In this Ask an Expert episode, Larissa asks Dr. Essie Sutton, Director of Learning Science and Trudy Bender, Senior Manager of Thought Leadership, about the benefits of universal screening for social and emotional needs in schools. The conversation highlights the importance of addressing the social and emotional needs of all students, including those who may fly under the radar. These experts provide recommendations for schools overwhelmed by the number of students needing support, including focusing on tier one interventions, seeking community partnerships, and implementing structured recess programs.

Resources:

Guide for Universal Screening for SEL & Behavior

Common Questions for MTSS & SEL

Tier 2 Behavior Guide

Nurturing a Sense of Belonging in Schools Webinar

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Takeaways:

• Universal screening allows schools to assess the social and emotional needs of all students, providing a more systematic and unbiased approach compared to teacher referrals.
• Transparency and clear communication with parents about the purpose and use of screening data are crucial for building trust and engagement.
• Addressing the social and emotional needs of all students, including those who may fly under the radar, is essential for creating a safe and supportive learning environment.
• When overwhelmed by the number of students needing support, schools can focus on tier one interventions, seek community partnerships, and implement structured recess programs.
• Conducting screening multiple times throughout the year allows schools to track progress, identify patterns, and inform targeted interventions.

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 interviews Christie Creele, the assistant director of MTSS at Garland Independent School District in Texas. They discuss how to set up the school year for successful MTSS implementation. Christie shares insights on creating buy-in, addressing assumptions, and supporting the whole child. She emphasizes the importance of team collaboration, involving all stakeholders, and providing training and support. Christie also talks about the challenges and stages of MTSS implementation and offers practical tips for the first few weeks of school.

Resources:

Beginning of Year MTSS Gameplan Ebook

Beginning of Year MTSS Gameplan Webinar

MTSS Meetings Guide & Toolkit

MTSS From Buy-in to Implementation Article

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Takeaways:

• Setting up the school year for successful MTSS implementation requires creating buy-in and addressing assumptions.
• Team collaboration and involving all stakeholders are crucial for effective MTSS implementation.
• Providing training and support, as well as clear communication and consistent meetings, are essential for building a robust MTSS system.
• MTSS implementation is an ongoing process that takes time and requires continuous improvement.
• Supporting the whole child and focusing on what's best for students should be the driving force behind MTSS implementation.

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 importance of attendance in schools and how schools can use a multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) to address attendance issues. The conversation also highlights concrete examples of attendance interventions, such as mentorship programs, family engagement initiatives, incentive programs, and promoting school connectedness. The episode concludes by recommending additional resources for further exploration of the topic.

Resources:

MTSS and Attendance Article

A Guide to Finding and Using Evidence-Based MTSS Interventions

Attendance Works

Podcast Episode: What Can We Do About Attendance?

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Takeaways:

• Attendance is crucial for student success, and schools can use a multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) to address attendance issues.
• MTSS involves tracking and supporting student attendance through data analysis and early intervention.
• Concrete examples of attendance interventions include mentorship programs, family engagement initiatives, incentive programs, and promoting school connectedness.
• Additional resources, such as Attendance Works and NASP, provide research and strategies for improving student attendance.

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!