In this insightful interview, Patrick Hall and Laura Frederick from Wyoming Indian Schools share their journey of implementing MTSS, leveraging data, and fostering transparency with families to improve student outcomes. Discover how their strategic use of Branching Minds has transformed their approach to student support and community engagement.

Resources:

MTSS & Families Article

Navigating Parental Consent in MTSS to Empower Parents to Make Informed Decisions

Request a consultation

Takeaways:

• View parents and families as teammates in education.
• Build transparency and strengthen family connections.
• Understand cultural sensitivities and historical context.
• Use data to drive decisions and improve outcomes.
• Communicate consistently with families about interventions.
• Empower teachers to build trust and improve culture.
• Focus on continuous improvement and refining practices.
• Plan for future improvements and enhance family involvement.

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!

Beth Corkum, the MTSS coordinator at SAU 67 in New Hampshire, shares her journey of transforming data meetings at Bow Elementary through technology and strategic planning. Discover how streamlined processes, staff collaboration, and district support have enhanced student support and educator morale.

Resources:

MTSS Meetings Guide

Effective Meetings Webinar

Article: Ensure Efficiency with MTSS Teams & MTSS Meetings

Takeaways:

• Focus on making quick decisions with data, not just gathering information.
• Automate data tasks to give teachers more time with students.
• Encourage teamwork by setting aside time for collaboration.
• Small changes in systems can lead to big improvements over time.
• Make data accessible to everyone to empower decision-making.
• A district strategist can connect different educational levels for better outcomes.

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!

This episode explores the shift from reactive referral-based behavior support to proactive, universal screening methods in schools. Experts discuss the limitations of referral systems, the benefits of universal screening tools like the SSRS-IE, and practical strategies for implementation and staff training.

Featuring Branching Minds Team members, Ashley Pennell, Rachel Butler, and Christina Solinger.

Resources:

Guide for Universal Screening for SEL & Behavior

Article: Changing the Way (and the Reason) You Document Behavior

Webinar: Moving from Referral to Screening-Based Tiering for Behavior Support

Why Universal Behavioral/SEL Screening Matters

Learn more about Branching Minds: Request a consultation

Takeaways:

• Universal behavior screening shifts the paradigm from reactive to proactive support
• Data integration across academic and behavioral domains unlocks holistic student support
• Teacher biases and subjectivity distort student identification without standardized tools
• Capacity and cultural considerations are central to successful screening adoption
• Fear of data leading to intervention is valid but manageable through clear planning

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!