In this episode, host Larissa Napolitan engages with a panel of experts to discuss the implementation of Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) in K-12 education. Guests include Karen Castle, Director Emeritus of Professional Services at Branching Minds, Dr. Mary O’Meara is the Superintendent of the Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District in New York, and Dr. Barbara Jenkins, A highly recognized education leader, Florida Superintendent of the Year in 2017 and a top finalist for the national title.

The conversation covers the importance of aligning MTSS with district strategic plans, the role of data in driving educational outcomes, and the necessity of collaboration among educators. The panelists share their experiences in building a comprehensive MTSS framework, fostering buy-in from staff, and the critical role of leadership in ensuring the success of MTSS initiatives. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the importance of setting clear adoption milestones and the necessity of continuous progress monitoring in educational settings. They emphasize the need for a living strategic plan that includes regular check-ins and adjustments based on data. Finally, the speakers address the importance of discipline in educational leadership, focusing on data-driven decision-making and purposeful abandonment of ineffective initiatives.

Resources:

The Superintendent’s Guide to MTSS and District Strategic Planning

Superintendents and MTSS Article

Superintendents and MTSS Webinar

2024 Listener Survey

Request a consultation

Takeaways:

• MTSS should be integrated into the district's strategic plan.
• Collaboration among teachers enhances the effectiveness of MTSS.
• Leadership from the superintendent is crucial for MTSS success.
• Professional development is necessary for staff to understand MTSS.
• A comprehensive MTSS plan should address all student needs.
• MTSS is a long-term commitment, not a quick fix.
• Creating a culture of support benefits both students and educators. Strategic planning should include a live dashboard for tracking progress.
• Continuous improvement is essential for both student outcomes and organizational success.
• Communication plans must be intentional and clear to ensure alignment.
• Data-driven decision-making is vital in K-12 education.
• Purposeful abandonment of ineffective initiatives is necessary for progress.
• Setting clear goals helps in aligning efforts across the district.

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!

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Episode Description:

In this conversation, Mitch Weathers, teacher, author and creator of Organize Binder, discusses the critical role of executive functioning skills in education, particularly for middle and high school students. They explore how these skills impact student success, the importance of routines in the classroom, and the cognitive load that students experience as they transition between different educational environments. Mitch shares his personal experiences as a teacher and the insights he gained about the necessity of teaching organization and self-regulation skills to help students thrive academically and emotionally. In this conversation, Larissa and Mitch Weathers discuss the importance of executive functioning skills in education, how collective teacher efficacy can enhance student outcomes, and the balance between technology and traditional learning methods. Mitch shares insights from his book, 'Executive Functions for Every Classroom,' highlighting practical approaches for teachers to implement these concepts effectively.

Resources:

Organized Binder

Mitch’s Book: Executive Functions for Every Classroom, Grades 3-12: Creating Safe and Predictable Learning Environments

Executive Function Webinar

Executive Function Toolkit

Executive Function in MTSS

Executive Function Blog 2

Request a consultation

Takeaways:

• Executive functioning skills are essential for student success.
• Organization is a foundational skill that many students lack.
• Students often feel better when they are organized.
• Teaching routines can significantly aid student learning.
• Cognitive load affects students' ability to learn and self-regulate.
• Routines help reduce anxiety during transitions in school.
• Mental calories are a finite resource for students.
• Clarity in expectations can help students thrive in new environments.
• Collective routines among teachers can ease student transitions.
• Collective teacher efficacy significantly impacts student success.
• Routine and clarity in the classroom foster a safe learning environment.
• Modeling executive functioning skills is crucial for student 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.

Send feedback or inquiries to podcast@branchingminds.com!

In this conversation, Larissa and Julie Miller-Johnson, Branching Minds Associate Director of Funding and Proposals, discuss the complexities of funding for Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) in education. They explore various funding sources, including federal, state, and private grants, and how schools can align their needs with available resources. Julie shares insights on the importance of understanding the nuances of each funding source and the necessity of evidence-based practices in securing funds. Additionally, the conversation addresses the current funding challenges faced by districts, especially in the wake of the ESSER funding cliff, and emphasizes the need for creativity and strategic planning in funding initiatives to support MTSS implementation.

Resources:

Funding Opportunities for MTSS

How Schools Fund MTSS

MTSS Buyer's Guide

Request a consultation

2024 Listener Survey

Takeaways

• Understanding MTSS is crucial for effective funding.
• Federal grants are often rooted in equity.
• State grants vary significantly by region.
• Private funding can be a viable option for smaller districts.
• Evidence-based practices are essential for federal funding.
• Grants often align with legislative initiatives.
• Successful funding strategies involve detailed research and planning. Branching Minds is an evidence-based program that meets federal funding requirements.
• Mixing and matching different funding sources can be beneficial.

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!