Schoolin' Around

Dr. Avis Williams, superintendent of NOLA Public Schools, discusses the district's initiative to address the mental health crisis among students. The district has implemented the 'mental minute' practice, which encourages students and staff to take a minute each day to engage in activities that promote mental well-being, such as reading, journaling, and breathing exercises. Dr. Williams emphasizes the importance of listening to students, using data to guide decision-making, and getting commitment from leaders to prioritize mental health in schools.Resources:Mental Health Article Mental Health Webinar SEL Guide nolapublicschools.com X - DrAvisWIG and FB - dr.aviswilliamsNOLA-PS Socials:Facebook @nolapublicschoolsIG: @nolapsYouTube: @nolapublicschoolsX: @NOLAPSchoolsTakeawaysImplementing small, digestible practices like the 'mental minute' can help normalize conversations about mental health and make it more feasible for students and staff to engage in self-care.Partnerships with community organizations, such as Children's Hospital, can provide additional resources and support for mental health initiatives in schools.Listening to students and using data to guide decision-making are essential in addressing the mental health needs of students.Getting commitment from leaders and involving stakeholders in the planning and implementation process is crucial for the success of mental health initiatives in schools.Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting 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 Britt Shurley discuss the misunderstandings and challenges surrounding MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) and special education. They emphasize the importance of using language of inclusivity and ensuring that all students have access to differentiated supports. They also discuss the role of MTSS in the referral process and how it can help identify students who need additional support. They address the frustration and emotions that can arise in these situations and provide strategies for leaders to support their staff. Overall, they highlight the collaborative nature of MTSS and special education and the importance of making informed decisions for students.Resources:Special Ed Article Special Ed/MTSS Guide MTSS Mini Summit 2024 Request a consultation TakeawaysUsing language of inclusivity is important when discussing MTSS and special educationMTSS can help identify students who need additional supportLeaders should provide solutions and resources to support teachersMTSS and special education are collaborative by designTeachers should not feel solely responsible for providing all supportsServices and supports should have an entrance and exit planLearn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting the Branching Minds Website or sign up for our weekly Newsletter on all things MTSS with this link. (https://hubs.la/Q02g9lwV0 )  Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds. 

In this conversation, Larissa and her guest, Caitlin Crossman, from the Professional Services team, discuss the challenges of implementing MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) in schools and how leaders can prioritize their efforts using the Impact Effort Map. They highlight the importance of focusing on high-impact, low-effort tasks and provide examples of how this tool can be used to streamline the implementation process. Resources:Impact Vs Effort Map Article: How to Identify MTSS Priorities How to Lead for Improved Student Outcomes Using Real-Time, Real-Life Insights Leader Protocol Guide for Buy-In TakeawaysImplementing MTSS can feel overwhelming, but prioritizing tasks using the Impact Effort Map can help leaders focus on high-impact, low-effort activities.The Impact Effort Map is a visual tool that allows educators to map out tasks based on their impact and effort required.The map helps identify quick wins, major projects, and tasks that can be delegated or scheduled for later.Communication and collaboration with stakeholders are essential for successful implementation.Leaders should regularly reflect on their priorities and be willing to adapt as needed.Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting Branching Minds Website or Sign up for our weekly Newsletter on all things MTSS with this link.   Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds. 

