In this conversation, Larissa and Erica Ilcyn, former middle school special ed teacher, discuss the concept of a feedback hole and how it impacts student engagement. The conversation touches on topics such as the role of emotional safety, the impact of standardized tests, and the importance of modeling resilience and growth mindset as a teacher. The conversation explores the importance of listening to student feedback and the impact it can have on student engagement and learning. The hosts discuss the need for teachers and leaders to actively seek and value student input, and to take action based on that feedback.

Resources:

"Feedback Hole" Article

Student Feedback Article

Student Surveys

Request a consultation

Takeaways:

• Creating a safe and supportive learning environment is crucial for student engagement.
• Students need to feel heard, valued, and seen in the classroom.
• Immediate feedback is important for student learning and growth.
• Emotional safety plays a key role in student engagement.
• Modeling resilience and a growth mindset as a teacher can positively impact student engagement. Listening to student feedback and taking action based on that feedback is crucial for student engagement and learning.
• Specific and timely feedback is powerful in supporting student growth and building trust.
• Leaders should actively seek and value feedback from both students and teachers, and take action based on that feedback.

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.

In this episode of the School and Around podcast, Trudy Bender, school pyschologist and Chris Causebrook, District MTSS Specialist, discuss Tier 3 behavior planning in schools. They emphasize the importance of district and campus teams, universal screening for behavior, designated staff and space, and professional development. They also highlight the need for a standard treatment protocol, intervention content designed for schools, and wraparound and mental health support. The episode provides practical tips and resources for implementing tier three behavior intervention in schools.

Resources:

Check out all the resources mentioned in the episode here: Tier 3 Behavior Planning Webinar for Leaders

Other helpful resources:

Behavior Planning Template

Part 1 Tier 3 Behavior Webinar

Part 2 Tier 3 Behavior Webinar

Tier 2 Behavior Guide

Tier 3 Behavior Guide

Learn more about how Branching Minds can help: Request a consultation

Takeaways:

• District and campus teams are crucial for implementing tier three behavior intervention in schools.
• Universal screening for behavior helps identify students who need support.
• Designated staff and space are necessary to provide intensive intervention for tier three behavior.
• Professional development is essential for building the skills and knowledge of staff members.
• A standard treatment protocol and intervention content designed for schools are important for effective behavior intervention.
• Wraparound and mental health support can greatly benefit students with tier three behavior 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.

In this episode, Larissa Napolitan interviews Catherine Cueva, the director of MTSS for the Hempstead Union Free School District in Long Island, New York. They discuss the role of a director of MTSS and the importance of holistic support for all students. Catherine shares her journey with MTSS and emphasizes the need for understanding systems and implementation science.

Resources:

4 Tips for Leading MTSS Article

Capacity Building for MTSS Article

Ultimate MTSS Guide

Mindset Is A Resource Webinar

Request a consultation

Takeaways:

• The role of a director of MTSS is to ensure that systems and processes are in place to support all students.
• Understanding systems and implementation science is crucial for the effective implementation of MTSS.
• MTSS is a holistic approach that supports students academically, behaviorally, and emotionally.
• Providing support and resources for teachers is essential for the successful implementation of MTSS.
• Continuous reflection and improvement are necessary for effective implementation of MTSS.

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.

In this conversation, Larissa interviews Shannon Thornton from Warrensville, Ohio, about the implementation of Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) in their district. Shannon emphasizes the importance of teacher buy-in and the need for ongoing education and training on MTSS. She also discusses the development of an MTSS handbook to provide a centralized resource for teachers and administrators. In this conversation, Shannon Thornton, a district administrator, discusses the implementation of MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) in her district. She emphasizes the importance of revisiting and updating the MTSS handbook regularly to ensure clarity and address teachers' questions.

Resources:

MTSS Buy-in and Mobilization Guide

Webinar: Buy-In (in MTSS) is Like Sunscreen

MTSS From Buy-in to Implementation Article

Request a consultation

Takeaways:

• Implementing MTSS is a complex task that requires investment in intervention teachers and programs.
• Teacher buy-in is crucial for successful implementation of MTSS.
• Ongoing education and training on MTSS is necessary to ensure understanding and implementation fidelity.
• Implementing MTSS at the secondary level presents unique challenges, including the need for specialized teachers.
• A centralized resource, such as an MTSS handbook, can support teachers and administrators in implementing MTSS effectively. Regularly revisiting and updating the MTSS handbook is crucial for clarity and addressing teachers' questions
• One-on-one meetings with teachers can help identify and address students who are not making adequate progress
• Implementing MTSS can lead to growth and improved outcomes for students

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.

In this conversation, Larissa and her guest, Dr. Michael Nagler, discuss the development of the Synergy program, an alternative high school program that offers a different approach to education. The program aims to give students more autonomy and flexibility in their learning, allowing them to pursue their interests and passions. Dr. Nagler emphasizes the importance of helping students understand themselves and what makes them tick, as well as providing opportunities for them to explore different subjects and career paths.

Resources:

The Design Thinking Book by Dr. Nagler

Twitter: @NaglersNotions

MTSS in Alternative Settings Article

The Superintendent’s Guide to MTSS and District Strategic Planning

Takeaways:

• Helping students understand themselves and what they're interested in is crucial for their educational journey.
• Providing opportunities for students to explore different subjects and career paths can help them discover their passions.
• Schools need to evolve and adapt to meet the changing needs of students and the world they will graduate into.
• Leaders should embrace a mindset of evolution, not revolution, and be open to feedback and making adjustments to their programs.
• Finding a balance between compliance and giving students the freedom to pursue their interests is key.

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.

In this episode, Toni Liza-DeMello, the district MTSS manager for Chicago Public Schools, and Dr. Eva Dundas, the chief academic officer of Branching Minds, discuss the journey of implementing an equitable MTSS system in a large urban district. They highlight the importance of district-wide support and collaboration with various departments, such as social-emotional learning, language and culture, equity, diverse learner support, and college and career readiness. They emphasize the need for a strong foundation in tier one instruction and the use of data to inform support plans.

Resources:

• The Superintendent’s Guide to MTSS and District Strategic Planning
• SEL Guide
• English Language Learner Article
• Leader Protocol Guide for Buy-In

Takeaways:

• Implementing an equitable MTSS system in a large urban district requires district-wide support and collaboration with various departments.
• A strong foundation in Tier 1 instruction is essential for the success of MTSS.
• Data-driven decision-making is crucial in identifying student needs and informing support plans.
• Challenges in implementing MTSS include staffing, time allocation, resistance to change, and the perception of MTSS as just another district initiative.

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.

In this episode, Larissa interviews Joel Addis, an elementary school principal, about his experiences and strategies for managing the busy role of a school leader. They discuss the misconceptions and how the role of a principal is different than he expected. Joel emphasizes the importance of being instructionally focused. In this conversation, Joel Addis discusses the importance of time tracking and intentionality in school leadership. He shares how using the SAM process (Strategic Action Model) has helped him prioritize and maximize his time as a school leader. He also highlights the importance of being present and engaged with staff and students, as well as the value of distributive leadership. Overall, the conversation explores how effective time management and intentional leadership can positively impact school culture and student outcomes.

Resources:

Principal Leadership Article

Leader Protocol Guide for Buy-In

National SAM Organization

Request a consultation

Takeaways:

• The role of a school principal often comes with many responsibilities that are related to managing the day-to-day operations of a school, which can overshadow the instructional aspect of education.
• Being instructionally focused is crucial for principals, as there is a direct correlation between principals who spend a majority of their time on instructional activities and student achievement.
• By tracking and reflecting on how time is spent, principals can make adjustments to ensure that they are effectively prioritizing instructional activities. Time tracking and intentionality are crucial for effective school leadership.
• Distributive leadership eases the burden on leaders and empowers the team.
• Effective time management and intentional leadership can positively impact student 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.

Dr. Avis Williams, superintendent of NOLA Public Schools, discusses the district's initiative to address the mental health crisis among students. The district has implemented the 'mental minute' practice, which encourages students and staff to take a minute each day to engage in activities that promote mental well-being, such as reading, journaling, and breathing exercises. Dr. Williams emphasizes the importance of listening to students, using data to guide decision-making, and getting commitment from leaders to prioritize mental health in schools.

Resources:

Mental Health Article

Mental Health Webinar

SEL Guide

nolapublicschools.com

X - DrAvisW

IG and FB - dr.aviswilliams

NOLA-PS Socials:

Facebook @nolapublicschools

IG: @nolaps

YouTube: @nolapublicschools

X: @NOLAPSchools

Takeaways

• Implementing small, digestible practices like the 'mental minute' can help normalize conversations about mental health and make it more feasible for students and staff to engage in self-care.
• Partnerships with community organizations, such as Children's Hospital, can provide additional resources and support for mental health initiatives in schools.
• Listening to students and using data to guide decision-making are essential in addressing the mental health needs of students.
• Getting commitment from leaders and involving stakeholders in the planning and implementation process is crucial for the success of mental health initiatives in schools.

Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting 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.