Schoolin' Around Schoolin' Around by Branching Minds

In this episode, Larissa discusses the importance of family involvement in schools and how it can lead to MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) success. She provides five practical tips for enhancing family involvement, including fostering personal relationships, introducing the MTSS framework positively, establishing clear communication protocols, tracking and sharing communication efforts, and empowering students and families through student-led conferences. Larissa emphasizes the impact of increased family engagement on student attendance, engagement, and overall success.
Resources:
MTSS & Families Toolkit
MTSS & Families Article
MTSS & Families Guide
Interested in learning more about Branching Minds:
Request a consultation
Takeaways:
Family collaboration and communication are important aspects of a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS).Fostering personal relationships with families can lead to better understanding and support for students.Introducing the MTSS framework positively can build trust and openness with families.Establishing clear communication protocols helps keep everyone on the same page and prevents misunderstandings.Tracking and sharing communication efforts ensures collaboration and avoids overwhelming parents.Empowering students and families through student-led conferences promotes student ownership of learning.
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 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' questionsOne-on-one meetings with teachers can help identify and address students who are not making adequate progressImplementing 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.