In this conversation, Dr. Mary O'Meara and Ms. Theresa Donahue from Plainview, Old Beth Page in New York, discuss their district's implementation of a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). They highlight the community involvement and diversity in their district, emphasizing the importance of supporting every student. The district's theme of 'Every Student Matters, Every Moment Counts' aligns well with the goals of MTSS. Implementing MTSS, providing data-driven insights, and supporting the district's community efforts has impacted the superintendent's role. The district has made a cultural shift and a long-term commitment to MTSS, focusing on social-emotional learning (SEL) and equipping teachers with Tier 1 interventions.Resources:Article: How to Identify MTSS Priorities Article: How to Build MTSS Efficiency Leader Protocol Guide for Buy-In Webinar: How to Lead for Improved Student Outcomes Using Real-Time, Real-Life Insights Buy-In Guide Learn more about the MTSS platform that Plainview- OBP used to scale their MTSS. Request a consultation Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visitingBranching 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 Schooling Around, Larissa and LaTisha Cole, Branching Minds Professional Service Consultant,  discuss the importance of effective professional development in implementing and sustaining MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) in schools. They emphasize the need for educators to have time, space, and support to learn and apply new strategies. The conversation explores practical steps and strategies for bridging the gap between theory and application, such as using data to guide professional development, incorporating case studies and surveys, and creating a culture of continuous improvement. Resources:Article: One Reason Your MTSS Might Be Failing Leader Protocol Guide for Buy-In School Leader Guide to PD MTSS Mini Summit 2024 Request a consultation TakeawaysEffective professional development is crucial for implementing and sustaining MTSS in schools.Educators need time, space, and support to learn and apply new strategies.Data should be used to guide professional development and identify areas of need.Bridging the gap between theory and application requires ongoing support and feedback.Innovative methods, such as incorporating fun activities and collaborative learning, can enhance professional development.Obstacles to high-quality professional development include time constraints and competing initiatives.Creating a culture of continuous improvement and celebrating successes can contribute to the sustainability of 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 with this link. Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds. 

In this episode, Larissa unpacks how co-teaching could make MTSS possible within the secondary classroom. Co-teaching is an inclusive model of instruction that helps serve students with disabilities and students that need more support in the general education classroom. Larissa breaks down how co-teaching benefits each tier of MTSS and tips for leaders in making co-teaching work for teachers.Resources:Co-Teaching Article Co-Teaching Observation Checklist School Leader Guide to PD TakeawaysCo-teaching is a powerful model for serving students with disabilities and students who need more support in the general education classroom.Co-teaching allows for differentiation of materials and activities, targeted interventions, and lower student-to-teacher ratios.Collaboration and clear roles and responsibilities are key to successful co-teaching.Leaders should provide co-planning time, consider personalities when assigning co-teaching partners, offer coaching and professional development, observe and reflect with teachers, and help create clear roles and responsibilities.Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting Branching Minds Website , or Sign up for our weekly newsletter on all things MTSS with this link. Newsletter   Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds.  

Melissa Harvey, a middle school principal in Texas, shares her strategy of conducting stay interviews with teachers to address teacher retention and build a positive school culture. Stay interviews involve asking high-performing employees why they choose to stay at the school and what they love about it. Melissa also conducts stay interviews with new employees at the 30, 60, and 90-day mark to ensure their satisfaction and retention. By actively listening to teachers and implementing changes based on their feedback, Melissa has created a culture where teachers feel heard, valued, and connected. Resources:Webinar:Deprivatizing The Classroom Guide: Admin Guide Staff Burnout Article TakeawaysStay interviews are an effective strategy for addressing teacher retention and building a positive school culture.Leaders should actively listen to teachers and implement changes based on their feedback.Staying in touch with teachers' experiences and making decisions that consider their perspectives is crucial for effective leadership.Transparency and communication are key in mitigating misunderstandings and building trust between leaders and teachers.Sound Bites"Being an effective, inspiring leader for my teachers means staying in touch with what it's like for them to work in our building and striving to make our school a place they'll never want to leave.""Having someone that's just there to support and listen and actively working to solve big or small things is really powerful.""Showing the big picture and the behind-the-scenes impact of decisions can help teachers understand and feel connected to the overall goals of the school."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. 

Our guest, Dr. Janet Wilson, discusses the principles and benefits of high-impact tutoring and how it can be integrated into the school day. She emphasizes the importance of aligning tutoring with classroom instruction and measuring its effectiveness through both quantitative and qualitative data. Dr. Wilson also addresses the challenges of funding and sustainability, highlighting the need for districts to repurpose existing resources and prioritize tutoring as a cost-effective intervention. She shares success stories of districts that have implemented high impact tutoring and discusses the mission of Littera Education in providing affordable and effective tutoring programs.Resources:High Impact Tutoring Webinar Tutoring Article Littera Education DESIGN PRINCIPLES FOR ACCELERATING STUDENT LEARNING WITH HIGH-IMPACT TUTORINGHigh-Impact Tutoring | National Student Support Accelerator Integrating High-Impact Tutoring with Multi-tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)Takeaways High-impact tutoring is a highly effective intervention that can support students in making significant academic gains.Tutoring should be aligned with classroom instruction, and high-quality instructional materials should be used that are consistent with the curriculum.Measuring tutoring effectiveness requires quantitative data, such as student progress on standardized tests, and qualitative data, such as improved self-efficacy and transference of skills to the classroom.Funding and sustainability of tutoring programs can be achieved by repurposing existing resources and prioritizing tutoring as a cost-effective intervention.Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our website Branchingminds.com, or Sign up for our weekly Newsletter on all things MTSS with this link. (https://hubs.la/Q02g9lwV0 )  Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds. 

