Schoolin' Around

SUMMER REPLAY: In this conversation, Michele James, member of Branching Minds Professional Services, and Larissa discuss the critical aspects of supporting new teachers, particularly through the implementation of MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports). They emphasize the importance of building community, providing structured support, and creating a collaborative environment for new educators. The discussion covers strategies for effective onboarding, the significance of mentorship, and the need for ongoing professional development to ensure new teachers feel equipped and confident in their roles.Resources:Administrators Guide to Supporting TeachersMTSS Coaching ToolkitICEL Key Domains of LearningRIOT and ICEL Matrix: Sources of Information and Variables to Assess Takeaways:Building community is essential for new teachers' success.New teachers often feel overwhelmed, akin to 'drinking out of a fire hose.'Orientation should focus on relationship-building rather than just information delivery.MTSS implementation requires a clear path and ongoing support.Teachers can only handle a limited amount of information at once.New teachers should have a seat at the table in collaborative meetings.Creating a non-evaluative atmosphere helps new teachers feel safe.Asking the right questions can guide productive discussions about student support.Planning for professional development is crucial for new teachers.Strategic onboarding can significantly impact new teachers' experiences.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 [email protected]!

SUMMER REPLAY: 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 regularly revisiting and updating the MTSS handbook to ensure clarity and address teachers' questions.Resources:Guide: MTSS Buy-in and Mobilization GuideWebinar: Buy-In (in MTSS) is Like SunscreenArticle: MTSS From Buy-in to Implementation: 8 Steps for ChangeTakeaways: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 studentsLearn 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 [email protected]!

In this conversation, Larissa and Sandra discuss essential back-to-school strategies for educators and school leaders. They emphasize the excitement of a new school year, the importance of setting a positive tone, and the need for clear communication and visibility in leadership. They also highlight the importance of building relationships and support systems among staff, the necessity of meaningful professional development, and the role of feedback in fostering a culture of continuous improvement. The discussion provides practical tips and insights for creating a successful school year.Resources:Administrators Guide to Supporting TeachersLeader Protocol Guide for Buy-InMTSS Month by Month ChecklistBeginning of Year MTSS Gameplan EbookTakeaways:The excitement of a new school year brings fresh opportunities.Showing value to staff and students is crucial for success.Clear expectations help prioritize important goals.Effective communication reduces stress and fosters collaboration.Visibility and approachability of leaders enhance school culture.Building relationships among staff supports a positive environment.Professional development should be meaningful and relevant.Feedback should be constructive and promote growth.Creating a culture of continuous improvement benefits everyone.Leaders should focus on one goal at a time to avoid overwhelm.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 [email protected]!

Summer Replay: This conversation explores the implementation of Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) in secondary education, specifically at Medina City Schools in Ohio. The discussion highlights the challenges faced, the roles of educators, and the importance of data-driven decision-making. The speakers share their experiences with MTSS, emphasizing the need for systematic support, collaboration among staff, and the integration of social-emotional learning (SEL) into the educational framework. They also provide insights into the progress made and the future goals for improving student outcomes.Resources:Guide: Implementing MTSS in Secondary Schools MTSS in Secondary SchoolsMTSS in High School ArticleWebinar: EWS https://hubs.ly/Q02RznQb0 Takeaways:MTSS is becoming more common in secondary schools.Collaboration among educators is crucial for MTSS success.Data collection and analysis are foundational for effective MTSS.Social-emotional learning is essential for student engagement.Teachers need ongoing professional development to implement MTSS.Building relationships with students is key to their success.Addressing disproportionality in education is a priority.Focusing on one area of improvement at a time is effective.Creating a supportive school culture enhances student learning.Continuous communication about the purpose of MTSS is necessary.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 [email protected]!

In this episode, Larissa Napolitan talks with April Remfrey, international educational consultant, about building supportive school systems, effective classroom routines, and fostering trust and collaboration among educators. They explore practical strategies for leaders to enhance MTSS implementation and create sustainable, inclusive learning environments.Resources:https://www.remfrey.com/ April Remfrey on LinkedInLeader Protocol Guide for Buy-InHow to Lead for Improved Student Outcomes Using Real-Time, Real-Life InsightsTakeaways:Systems are reflected in teacher conversations.Teaching practices are rooted in system soil.Proactive maintenance beats reactive intervention.Trust and calmness signal system health.Feedback loops act like nutrients.Small shifts can ripple widely.Sustained focus beats quick fixes.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 [email protected]!

