Schoolin' Around

Larissa talks with Joshua Windham, an eighth-grade history teacher, about integrating technology into education to meet diverse student needs. Joshua shares insights on balancing traditional teaching with modern tools, using strategies like gamification and peer feedback to boost engagement and empower students. He also discusses the potential of AI to create personalized learning, the challenges teachers face with new tech, and the increasing demand for tailored learning experiences. The conversation wraps up with thoughts on the future of edtech and the need for evolving teaching methods in a digital world.

Resources:

AI for Educators

• MyShortAnswer
• SchoolAi or MagicSchoolAi
• Blooket and GimKit
• PearDeck and EdPuzzle

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Takeaways:

• Technology should be used intentionally to enhance learning.
• Balancing old school tools with new technology is essential.
• Differentiation is easier with the right tech tools.
• AI tools can simplify lesson planning and assessment.
• Teachers need proper training to effectively use technology.
• The digital divide presents challenges for students' access to technology.
• Adapting teaching methods is essential for student understanding.
• Personalized learning experiences are crucial for student success.
• Immersive learning experiences can enhance historical understanding.
• Teachers must embrace technology to prepare students for the future.

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 Farah Assiraj discuss the complexities of implementing and sustaining Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) in secondary schools. Farah shares her extensive background in education, emphasizing the importance of student agency and voice in the learning process. They explore strategies for fostering student engagement and the need for educational systems to adapt to the evolving needs of students, particularly in urban settings. The discussion highlights the importance of integrating families and communities into the educational framework to ensure long-term success for all learners. This conversation explores the importance of the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) in high school education, emphasizing the need for adaptability to meet students' diverse needs.

Resources:

MTSS in High School Article

Guide for Sustainable MTSS Implementation

The Importance of Engaging Student Voices in MTSS

Farah Assiraj

Farah's Website

Takeaways:

• Implementing MTSS in secondary schools is complex and urgent.
• Sustainable models require fidelity in implementation.
• Student voice is crucial for effective learning.
• Educational systems must adapt to meet students' needs.
• Rethinking high school models is necessary for future success.
• Building relationships with students fosters engagement. MTSS is essential for addressing diverse student needs.
• Flexibility in scheduling can enhance student support.
• Community partnerships significantly contribute to student success.
• High expectations should be maintained for all students.
• Preventative measures are key to identifying at-risk students early.
• Leadership plays a vital role in effective 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 conversation, Larissa and Dr. Julie Sauve discuss the importance of social-emotional learning (SEL) in education, the challenges faced by educators, and the need to prioritize teacher wellbeing. They highlight how Harmony Academy supports students and teachers with relationship-driven curricula and practical strategies for managing wellbeing in a complex educational system. Julie Sauve emphasizes teacher autonomy, community building, and the role of SEL in creating a positive learning environment. The discussion underscores the importance of intentional teaching practices and integrating SEL to enhance both student and educator wellbeing.

Resources:

Guide for Universal Screening for SEL & Behavior

Common Questions for MTSS & SEL

4 Things That Steal Teachers’ Joy

Harmony Academy

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Takeaways:

• Teachers can develop emotional regulation skills through training.
• Educators need support from school leaders to thrive.
• Building relationships with students is crucial for effective teaching.
• System-level decisions impact teachers' daily experiences.
• Social-emotional skills are vital for both students and educators. Educators need effective strategies to develop their competencies.
• Teacher autonomy is crucial for effective teaching.
• Building community enhances student and educator well-being.
• Embedding SEL into daily practices is essential.
• Skills should be practiced in relevant contexts.
• Understanding the 'why' behind teaching is important.
• Leaders should create time for educators to explore SEL.
• Collaboration among educators fosters a supportive environment.

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, host Larissa Napolitan discusses the challenges faced by middle and high schools in ensuring that every student receives the necessary support and enrichment. She introduces W.I.N. (What I Need) Time, a flexible, data-driven approach designed to address these challenges by providing tailored interventions and enrichment opportunities. The conversation explores the logistics of implementing WinTime, including creative scheduling and the importance of data in grouping students. Real-world examples illustrate the success of WinTime in various schools, emphasizing the need for intentional planning and engagement to prioritize student needs.

Resources:

Article: Making Time for MTSS Interventions in Secondary School

MTSS Intervention Flowchart Guide

MTSS in High School Article

Takeaways:

• Students often fall through the cracks in education.
• WinTime is a flexible, data-driven approach.
• MTSS can be effectively implemented at the secondary level.
• WinTime allows for tailored interventions and enrichment.
• Creative scheduling is key to implementing WinTime.
• Data is essential for grouping students by need.
• Engagement is crucial for the success of WinTime.
• Celebrating small wins keeps students motivated.
• WinTime uses existing resources to meet student needs.
• Starting small can lead to significant results.

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 Paul Young, retired principal and college professor, discuss effective strategies for managing student behavior in elementary schools. Paul shares his experiences as a principal and educator, emphasizing the importance of teaching positive behaviors, creating a supportive school culture, and understanding behavior as a system problem rather than an individual issue. They explore the significance of adult presence in the classroom, preventative strategies for addressing behavior, and the lasting impact educators have on their students' lives.

Resources:

Tier 1 Behavior Guide

Part 1 Tier 3 Behavior Webinar

Paul's Books:

Promoting Positive Behaviors

Promoting Positive Behaviors After School

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Takeaways:

• Managing a classroom requires a supportive leader.
• Building relationships with students is crucial for engagement.
• Behavior issues should be considered system problems.
• Teaching expectations is essential for student behavior.
• Positive adult presence can deter negative behavior.
• Preventative strategies can reduce the need for discipline.
• School culture significantly impacts student behavior.
• Educators must support each other in their roles.
• Celebrating student successes fosters a positive environment.
• Discipline should focus on teaching, rather than punishment.