In this conversation, Dr. Katherine McKnight discusses the challenges and trends in secondary students' literacy. She emphasizes the importance of higher-level questioning and deep comprehension skills. Dr. McKnight also highlights the need for a clearly defined literacy plan and professional development for teachers. Additionally, she addresses the integration of literacy instruction across content areas and the role of school leaders in prioritizing literacy education.Resources:EngagingLearners.com Science of Reading Podcast: Dr. Katie McKnight on Twitter: https://twitter.com/katiemcknightEL/status/1644067711016751132 Read More here: 5 Practical Reading Comprehension Strategies for Secondary StudentsTakeaways:Secondary students often struggle with reading comprehension and deep comprehension skills.A clearly defined literacy plan and professional development are essential for improving literacy instruction in middle school and high school.Integration of literacy instruction across content areas is crucial for deepening understanding and promoting higher-level thinking.School leaders should prioritize literacy education and provide the necessary resources and support for teachers.Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our website Branchingminds.com, or Sign up for our weekly newsletter on all things MTSS with this link. Newsletter (https://hubs.la/Q02g9lwV0 )  Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds. 

In this episode, Larissa discusses how to apply the MTSS mindset to professional development (PD) for adults. She highlights the need for effective PD and many teachers' dissatisfaction with the quality of their learning experiences. Larissa emphasizes the importance of differentiating PD for adult learners and explains how to assess their needs and engage them in their learning. She also explores the concept of flipped learning and how it can maximize the impact of PD sessions. Larissa suggests differentiating PD for different roles within the MTSS process and provides strategies for scaffolding new staff members into the MTSS practice. She concludes by emphasizing the importance of ongoing support and coaching for educators.Resources: Guide: https://www.branchingminds.com/administrators-guide-supporting-teachers-mtss Blog: https://www.branchingminds.com/blog/adult-learning-theory-mtss-professional-development Blog: https://www.branchingminds.com/blog/4-considerations-for-supporting-educators-in-mtss-professional-development Webinar: https://www.branchingminds.com/webinars/mindset-is-a-resource TakeawaysEffective professional development is crucial for supporting teachers and improving student outcomes.Differentiate professional development for adult learners based on their needs and preferences.Apply the MTSS mindset to professional learning by providing systematic and differentiated PD for educators.Scaffold new staff members into the MTSS practice and provide ongoing support and coaching.Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our website, branchingminds.com, or Sign up for our weekly newsletter on all things MTSS with this link. Newsletter (https://hubs.la/Q02g9lwV0)  Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds. 

In this conversation, Larissa and Lindsay discuss the role of arts and elective classes in developing the whole child. They highlight the importance of belonging and connectedness, shared experiences and a sense of responsibility, learning soft skills and reinforcing job skills, overcoming challenges and building resilience, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence, and learning life skills and the consequences of choices. They emphasize the significance of electives and arts classes in providing a more robust educational experience and acknowledge the impact of teachers in creating safe spaces for students. Resources: Article: https://www.branchingminds.com/blog/4-ways-electives-and-arts-classes-support-mtss Takeaways: --Arts and elective classes provide opportunities for students to work with their creativity, develop self-expression, and foster a sense of belonging. --These classes offer a safe space for students to explore their interests and develop a shared sense of responsibility. --Electives and arts classes help students learn soft skills and reinforce job skills that are important for their future professional lives. --Students in these classes learn to overcome challenges, build resilience, and develop critical thinking and emotional intelligence. --The experiences and skills gained in electives and arts classes contribute to the development of the whole child and should be valued in education. Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our website Branchingminds.com, or Sign up for our weekly newsletter on all things MTSS with this link. (https://hubs.la/Q02g9lwV0) Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds.