In this episode, we discuss the importance of setting intentions over goals, reflection, and how deliberate leadership can transform the upcoming school year. She offers practical strategies for educators to reflect, set intentions, and lead with purpose, especially in the context of MTSS.Resources:Leader Protocol Guide for Buy-InSummer Reflection QuestionsArticle: Reflecting on Yourself as a LeaderArticle: How to Let Your Values Guide You as a School LeaderArticle: What K-12 Leaders Need to Know About the Power of Self-ReflectionArticle: Setting Intentions: A Powerful Tool to Help Us LearnTakeaways:Distinguish between goals that set destinations and intentions that define how you show up.Use reflection as a counterbalance to keep school change from becoming chaos or burnout.Set clear intentions to prime your neural system for spotting opportunities that align with your leadership style.Protect your staff’s energy by removing unnecessary initiatives before adding new ones.Use the L.O.V.E. framework to evaluate whether your decisions truly align with your core values.Build trust through small, kept promises rather than relying on grand declarations.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 [email protected]!

The episode explores how deep district alignment transforms educational practices by embedding frameworks into daily routines in Person County, North Carolina. The guests, Kelly Kiser and Lyndsay Hubbard, highlight the importance of visibility in student progress to boost teacher buy-in and confidence. The discussion emphasizes hands-on support through coaching, which bridges the gap between policy and practice. Finally, it showcases how consistent structures and cross-school collaboration lead to sustainable educational transformation.Resources:The Superintendent’s Guide to MTSS and District Strategic PlanningLeader Protocol Guide for Buy-InGuide for Sustainable MTSS Implementation Administrators Guide to Supporting TeachersRequest a consultationTakeaways:Embedding frameworks into daily practices leads to true reform.Tangible growth evidence turns compliance into conviction.Coaching bridges the gap between policy and practice.Standardizing protocols ensures high-quality practices.Rethinking support models ignites transformation.Sharing practices reduces siloed thinking.A well-planned calendar builds confidence and momentum.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 [email protected]!

In this interview, Dr. Kristen Panzerella from Lawrence UFSD in New York, shares her district's journey in implementing MTSS, emphasizing the importance of getting into the work quickly, building staff buy-in through consistency, and adapting practices to support diverse student populations. Discover practical strategies for overcoming analysis paralysis and fostering a culture of action in education.Resources:Leader Protocol Guide for Buy-InMTSS Meetings GuideRequest a consultationTakeaways:Start quickly to fuel progress.Visible results build commitment.Consistency unifies student experiences.Focus on a few targeted interventions.Action builds momentum faster than planning.Small wins foster continuous improvement.Rapid action reveals real needs.Empower staff to innovate and revise.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 [email protected]!

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 AdministratorsBlog: End-of-Year Reflection and Planning With MTSS: Connect the Dots With Branching MindsEOY Action PlanSchedule 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 [email protected]!

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 ToolkitExecutive Function in MTSSExecutive Function WebinarBook: Executive Functions for Every K-3 Classroom: Promoting Self-Regulation for a Strong Start Organized Binder2026 Mini SummitTakeaways: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 [email protected]!

This podcast episode features a deep dive into a decade-long journey of implementing and refining Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) in Mineola Union Free School District in New York. Sara Ortiz and Katie Shanahan share insights, challenges, and strategies for building a data-driven, proactive support system that enhances student outcomes and staff collaboration.Resources:The Superintendent’s Guide to MTSS and District Strategic PlanningCapacity Building for MTSS ArticleMTSS From Buy-in to Implementation ArticleArticle: Leadership and System-Level Work in MTSSRegister for MTSS Mini SummitRequest a consultationTakeaways:Align stakeholders to prevent siloed efforts.Use data to prevent crises.Transform culture with strategic data use.Use a manual for aligned decision-making.Regular dialogue fosters resilience.Enhance decisions with comprehensive systems.Recognize implementation as a long-term journey.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 [email protected]!

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 ConnectednessTier 2 Behavior GuideMTSS in Secondary SchoolsDesigning a Menu of Behavior Intervention Options: Beyond Check-In Check-Out MTSS Mini Summit 2026Request a consultationTakeaways: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 [email protected]!