Schoolin' Around

Schoolin' Around by Branching Minds

Schoolin' Around is a weekly podcast hosted by Branching Minds, featuring prominent leaders, subject-matter experts, and thought innovators with their perspectives on the current challenges facing K-12 education. You can find more info about Branching Minds at our website, branchingminds.com or follow on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds.

  1. 1D AGO

    EOY Insights: How To Turn MTSS Data Into Actionable Wins Before Summer Break

    In this episode, Valerie Parsons, a Professional Learning Consultant at Branching Minds, school administrator, and author of the MTSS playbook series, shares her expert insights on leveraging end-of-year data to improve educational outcomes. She discusses key topics such as data analysis, universal screening, test preparation strategies, and effective planning for the upcoming school year. Resources: MTSS Playbook Series: End-of-Year Winning Plays Webinar: Turning Insights into Action: EOY Data for Administrators Blog: End-of-Year Reflection and Planning With MTSS: Connect the Dots With Branching Minds EOY Action Plan Schedule a Conversation Takeaways: Use data to make informed decisions and improve educational outcomes.Utilize checklists to ensure nothing falls through the cracks during the school year.Keep motivation high and evaluate student progress to plan future support.Understand the benefits and limitations of different assessment types.Ensure district-wide consistency in cut scores for accurate data analysis.Use data to guide professional learning and improve instructional effectiveness.Regularly assess and refine 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!

    36 min
  2. MAY 19

    Executive Functions for K-3 Students for a Strong Start

    This episode explores the critical role of self-regulation and executive functions in early education, revealing how they underpin academic success. Authors Mitch Weathers and Sarah Oberle share practical strategies for creating classroom environments that nurture these skills. By focusing on routines and reducing distractions, educators can enhance students' ability to learn and behave effectively. This approach empowers teachers to foster independence and resilience in young learners. Resources: Executive Function Toolkit Executive Function in MTSS Executive Function Webinar Book: Executive Functions for Every K-3 Classroom: Promoting Self-Regulation for a Strong Start Organized Binder 2026 Mini Summit Takeaways: Executive functions are essential for early learning success.Classroom environments significantly impact executive function development.Cognitive bandwidth limits learning capacity and needs support.Supporting executive functions promotes educational equity.Teaching self-regulation is foundational to learning.Consistent routines enhance cognitive development.Leadership is key to embedding executive function 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 podcast@branchingminds.com!

    44 min
  3. MAY 6

    The Surprising Impact of Check-In, Check-Out for High School Students

    In this episode, Kristyn Jones and Heather Terry from Norris High School in Nebraska, explore how their implementation of a check-in, check-out intervention is fostering more proactive and relational support systems for students with behavioral needs. They share practical insights, data strategies, and team collaboration tips that can help other schools build effective Tier 2 behavior interventions. Resources: Webinar: Check In Check Out and Beyond: Tier 2 Behavior Interventions That Build Relationships and Foster School Connectedness Tier 2 Behavior Guide MTSS in Secondary Schools Designing a Menu of Behavior Intervention Options: Beyond Check-In Check-Out MTSS Mini Summit 2026 Request a consultation Takeaways: Check-in, check-out (CICO) serves as an effective Tier 2 intervention and tracking system.Integration with the branching minds platform enhances monitoring and decision-making.Teacher training and staff buy-in are crucial for successful implementation.Real-life success stories demonstrate the intervention’s positive impact.Data is leveraged for relational support and academic improvement.Discipline and behavioral data inform broader Tier 1 and Tier 3 practices.School staff collaboration, including counselors and resource officers, is vital.Gradual implementation and patience are key to rolling out interventions.Creative scheduling helps embed Tier 2 supports during the school day. 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!

    32 min
4.9
out of 5
33 Ratings

About

Schoolin' Around is a weekly podcast hosted by Branching Minds, featuring prominent leaders, subject-matter experts, and thought innovators with their perspectives on the current challenges facing K-12 education. You can find more info about Branching Minds at our website, branchingminds.com or follow on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds.

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