Schoolin' Around

In this episode, we explore how school and district leaders can effectively wrap up the school year with intention, focusing on reflection, celebration, and strategic planning for the future. The conversation emphasizes the importance of balancing these elements to foster a positive environment and prepare for the upcoming year. Key strategies include hosting reflection sessions, celebrating achievements, and initiating forward planning to ensure a smooth transition into the next school year.

Resources:

Finding Balance at the End of the Year

End-of-Year Strategies for MTSS Success

Takeaways:

• The end of the school year is a time for reflection and planning.
• Balance celebration, reflection, and preparation as a leader.
• Guided reflection sessions can drive deeper insights.
• Celebrating wins motivates and energizes teams.
• Recognition can be simple yet impactful.
• Involve students and families in celebrations.
• Strategic planning should begin before the new year starts.
• Reflection sessions can lead to valuable learning opportunities.
• Leadership is about modeling optimism and resilience.
• Self-care is essential for effective leadership.

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 podcast episode discusses the importance of creating a comprehensive MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Support) handbook for K-12 education. It features insights from education leaders who share their experiences in developing and implementing MTSS handbooks in their districts. The conversation covers key components of an effective handbook, the significance of staff roles, data collection strategies, and the challenges faced during implementation. The episode emphasizes the need for continuous improvement and the involvement of various stakeholders, including parents, to ensure that every student receives the necessary support for their academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs.

Resources:

Handbook Resources

MTSS Handbook Webinar

Request a consultation

Takeaways:

• Creating a dynamic MTSS handbook is essential for effective implementation.
• Involving various stakeholders in the handbook development process enhances its effectiveness.
• Regular updates to the handbook are necessary to reflect changing practices and needs.
• Clear roles and responsibilities for staff are crucial for successful MTSS implementation.
• Data collection and progress monitoring are key components of the MTSS process.
• Parent involvement is important in the MTSS framework.
• A user-friendly handbook can significantly improve staff engagement and student support.
• Continuous feedback and adaptation are necessary for the handbook to remain relevant.
• The ultimate goal of MTSS is to ensure every student receives the support they need.

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, Maria Quinones-Ford, an RTI facilitator, discusses the critical role of family engagement in education, particularly within the context of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). She emphasizes the importance of involving parents in their children's education, sharing strategies for fostering family involvement, and addressing challenges faced in engaging diverse families. Maria highlights the need for collaboration between schools and families, cultural sensitivity, and the significance of communication and transparency in building trust and support for student success.

Resources:

MTSS & Families Toolkit

MTSS & Families Article

https://www.languageline.com/

Request a consultation

Takeaways:

• Family engagement is essential for student success.
• Parents should be active participants in their child's education.
• Engaging families requires creative strategies beyond academics.
• Building relationships with families fosters a supportive environment.
• Cultural sensitivity is crucial in engaging diverse families.
• Virtual meetings can increase parent participation.
• Collaboration among teachers, staff, and families is vital.
• Communication and transparency build trust with parents.
• Community resources can enhance family engagement efforts.
• Every child's educational journey is a collective effort.

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 Jenna Davies discuss the implementation of the MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) framework in the School District of Manatee County, Florida. Jenna shares her experiences, challenges, and strategies for effectively rolling out MTSS, emphasizing the importance of stakeholder involvement, data-driven decision-making, and building a supportive infrastructure.

Resources:

Guide for Sustainable MTSS Implementation

Webinar: Creating a Culture of Continuous Improvement

Blog: MTSS From Buy-in to Implementation: 8 Steps for Change

Request a consultation

Takeaways:

• The importance of authentic conversations in podcasts.
• MTSS is a framework for supporting students academically and behaviorally.
• Stakeholder involvement is crucial for successful MTSS implementation.
• Aligning MTSS practices with school improvement plans is essential.
• Building capacity and infrastructure is key to MTSS success.
• Providing autonomy to schools allows for tailored solutions.
• Continuous improvement is a core principle of MTSS.
• Data-driven decision-making enhances the effectiveness of MTSS.
• Communication with families is vital for student support.
• Celebrating small wins helps maintain momentum in MTSS efforts.

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 challenges of meetings in educational settings and offers actionable strategies to make them more efficient and purposeful. She emphasizes the importance of preparation, facilitation, and follow-up in transforming meetings from time drains into productive sessions. The conversation also highlights the role of the MTSS framework in streamlining meeting processes and provides rapid-fire tips for enhancing meeting effectiveness.

Resources:

MTSS Meetings Guide

Article: Ensure Efficiency with MTSS Teams & MTSS Meetings

Future of Meetings with AI Article

Request a consultation

Takeaways:

• Meetings are often seen as a productivity killer in schools.
• 33% of teachers prefer to spend less time in meetings.
• Effective meetings require a clear agenda and purpose.
• The life cycle of a meeting includes planning, facilitation, and follow-up.
• Celebrate successes at the beginning of meetings to boost morale.
• MTSS can help streamline the meeting process.
• Host fewer meetings by using alternative communication methods.
• Rotational facilitation can empower staff and enhance engagement.
• Meetings should finish early if objectives are met.
• Pre-reading materials can save valuable in-person meeting time.

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, Michele James, former instructional coach, and Larissa discuss the critical aspects of supporting new teachers, particularly through the implementation of MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports). They emphasize the importance of building community, providing structured support, and creating a collaborative environment for new educators. The discussion covers strategies for effective onboarding, the significance of mentorship, and the need for ongoing professional development to ensure new teachers feel equipped and confident in their roles.

