This conversation explores the importance of the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) in preparing students for college and career readiness. It emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach that includes academic skills, soft skills, career exploration, and civic engagement. The discussion highlights practical steps for implementing MTSS in high schools, focusing on data-driven decision-making, collaboration among educators and families, and the importance of ongoing professional development for teachers.

Resources:

MTSS Meetings Guide

Article: How MTSS Supports College and Career Readiness for All Students

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Takeaways:

• MTSS provides a proactive and data-driven way to support students.
• College and career readiness is about equipping students with skills and knowledge.
• Readiness varies for each student, requiring multiple pathways.
• Academic skills are foundational but must include transferable skills.
• Soft skills are essential for workplace success and should be integrated into learning.
• Career readiness involves exploration and clear pathways from middle school.
• Civic engagement should be part of the curriculum from the start.
• Data tracking is crucial for identifying student needs early.
• Collaboration among teachers, counselors, and families enhances MTSS effectiveness.
• Ongoing professional development is necessary for teachers to implement MTSS strategies.

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 podcast@branchingminds.com!

In this conversation, Larissa and her guest, Christina Solinger, Branching Minds Professional Services Manager, discuss the persistent myth that some students are not academic. They explore the implications of this belief on students' self-perception and learning experiences. Christina emphasizes the importance of a growth mindset, the process of learning, and the need for educators to empower students to see themselves as capable learners. The discussion also touches on the pressures faced by teachers and the importance of creating a supportive learning environment that fosters academic identity.

Resources:

Article: The Power of Strength Based Instruction

Article: Supporting Students’ Social, Emotional, & Behavioral Needs: Moving From Referrals to an Interconnected Systems Framework

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Takeaways:

• The belief that some students aren't academic is a harmful myth.
• Students internalize negative messages about their academic abilities from various sources.
• Growth mindset is crucial for students to understand that learning is a skill that can be developed.
• Learning requires practice and effort, just like any other skill.
• Educators should focus on the process of learning rather than just the outcomes.
• Implicit messages in education can shape students' beliefs about their abilities.
• Creating a supportive environment is essential for students to thrive academically.
• Teachers need to feel empowered to seek help with academic needs, not just behavioral issues.
• Celebrating small wins in learning helps build students' confidence.
• The goal should be to help students develop an identity as learners, not just to keep them calm.

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 podcast@branchingminds.com!

In this conversation, educators Ashley Robertson and Emily Jordan discuss the critical role of classroom management in fostering a productive learning environment. They explore the challenges faced by teachers, particularly in the post-COVID landscape, where emotional dysregulation among students has increased. The discussion emphasizes the importance of building relationships, focusing on positive behaviors, and the need for ongoing professional development. They also highlight the role of school leaders in supporting teachers and the evolving nature of classroom management strategies, advocating for a shift from punitive measures to restorative practices that prioritize student well-being.

Resources:

SEL and Behavior Article

Tier 1 Behavior Guide

Article: How to Foster A Sense of Belonging

Takeaways:

• Classroom management is crucial for student success.
• Post-COVID, students are struggling with emotional regulation.
• Building relationships with students enhances classroom management.
• Focusing on positive behaviors can improve classroom dynamics.
• Behavior change requires time and consistent support.
• School leaders play a vital role in setting expectations.
• Professional development is essential for teacher growth.
• Restorative practices are more effective than punitive measures.
• Technology can distract students from learning.
• Classroom management strategies must evolve with changing student needs.

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 podcast@branchingminds.com!

In this conversation, Larissa and Maria Kolodziej discuss the role of MTSS coaching in middle schools, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, building effective teams, and addressing both academic and behavioral supports. Maria shares her experiences and challenges in implementing MTSS, highlighting the need for empathy and trust in coaching relationships. They also explore the significance of foundational skills for students and the impact of SEL on student success, concluding with a success story that illustrates the positive outcomes of effective MTSS practices.

Resources:

Article: Best Practices at Tier 1 For the Secondary Level

Article: Implementing MTSS at the Secondary Level: Answering 4 Common Questions

MTSS Coaching Toolkit

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Takeaways:

• Effective coaching is essential for successful MTSS implementation.
• Middle school teachers often lack training in intervention strategies.
• Building trust with teachers is crucial for effective coaching.
• SEL lessons are important but need to be supplemented with small group instruction.
• Teachers must understand that students may lack foundational skills.
• Collaboration with administrators is key to scheduling interventions.
• Empathy is vital in coaching relationships with stressed teachers.
• Success in MTSS may take time and requires a long-term vision.
• Teachers need to shift their mindset to focus on student needs over content standards.
• Small wins in MTSS can lead to greater belief in the process.

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 podcast@branchingminds.com!

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 podcast@branchingminds.com!

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

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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 podcast@branchingminds.com!

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/

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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 podcast@branchingminds.com!

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 podcast@branchingminds.com!