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

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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 podcast@branchingminds.com!

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 podcast@branchingminds.com!

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 podcast@branchingminds.com!

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

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Takeaways:

1. Developing emotional intelligence can reduce burnout and improve school culture.
2. Consistent practice of self-awareness and breathwork enhances resilience.
3. 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 podcast@branchingminds.com!

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

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Takeaways:

1. Effective summer professional development strategies
2. Adult learning theory and its application in education
3. Building and sustaining a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS)
4. Leadership development and coaching for school leaders
5. 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 podcast@branchingminds.com!

In this episode, Cass McKay, a former testing coordinator and member of the Branching Minds team, shares practical tips, humorous stories, and insights to help educators navigate the stressful assessment season. From planning and team management to debunking myths, discover how to survive and thrive during testing time.

Resources:

8th/9th Month MTSS Checklist

School Leader Guide to PD

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Takeaways:

1. Always have a backup plan for testing day disruptions.
2. Build a supportive team with clear communication tools.
3. Don’t be too rigid with schedules; adapt as needed.
4. Take care of yourself — wear comfortable shoes and eat well.
5. Use humor and stories to connect and reduce stress.

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 interviews school leaders in Texas about what is going well in their districts. They share insights on how to foster a supportive environment for both educators and students, emphasizing the need for effective communication and shared leadership in schools.

Resources:

Administrators Guide to Supporting Teachers

College and Career Readiness Webinar

Leader Protocol Guide for Buy-In

MTSS & Families Toolkit

Tier 1 Core Instruction Article

Request a consultation

Takeaways:

1. Celebrating small wins can reignite motivation in education.
2. Community engagement is crucial for successful educational programs.
3. Collaboration among staff leads to improved student outcomes.
4. Data-driven decisions help identify areas for improvement.
5. Investing in leadership development enhances instructional quality.
6. Parent involvement is key to student success.
7. Utilizing effective curricula can lead to significant growth.
8. Shared knowledge among staff fosters a positive school culture.
9. Continuous training is essential for adapting to new educational challenges.
10. Building a supportive team environment is vital for achieving goals.

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 discusses the importance of teamwork in education with representatives from Springs Charter Schools, who have successfully implemented a holistic approach to student support through the MTSS framework. They share insights on the significance of data visibility, collaboration across departments, and the necessity of training for effective implementation. The discussion emphasizes the shift from individual responsibility to a shared commitment to student success, highlighting the importance of building relationships and addressing the root causes of student challenges.

Resources:

MTSS From Buy-in to Implementation Article

A Guide to Self-Assessment of MTSS Implementation

Middle of Year eBook

Momentum Awards

Takeaways:

1. Teamwork is essential for student success in education.
2. MTSS is a collaborative approach that involves all staff members.
3. Data visibility is crucial for understanding student needs.
4. Training is vital for effective implementation of MTSS.
5. Building relationships with students is foundational for progress.
6. Personalized learning requires flexibility and adaptation.
7. Collaboration across departments enhances student support.
8. Addressing root causes leads to better student outcomes.
9. Success stories motivate and inspire educators.
10. Continuous feedback and adjustment are necessary for 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 podcast@branchingminds.com!