Dr. Essie Sutton, the Director of Learning Science at Branching Minds, discusses the connection between student mental health and academic performance. It is well-established that these two factors are deeply connected, with poor mental health impacting a student's ability to focus and engage in learning. This relationship is bi-directional, with academic performance also influencing mental health. However, there are barriers to addressing mental health issues in schools, such as limited resources and a focus on academic priorities. Resources: Read-- https://www.branchingminds.com/blog/supporting-students-social-emotional-behavioral-needs-referrals-interconnected-systems-framework Watch-- https://www.branchingminds.com/webinars/integrating-mtss-and-mental-health-supports Takeaways: -Student mental health and academic performance are deeply connected, with poor mental health impacting a student's ability to focus and engage in learning. -The relationship between mental health and academic performance is bi-directional, with academic performance also influencing mental health. -Barriers to addressing mental health issues in schools include limited resources and a focus on academic priorities. -Creative approaches like flexible scheduling and wellness centers can help address mental health issues in schools. -Allocating funds for mental health initiatives is crucial, but focusing on implementing one initiative at a time is important for effective implementation. Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our website Branchingminds.com, or Sign up for our weekly newsletter on all things MTSS with this link. (https://hubs.la/Q02g9lwV0) Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds.

Lindsey Helton, an elementary school principal, discusses the importance of attendance and shares strategies for addressing attendance issues. She emphasizes the need for a strong home-school connection and student-led conferences to empower students and improve attendance. Lindsey also highlights the challenges of high mobility and the importance of treating people with respect and assuming positive intent. She believes that elementary education is the foundation for future success and encourages schools to focus on getting students on grade level. Resources:Attendance Works: https://www.attendanceworks.org/ Student Led Conferences: https://www.edutopia.org/blog/student-led-conferences-resources-ashley-cronin Additional Reading: https://www.branchingminds.com/blog/mtss-in-tracking-and-supporting-student-attendance Takeaways: --Building a strong home-school connection is crucial for addressing attendance issues.--Student-led conferences empower students and improve attendance.--High mobility can be a challenge in addressing attendance.--Treating people with respect and assuming positive intent is foundational to effective leadership.--Elementary education is the foundation for future success and should focus on getting students on grade level.Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting Branching Minds Website , or Sign up for our weeklyNewsletter on all things MTSS with this link. Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds.

In this episode, host, Larissa, explores the concept of fidelity monitoring in MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports). Fidelity monitoring refers to the consistent implementation of interventions and assessments to ensure student progress. Larissa highlights the importance of fidelity in intervention implementation and the challenges that can arise when fidelity is lacking. It also discusses the role of fidelity monitoring at the school level and provides strategies for supporting staff and improving fidelity. Takeaways: Fidelity monitoring is crucial in MTSS to ensure the consistent implementation of interventions and assessments. Common challenges to student progress include selecting the wrong intervention, student absences or behavioral issues, and lack of critical features in intervention implementation. Fidelity monitoring at the school level involves regular observation and feedback, self-evaluation, and reflection. Supporting staff and improving fidelity requires the use of fidelity rubrics, direct observation, and adequate training and follow-up. Resources: MTSS Implementation Fidelity Reference Guide: https://www.branchingminds.com/mtss-implemetation-fidelity-guide https://www.branchingminds.com/mtss-guide Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our website Branchingminds.com, or Sign up for our weekly newsletter on all things MTSS with this link. (https://hubs.la/Q02g9lwV0) Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds.