Resources:

ICEL Questions

RIOT and ICEL Matrix

Administrators Guide to Supporting Teachers

Coaching ToolKit

Request a consultation

Takeaways:

• Building community is essential for new teachers' success.
• New teachers often feel overwhelmed, akin to 'drinking out of a fire hose.'
• Orientation should focus on relationship-building rather than just information delivery.
• MTSS implementation requires a clear path and ongoing support.
• Teachers can only handle a limited amount of information at once.
• New teachers should have a seat at the table in collaborative meetings.
• Creating a non-evaluative atmosphere helps new teachers feel safe.
• Asking the right questions can guide productive discussions about student support.
• Planning for professional development is crucial for new teachers.
• Strategic onboarding can significantly impact new teachers' experiences.

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]!

**100th Episode Giveaway Entry Link**

In our 100th episode, Larissa and Jared Scott discuss student mental health, vulnerability, and how student voice is essential in school culture. Jared shares his journey from a shy student to a public speaker and counselor, highlighting the need for authentic connections between educators and students. They talk about the Culture Shift Tour, which helps students take ownership of their school culture and create lasting change through community involvement. The discussion also covers empowering students to voice their needs, the challenges educators face in understanding them, the disconnect between staff perceptions and student realities, the impact of social media on youth, and the anxiety around future planning. They stress the importance of balancing academic and emotional support in schools, turning challenges into growth opportunities, and sharing real stories of change to inspire action.

Resources:

www.jaredscottspeaks.com

The Importance of Engaging Student Voices in MTSS

Mental Health Webinar

SEL Guide

Schoolin' Around Instagram

Request a consultation

Takeaways:

• Vulnerability can foster connection and understanding.
• Authenticity in educators encourages student engagement.
• Students need to take ownership of their school culture.
• Real change requires consistent and persistent action.
• Community involvement is crucial for lasting change.
• Empowering students can lead to significant cultural shifts. and to identify their needs is crucial.
• Community buy-in enhances educational initiatives.
• Staff perceptions often differ from student realities.
• Social media contributes to youth identity crises.
• Students face anxiety about their future plans.
• Negative emotions can cloud students' vision for the future.
• Educators must balance academic and emotional support.
• Problems in education can lead to innovative solutions.
• Real change requires community and educator collaboration.

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]!

**100th Episode Giveaway Entry Link**

In this discussion, educators Erika Bare and Tiffany Burns share their insights into the education sector, reflecting on their experiences during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and their journey to co-authoring the book Connecting Through Conversation. They underscore the critical role of building meaningful connections in schools and offer practical strategies for de-escalating conflicts and supporting teachers in managing student behavior.

The conversation highlights how emotional connections influence classroom dynamics and why effective communication is essential in education. Erika and Tiffany explore the importance of empathy, emotional regulation, and trust-building in fostering positive learning environments. They provide actionable advice on how educators can manage their emotions to avoid power struggles with students, maintain a constructive atmosphere, and reduce burnout among teachers.

Resources:

MTSS Behavior Resources

Erika and Tiffany's Website www.ConnectingThroughConversation.com

Find Erika and Tiffany on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or Youtube

LinkedIn Erika Bare  and Tiffany Burns

$50 off online course with code: CTCPODCAST 

https://www.connectingthroughconversation.com/transforming-student-behavior

Takeaways:

• Building connections is essential for effective teaching.
• Emotions are contagious in the classroom.
• Behavior referrals can significantly decrease with proper strategies.
• Creating a culture of connection enhances the learning environment. Educators often match students' emotional energy due to mirror neurons.
• Intentional emotional regulation is crucial for educators.
• Building trust is essential for effective teaching and learning.
• Power struggles with students can be avoided through clear communication.
• Offering choices to students can help them feel more in control.
• Educators should model accountability and apologize when necessary.
• Strong relationships are foundational to the MTSS framework.
• Creating a supportive environment helps prevent educator burnout.

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 podcast episode discusses the significant challenges of absenteeism in K-12 education, highlighting the efforts of educators at Creekside Early Childhood School in Lakota Local Schoolsin Ohio. The conversation covers various strategies implemented to improve student attendance, including community engagement, communication with parents, and tiered support systems. The speakers emphasize the importance of building relationships with students and families, celebrating attendance successes, and the collaborative efforts of teachers, counselors, and community liaisons to create a supportive environment for students. The episode concludes with reflections on future directions for attendance improvement initiatives.

Resources:

MTSS and Attendance Article

Attendance Webinar

Early Warning System Webinar

Request a consultation

Takeaways:

• Absenteeism is a major challenge in K-12 education.
• Building strong relationships with students and families is crucial.
• Effective communication with parents can enhance attendance.
• Celebration of attendance successes motivates students.
• Tiered support strategies are essential for addressing attendance issues.
• Individualized attendance plans cater to specific student needs.
• Collaboration among educators and support staff is vital.
• Data tracking helps in monitoring attendance improvements.
• Positive reinforcement strategies can significantly impact attendance.
• Community engagement plays a key role in supporting families.

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 unique challenges of implementing Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) in middle schools. It highlights common mistakes schools make, such as ignoring core instruction and static interventions, and presents effective strategies used by high-performing schools to enhance student support. The discussion emphasizes the importance of flexible intervention systems, strong core instruction, and ongoing teacher development to create a successful MTSS framework.

Resources:

MTSS in Middle School Article

Best Tier 1 Practices for Secondary Article

Core Instruction Guide

Request a consultation

Takeaways:

• Middle school presents unique challenges for MTSS implementation.
• Ignoring core instruction can lead to ineffective interventions.
• Static interventions can trap students and hinder progress.
• Data should be used for real-time instructional adjustments.
• Collaboration among teachers is essential for effective MTSS.
• High-performing schools prioritize strong tier one instruction.
• Flexible intervention systems allow for better resource use.
• Ongoing teacher development is crucial for MTSS success.
• Creative scheduling can optimize intervention time.
• Empowering educators is key to building effective MTSS systems.

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]!