and resilience in young learners.
Resources:
Executive Function Toolkit
Executive Function in MTSS
Executive Function Webinar
Book: Executive Functions for Every K-3 Classroom: Promoting Self-Regulation for a Strong Start
Organized Binder
2026 Mini Summit
Takeaways:
Executive functions are essential for early learning success.
Classroom environments significantly impact executive function development.
Cognitive bandwidth limits learning capacity and needs support.
Supporting executive functions promotes educational equity.
Teaching self-regulation is foundational to learning.
Consistent routines enhance cognitive development.
Leadership is key to embedding executive function practices.

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]!
45 min
May 1210 Years of MTSS: Lessons from Mineola UFSD
This podcast episode features a deep dive into a decade-long journey of implementing and refining Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) in Mineola Union Free School District in New York. Sara Ortiz and Katie Shanahan share insights, challenges, and strategies for building a data-driven, proactive support system that enhances student outcomes and staff collaboration.
Resources:
The Superintendent’s Guide to MTSS and District Strategic Planning
Capacity Building for MTSS Article
MTSS From Buy-in to Implementation Article
Article: Leadership and System-Level Work in MTSS
Register for MTSS Mini Summit
Request a consultation
Takeaways:
Align stakeholders to prevent siloed efforts.
Use data to prevent crises.
Transform culture with strategic data use.
Use a manual for aligned decision-making.
Regular dialogue fosters resilience.
Enhance decisions with comprehensive systems.
Recognize implementation as a long-term journey.

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]!
37 min
May 06The Surprising Impact of Check-In, Check-Out for High School Students
In this episode, Kristyn Jones and Heather Terry from Norris High School in Nebraska, explore how their implementation of a check-in, check-out intervention is fostering more proactive and relational support systems for students with behavioral needs. They share practical insights, data strategies, and team collaboration tips that can help other schools build effective Tier 2 behavior interventions.
Resources:
Webinar: Check In Check Out and Beyond: Tier 2 Behavior Interventions That Build Relationships and Foster School Connectedness
Tier 2 Behavior Guide
MTSS in Secondary Schools
Designing a Menu of Behavior Intervention Options: Beyond Check-In Check-Out
MTSS Mini Summit 2026
Request a consultation
Takeaways:
Check-in, check-out (CICO) serves as an effective Tier 2 intervention and tracking system.
Integration with the branching minds platform enhances monitoring and decision-making.
Teacher training and staff buy-in are crucial for successful implementation.
Real-life success stories demonstrate the intervention’s positive impact.
Data is leveraged for relational support and academic improvement.
Discipline and behavioral data inform broader Tier 1 and Tier 3 practices.
School staff collaboration, including counselors and resource officers, is vital.
Gradual implementation and patience are key to rolling out interventions.
Creative scheduling helps embed Tier 2 supports during the school day.

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]!
33 min
April 28Making Student Engagement More Than Compliance
This episode explores how education leaders can foster student engagement through practical strategies like student voice, choice, and empowerment, even with limited time. It emphasizes shifting from compliance to student-driven learning to improve achievement and motivation.
Resources:
Article: 6 Daily Engagement Practices for Every MTSS Tier
Article: Student Engagement: Why It’s Important and How To Promote It
Article: The Importance of Engaging Student Voices in MTSS
Request a consultation
Takeaways:
Shift from compliance to autonomy to transform engagement.
Frontload safety and relevance to ensure engagement success.
Focus feedback on student actions to unlock growth.
Utilize existing high-impact strategies across routines.
Build connections and relevance to enhance secondary engagement.

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]!
10 min
April 21Mastering Tough Conversations: A School Leader's Playbook
In this insightful interview, authors Tiffany Burns and Erica Bare discuss their new book, 'A School Leader's Playbook for Tough Conversations.' They share practical strategies for school leaders to navigate difficult dialogues with staff and students, emphasizing the importance of care, preparation, body language, and ongoing coaching to foster trust and positive school culture.
Resources:
Book: A School Leader’s Playbook for Tough Conversations
Tiffany and Erika's Website
Free Resources
Leader Protocol Guide for Buy-In
Capacity Building for MTSS Article
Building Trust and MTSS Buy-In Through Teacher Feedback
Request a consultation
Takeaways:
Tough conversations don't get easier with time; they get harder.
Transparency about intent builds trust and clarifies misunderstandings.
Body language and tone are more impactful than words in communication.
Consistent, ongoing feedback fosters growth and reduces surprises.
Empathy and curiosity are key when emotions run high.