In this conversation, Larissa and her guest, Whitley, discuss the importance of schools in the community and how educators can lead the transformation of school-community relationships. They emphasize the need for schools to be viewed as community hubs and highlight the impact that can be achieved through shared goals and stakeholder involvement. They also explore specific ways in which schools can engage with the community, such as partnering with local businesses and organizations, hosting events outside of the school building, and leveraging resources like public libraries. The conversation underscores the significance of building strong connections between schools and the community to support the holistic development of students. Takeaways: - Schools should be viewed as community hubs, bringing together various stakeholders and resources to create a sense of partnership and shared goals. - Engaging with the community can have a positive impact on students, families, and educators, fostering a network of support and investment. - Building bridges with the community requires intentional efforts, such as seeking out partnerships, hosting events outside of the school building, and leveraging existing resources. - School culture plays a crucial role in community engagement, and it is important to prioritize the heart work of education alongside curriculum and instruction. Check out these resources: - National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments: Family-School-Community Partnerships: https://bit.ly/3wlqYLx - School-Community Learning Partnerships: Essential to Expanded Learning Success: https://bit.ly/3uI7jor - https://bit.ly/48q4zK2 - Branching Minds Guide for Community and Families: https://www.branchingminds.com/mtss-guide-for-families Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our website Branchingminds.com, or Sign up for our weekly newsletter on all things MTSS with this link. (https://hubs.la/Q02g9lwV0) Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds.

In this episode, Larissa interviews Ashley Pennell, a Senior Customer Success Manager at Branching Minds, about the overlap between MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) and special education. They discuss the confusion surrounding these two concepts and how they work together. The conversation concludes with strategies for administrators to help teachers understand the role of special education in the MTSS process. Takeaways MTSS is a framework for supporting all students and setting up equitable practices, while special education is a service within the MTSS framework. Data analysis plays a crucial role in both MTSS and special education, helping to identify students who may need additional support or evaluation for a disability. Challenges in implementing MTSS as an administrator include the siloed approach to education, lack of universal screening processes, and the need for training and resources. Strategies for administrators include starting with equitable practices like universal screening, utilizing the expertise of special education teachers and school psychologists, and fostering open conversations about MTSS and special education. Check out these resources: https://www.branchingminds.com/blog/mtss-special-education https://www.branchingminds.com/mtss-sped-guide Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our website Branchingminds.com, or Sign up for our weekly newsletter on all things MTSS with this link. (https://hubs.la/Q02g9lwV0) Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds.

This episode features the live recording of the Schooling Around podcast with Dr. Judy Elliott and Dr. George Batsche. They discuss trends and challenges in MTSS, empowering teachers, supporting mental health, and implementing MTSS at the secondary level. They emphasize the importance of data-driven decision-making, collective leadership, and collaboration in the MTSS framework. They also highlight the need for student voice and the role of district-level support in implementing effective MTSS practices. The conversation concludes with strategies for addressing initiative fatigue and building trust in the MTSS process. Resource mentioned in the conversation: https://bit.ly/4btu5AQ Takeaways: -Data-driven decision-making and collective leadership are essential in the MTSS framework. -Supporting student mental health and incorporating student voice are crucial for successful MTSS implementation. -Empowering teachers and providing system-level support are key to sustaining MTSS practices. -Implementing MTSS at the secondary level requires schedule adjustments, resource mapping, and early warning systems. -Addressing initiative fatigue involves building trust, starting with data, and taking incremental steps. In implementing MTSS, it is crucial to involve all levels of the educational enterprise in the decision-making process. -MTSS promotes equity by providing differentiated supports for all students. Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our website Branchingminds.com, or Sign up for our weekly newsletter on all things MTSS with this link. (https://hubs.la/Q02g9lwV0) Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds.

