In this conversation, Larissa and Dr. Jess Plaza discuss the critical topic of school safety within the framework of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). They explore the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for students, emphasizing the need for both physical and emotional safety. Dr. Plaza shares insights on proactive versus reactive approaches to safety, the challenges of implementing safety protocols, and the significance of team dynamics in threat assessments. The discussion also highlights the role of data in identifying student needs and the importance of community support in fostering a holistic educational environment.

Resources:

Guide: Threat Assessment Guide

Article: Assessing Threats and Preventing Danger in Schools: A Multi-Tiered Process

2025 Branching Minds MTSS Summit

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Takeaways:

• School safety is a top priority for educators.
• Emotional and psychological safety is harder to address than physical safety.
• Proactive approaches can prevent crises in schools.
• Clear structures and routines help create a predictable environment.
• MTSS should address both academic and social-emotional needs equally.
• Data from threat assessments is crucial for planning interventions.
• Community support enhances the effectiveness of school safety measures.
• Training staff on responses to crises is essential.
• Building a sense of belonging improves student engagement.
• Confidentiality must be balanced with the need for support.

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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This episode explores how meaningful, timely, and growth-oriented feedback drives continuous improvement within schools and MTSS frameworks. Drawing from classroom experiences and leadership examples, the host demonstrates how feedback—when specific, collaborative, and actionable—empowers educators, strengthens instructional practice, and fosters a culture of trust. The discussion moves from why feedback matters to practical strategies for giving and receiving it effectively, highlighting its essential role in creating thriving, reflective school communities.

Resources:

Article: Building Trust and MTSS Buy-In Through Teacher Feedback

Student Feedback Article

MTSS Coaching Toolkit

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Takeaways:

• Feedback is a Growth Engine, Not a Task: When feedback focuses on learning and trust rather than evaluation, it becomes a catalyst for lasting improvement.
• Be Specific and Actionable: Effective feedback targets behaviors, not personality, and offers concrete examples that lead to real classroom changes.
• Create Dialogue, Not Monologue: Feedback should be a two-way conversation where reflection and collaboration drive ownership of professional growth.
• Build a Culture of Psychological Safety: Schools thrive when teachers feel safe to both give and receive feedback without fear—encouraging vulnerability, reflection, and continuous learning.
• Model and Embed Feedback in Daily Practice: Leaders should model openness by inviting feedback on their own work and weave feedback into existing systems for ongoing 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 conversation, Larissa and Maria Laws explore the intersection of AI and education, discussing how AI can empower both educators and students. They delve into the potential of AI tools to enhance learning experiences, support diverse student needs, and alleviate some of the burdens faced by teachers. The discussion emphasizes the importance of collaboration, addressing resistance to AI, and navigating the ambiguity that comes with adopting new technologies in educational settings. Ultimately, they highlight the role of educators in shaping the future of AI in classrooms and the need for a mindset shift towards embracing innovation.

Resources:

AI for Educators

Future of Meetings with AI Article

Maria Laws LinkedIn

https://scale.stanford.edu/genai/repository

2025 Branching Minds MTSS Summit

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Takeaways:

• AI tools promise enhanced ease and efficiency in education.
• Maria Laws emphasizes the global impact of AI on education.
• AI can empower students to take charge of their learning.
• AI tools can support teachers in meeting diverse student needs.
• Educators need to feel comfortable navigating AI tools.
• Collaboration among educators is crucial for effective AI integration.
• Resistance to AI often stems from fear and uncertainty.
• Professional development should focus on experimentation with AI.
• AI is a part of students' lives and should be integrated into education.
• Empowering educators is key to successful AI adoption.

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!

Larissa and her guest, Ashley Pennell, former Assistant Director of Special Education, explore the misconceptions surrounding accommodations in special education, emphasizing the importance of understanding their purpose and the need for individualized support. The discussion highlights the necessity of involving students in their learning process and creating a supportive classroom environment that removes stigmas around asking for help.

Resources:

https://www.ncld.org/

https://www.understood.org/

https://www.ed.gov/laws-and-policy/individuals-disabilities/section-504

Special Ed Article

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

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Takeaways:

• Accommodations provide access, not unfair advantages.
• Misunderstandings about accommodations stem from lack of education.
• It's essential to regularly evaluate the need for accommodations.
• Involving students in discussions about their accommodations is crucial.
• Creating a supportive classroom environment helps reduce stigma.
• Accommodations can be temporary and should be re-evaluated.
• Personalized accommodations are necessary for student success.
• Leveling the playing field is vital for students with disabilities.
• Educators must understand the difference between accommodations and modifications.
• It's okay for students to ask for help and use tools to succeed.