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]!
42 min
April 14How One School Transformed Family Engagement with Transparent Data Sharing
In this insightful interview, Patrick Hall and Laura Frederick from Wyoming Indian Schools share their journey of implementing MTSS, leveraging data, and fostering transparency with families to improve student outcomes. Discover how their strategic use of Branching Minds has transformed their approach to student support and community engagement.
Resources:
MTSS & Families Article
Navigating Parental Consent in MTSS to Empower Parents to Make Informed Decisions
Request a consultation
Takeaways:
View parents and families as teammates in education.
Build transparency and strengthen family connections.
Understand cultural sensitivities and historical context.
Use data to drive decisions and improve outcomes.
Communicate consistently with families about interventions.
Empower teachers to build trust and improve culture.
Focus on continuous improvement and refining practices.
Plan for future improvements and enhance family involvement.

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]!
41 min
April 07How to Run an Effective MTSS Meeting and Get Things Done
Beth Corkum, the MTSS coordinator at SAU 67 in New Hampshire, shares her journey of transforming data meetings at Bow Elementary through technology and strategic planning. Discover how streamlined processes, staff collaboration, and district support have enhanced student support and educator morale.
Resources:
MTSS Meetings Guide
Effective Meetings Webinar
Article: Ensure Efficiency with MTSS Teams & MTSS Meetings
Takeaways:
Focus on making quick decisions with data, not just gathering information.
Automate data tasks to give teachers more time with students.
Encourage teamwork by setting aside time for collaboration.
Small changes in systems can lead to big improvements over time.
Make data accessible to everyone to empower decision-making.
A district strategist can connect different educational levels for better 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]!
35 min
March 31If You’re Waiting for Office Referrals, You’re Waiting Too Long
This episode explores the shift from reactive referral-based behavior support to proactive, universal screening methods in schools. Experts discuss the limitations of referral systems, the benefits of universal screening tools like the SSRS-IE, and practical strategies for implementation and staff training.
Featuring Branching Minds Team members, Ashley Pennell, Rachel Butler, and Christina Solinger.
Resources:
Guide for Universal Screening for SEL & Behavior
Article: Changing the Way (and the Reason) You Document Behavior
Webinar: Moving from Referral to Screening-Based Tiering for Behavior Support
Why Universal Behavioral/SEL Screening Matters
Learn more about Branching Minds: Request a consultation
Takeaways:
Universal behavior screening shifts the paradigm from reactive to proactive support
Data integration across academic and behavioral domains unlocks holistic student support
Teacher biases and subjectivity distort student identification without standardized tools
Capacity and cultural considerations are central to successful screening adoption
Fear of data leading to intervention is valid but manageable through clear planning

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]!
32 min
March 24How To Beat Burnout and Build School Culture
In this insightful interview, Author and Educator, Katrina Huels discusses her book 'Transformational Tools for Special Educators' and explores practical strategies to combat educator burnout. The conversation emphasizes emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and resilience building to support educators' well-being and improve student outcomes.
Resources:
Administrators Guide to Supporting Teachers
https://howwefeel.org/
Katrina's Website: https://www.huelsappliedharmony.com/
Katrina's Book: https://a.co/d/00siKtaO
MTSS Coaching Toolkit
Request a consultation
Takeaways:
Developing emotional intelligence can reduce burnout and improve school culture.
Consistent practice of self-awareness and breathwork enhances resilience.
School-wide adoption of emotional skills fosters supportive environments.

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]!
39 min
March 17Are You Connecting MTSS PD to Real Challenges?
This episode explores effective strategies for summer professional development, emphasizing adult learning principles, ongoing support, and building strong MTSS frameworks through targeted leadership coaching.
Resources:
School Leader Guide to PD
Differentiating Your MTSS PD article
Administrators Guide to Supporting Teachers
Toolkit for Leading Adults in MTSS Learning
Utilizing Adult Learning Theory in MTSS Professional Development
Request a consultation
Takeaways:
Effective summer professional development strategies
Adult learning theory and its application in education
Building and sustaining a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS)
Leadership development and coaching for school leaders
Creating a culture of continuous learning and improvement

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]!
10 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.