In this conversation, Rachel Butler, Learning Science Content Specialist, discusses the importance of good interventions in the context of a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). She emphasizes the need to consider the research behind interventions and recommends using the ESSA tiers of evidence to determine their effectiveness. Rachel also highlights the factors to consider when evaluating intervention research, such as study design, results, sample size, and alignment with the school or district context. She provides resources for finding evidence-based interventions and suggests involving school psychologists in the decision-making process. Takeaways: -Good interventions are essential in MTSS and should be based on research and evidence of effectiveness. -The ESSA tiers of evidence provide a framework for determining the quality and suitability of interventions. -Resources like What Works Clearinghouse and Evidence for ESSA can help educators find evidence-based interventions. Resources: The Jed Foundation: https://jedfoundation.org/?gad_source=1 What Works Clearinghouse: https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/ Evidence for ESSA: https://evidenceforessa.org/ Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our website Branchingminds.com, or Sign up for our weekly newsletter on all things MTSS with this link. (https://hubs.la/Q02g9lwV0) Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds. Timeline: 00:46 Importance of Good Interventions 01:51 Using ESSA Tiers of Evidence 03:27 Factors to Consider in Intervention Research 05:05 Resources for Finding Evidence-Based Interventions 06:35 Considerations for Choosing Interventions 07:21 Utilizing the Expertise of School Psychologists 07:52 Specific Interventions: Reciprocal Teaching 08:15 Specific Interventions: Customized Self-Correction Checklist 12:17 Interventions for Upper Grades 13:15 Activity Sets for High School Students 14:32 Conclusion

In this episode, Larissa interviews Lisa Marquardt-Krol, an instructional design manager, about professional development (PD). They discuss the importance of case studies in PD and how they help educators put themselves in the shoes of students and practice interventions. They also highlight the need for real-world examples and experiences to make learning sticky and relevant. Lisa emphasizes the importance of assessing educators' ability to execute on learning targets and success criteria through case studies. They also discuss the significance of providing choice and relevance in PD, including for educators in specialized subjects. The episode concludes with a reminder to choose initiatives that apply to everyone and empower educators to gather relevant knowledge. Takeaways: - Case studies are a valuable tool in professional development as they allow educators to put themselves in the shoes of students and practice interventions. - Real-world examples and experiences make learning sticky and relevant, helping educators apply new knowledge in their classrooms. - Assessing educators' ability to execute on learning targets and success criteria through case studies is crucial for effective professional development. - Providing choice and relevance in professional development ensures that educators in all subjects and roles can benefit from the learning experience. Other Resources: https://standards.learningforward.org/ https://csaa.wested.org/resource/learning-progressions-supporting-instruction-and-formative-assessment/ https://needastory.com/ Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our website Branchingminds.com, or Sign up for our weekly newsletter on all things MTSS with this link. (https://hubs.la/Q02g9lwV0) Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds. Time Stamps: 00:00 Introduction to Professional Development 01:08 The Importance of Case Studies in Professional Development 03:16 Real-World Examples in Professional Learning 04:25 Making Learning Sticky 05:24 Applying Case Studies in Professional Development 07:50 Relevance and Choice in Professional Development 09:24 Including All Educators in Professional Development 11:28 Choosing Initiatives that Apply to Everyone 11:57 Conclusion

In this episode, Larissa Napolitan and Trudy Bender discuss the top concerns for school leaders, with a focus on creating a safe and supportive environment for both students and staff. They emphasize the importance of building a positive school culture and the role of administrators in modeling the behavior they expect from their staff. They also highlight the need for administrators to be present on the ground and understand the challenges faced by teachers. Small gestures of care and concern, such as providing special lunches or allowing teachers to dress comfortably, can make a big difference in improving staff morale. Additionally, seeking feedback from staff through anonymous surveys can help identify areas for improvement and create a more positive work environment. Trudy is the Senior Manager of Thought Leadership Content at Branching Minds, but comes to us as a District MTSS Leader and Behavior Coordinator. She serves the state of Texas as a Restorative Discipline Facilitator. Trudy is a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology and a Nationally Certified School Psychologist. Takeaways -Creating a safe and supportive environment is a top concern for school leaders. -Building a positive school culture is essential for both students and staff. -Administrators should be present on the ground and understand the challenges faced by teachers. -Small gestures of care and concern can make a big difference in improving staff morale. Chapters 00:40 Top Concerns for School Leaders 02:08 Creating a Safe and Supportive Environment 03:01 Building a Positive School Culture 04:21 Understanding Teachers' Challenges 06:02 The Importance of Being Present 08:08 Small Gestures of Care and Concern 09:21 Creating Special Moments for Staff 10:14 Implementing Small Changes Today 15:55 Seeking Feedback from Staff 19:25 Conclusion Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our website Branchingminds.com, or Sign up for our weekly newsletter on all things MTSS with this link. (https://hubs.la/Q02g9lwV0) Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds.