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. 6D AGO

    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
  2. MAR 31

    If You’re Waiting for Office Referrals, You’re Waiting Too Long

    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 supportData integration across academic and behavioral domains unlocks holistic student supportTeacher biases and subjectivity distort student identification without standardized toolsCapacity and cultural considerations are central to successful screening adoptionFear 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!

    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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