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 conversation explores the transformative potential of AI in education, focusing on its role in enhancing teaching and learning, the importance of AI literacy for both students and educators, and the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in addressing educational equity. Chris Agnew, Director of Generative AI for Education Hub at Stanford, shares insights on how AI can support underserved communities, the barriers to implementing innovative educational practices, and practical advice for education leaders navigating this evolving landscape.

Resources:

https://acceleratelearning.stanford.edu/initiative/digital-learning/

https://acceleratelearning.stanford.edu/initiative/scale/

https://scale.stanford.edu/ai/repository

https://acceleratelearning.stanford.edu/story/what-does-ai-mean-for-learners-with-disabilities/

https://www.teachai.org/toolkit

https://www.teachai.org/

https://www.cosn.org/

Blog: AI for Educators: Game Changing Tools That Make Your Life Easier

Branchings MTSS Assistant Dottie: https://www.branchingminds.com/dottie-ai-mtss

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Takeaways:

• AI is reshaping education by enhancing teaching and learning.
• AI literacy is essential for both students and educators.
• The potential of AI in education is still being explored.
• AI can help close achievement gaps for underserved communities.
• Reimagining education with AI requires innovative thinking.
• Education leaders face challenges in implementing AI effectively.
• AI tools can streamline administrative tasks for teachers.
• Building a culture of AI literacy is crucial for future success.
• AI can support personalized learning experiences for students.
• Collaboration between educators and AI developers 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.

Send feedback or inquiries to podcast@branchingminds.com!

This conversation focuses on the structure and effectiveness of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) teams in educational settings. The speakers discuss the importance of accountability, data-driven decision-making, and the roles and responsibilities within MTSS teams. They emphasize the need for effective meeting structures and the integration of qualitative and quantitative data to improve student outcomes. The conversation also highlights the significance of leadership and collaboration in implementing MTSS successfully.

Resources:

MTSS Meetings Guide

Article: Ensure Efficiency with MTSS Teams & MTSS Meetings

2025 Branching Minds MTSS Summit

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Takeaways:

• MTSS is essential for improving student outcomes.
• Effective teaming structures are crucial for collaboration.
• Data-driven decision-making enhances the MTSS process.
• Qualitative data provides insights that quantitative data may miss.
• Clear roles and responsibilities improve team efficiency.
• Regular meetings are necessary for effective MTSS implementation.
• Agendas help keep meetings focused and productive.
• Building a supportive schedule is key to MTSS success.
• Leadership plays a vital role in MTSS effectiveness.
• Starting small 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 podcast@branchingminds.com!

In this episode, Larissa discusses the Multi-Tier System of Supports (MTSS) and the importance of analyzing screening data to identify patterns that indicate the effectiveness of core instruction and interventions. She emphasizes the need to address issues such as flipped triangles, upward tier movement, and demographic disparities to create a more equitable educational system. The conversation highlights the significance of strengthening core instruction, ensuring targeted interventions, and fostering collaboration among educators to meet the diverse needs of students.

Resources:

Article: Understanding MTSS Tier Levels: Common Problems and Solutions

Article: Flipped MTSS Triangle? Effective Strategies for School Administrators.

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Takeaways:

• About 80% of students should thrive with Tier 1 core instruction.
• A flipped triangle indicates a system problem, not a student problem.
• Strengthening Tier 1 is essential before supporting Tiers 2 and 3.
• Dynamic MTSS allows students to move between tiers based on response to instruction.
• Quality and quantity of interventions are crucial for success.
• Demographic disparities require an equity check in support systems.
• Implicit bias can influence student identification for support.
• Core instruction must be rigorous and evidence-based.
• Collaboration among educators is key to effective MTSS implementation.
• Data analysis should drive strategic decisions in education.

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, Dr. Whitley Dozier and Larissa discuss the complexities of change management in education, addressing common misconceptions, the role of leadership, and the importance of communication. They emphasize that change is a continuous process that requires ongoing support and understanding of the people involved. The discussion highlights the need for a shared vision, the significance of recognizing resistance as a signal for support, and the necessity of embedding change into the culture of educational institutions.

Resources:

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

Administrators Guide to Supporting Teachers

Capacity Building for MTSS Article

Guide for Sustainable MTSS Implementation

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2025 Branching Minds MTSS Summit

Takeaways:

• Change management has three components: people-focused, process-driven, and outcome-oriented.
• Misconceptions about change often lead to ineffective communication strategies.
• Strong leadership is important, but change must be a collective effort.
• Ongoing communication and feedback are essential for successful change implementation.
• Resistance to change can stem from overload and lack of clarity.
• Change is a continuous process, not a one-time event.
• Celebrating small wins can help maintain momentum in change initiatives.
• Understanding the context and experiences of educators is crucial for effective change management.
• Change management should involve co-creation and shared vision among stakeholders.
• Effective change management requires a focus on both quantitative and qualitative 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!