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 Trudy Bender, school psychologist and Senior Manager of Thought Leaders at Branching Minds, discuss the critical role of behavior documentation in schools, emphasizing its importance for both compliance and effective student intervention. They explore the challenges teachers face with traditional documentation practices, the need for accurate data to inform student outcomes, and strategies to overcome resistance to change. The discussion highlights the need for clear communication and support for teachers to enhance their documentation practices and ultimately improve student behavior and learning environments.

Resources:

EWS Guide

Tier 2 Behavior Guide

MTSS Behavior Resources

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Takeaways:

• Documentation is crucial for understanding student behavior.
• Teachers often feel frustrated with the documentation process.
• Discipline referrals must be factual and objective.
• Traditional documentation can feel like a compliance task.
• Effective documentation can lead to better student outcomes.
• Collaboration among teachers is essential for effective behavior tracking.
• Behavior data should inform interventions and consequences.
• Clear guidelines help teachers manage classroom behavior.
• Teacher support is vital for effective behavior management.
• Open communication can improve documentation 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]!

In this conversation, Larissa and her guest, Jackie Reilly, a certified school psychologist and executive function coach, explore the concept of relationship mapping in education, emphasizing its importance in fostering positive connections between students and educators. They discuss practical strategies for implementing relationship mapping in schools, the challenges educators face, and the significance of building relationships beyond the classroom. The discussion highlights the need for a strategic approach to ensure every student has a trusted adult, ultimately aiming to enhance student support and well-being.

Resources:

Nurturing a Sense of Belonging in Schools Webinar

Webinar: Check In Check Out and Beyond: Tier 2 Behavior Interventions That Build Relationships and Foster School Connectedness

Article: How to Foster A Sense of Belonging

Relationship Mapping Article

Takeaways:

• Relationship mapping is a strategic approach to fostering connections.
• Strong relationships are crucial for academic and behavioral success.
• Every student should have a trusted adult in their school.
• Building relationships should be a school-wide initiative, not just a teacher's responsibility.
• Time and resources are essential for effective relationship building.
• Students can identify their own trusted adults and peers.
• Community involvement enhances student support networks.
• Small daily interactions can significantly impact students' lives.
• Teachers should celebrate those who excel in building relationships.
• Implementing relationship mapping can be simple and effective.

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 Ellina Xiong, MTSS Lead at Branching Minds, dive into the challenges of implementing Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) in schools. They discuss the role of implementation science in creating structured approaches to support student success. Ellina shares her expertise, offering practical tips on effectively implementing MTSS, including the importance of a dedicated team, proper training, clear milestones, and a solid plan. They also address common challenges and stress the need for accessible resources and institutional knowledge to help educators maintain and measure MTSS practices over time.

Resources:

Guide for Sustainable MTSS Implementation

A Guide to Self-Assessment of MTSS Implementation

MTSS From Buy-in to Implementation Article

Article: How To Avoid 6 Potential Pitfalls of MTSS Pilots & New Implementations

Takeaways:

• Implementation science is essential for successful MTSS adoption.
• Training and coaching are necessary for staff to succeed.
• A structured process can simplify the implementation of MTSS.
• Understanding the full continuum of student support is key. There are certain milestones you need to meet before moving to the next stage.
• Implementation science provides a structured process for schools.
• Stages of implementation are not black and white; they ebb and flow.
• It can take five to seven years to achieve full implementation.
• Institutionalizing knowledge is key to sustaining MTSS practices.
• A handbook can help new staff get up to speed on MTSS.
• Clarity in practices is essential for effective 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]!

This episode explores the transformative impact of the science of reading on literacy education, emphasizing the importance of structured literacy and the MTSS framework. It discusses the historical context of reading instruction, the urgency of adopting evidence-based practices, and the challenges educators face in implementing these changes. The conversation highlights the need for collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and gradual adaptation to improve literacy outcomes for all students.

Resources:

MTSS and Science of Reading Article

Early Literacy Webinar

Early Literacy and Branching Minds Article

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Takeaways:

• The science of reading is reshaping literacy education.
• Explicit phonics instruction is crucial for all students.
• MTSS provides a structured approach to support literacy.
• Data-driven decisions are essential in MTSS.
• Inequities in education hinder student potential.
• Structured literacy benefits students with dyslexia significantly.
• Change in literacy practices requires patience and reflection.
• Collaboration among educators is key to successful implementation.
• Professional development is vital for teacher preparedness.
• Small, deliberate steps can lead to significant improvements.

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 of School and Around, hosts Larissa Napolitan, Karen Hamilton, and Hiral Vekaria discuss the integration of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and special education. They emphasize the importance of viewing all students as part of a unified system of support, where core instruction is accessible to everyone. The conversation covers the challenges of gaining buy-in from educators, addressing inequities in education, and the necessity of concurrent interventions during evaluations. The episode concludes with key takeaways on the sustainability of MTSS practices and the belief that all children can learn with the right support.

Resources:

Special Ed Article

Cracking the Code: Bridging MTSS and Special Education for Student Success

Are Special Ed and MTSS the Same Thing Episode?

EdHotTake- MTSS Isn't A Waste of Time for Special Education

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Takeaways:

• MTSS and special education are interwoven systems of support.
• Core instruction must be accessible to all students.
• Buy-in from staff is crucial for systemic change.
• Data-driven decisions are essential for effective interventions.
• Equitable access to education is a fundamental goal.
• Concurrent interventions can occur alongside evaluations.
• Sustainability of MTSS practices requires community involvement.
• All students should be viewed as part of the general education population.
• Leadership must address underlying beliefs about student learning.
• Continuous evaluation and adaptation of systems are 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]!