The conversation explores the challenges educators face in utilizing data effectively. It highlights the overwhelming nature of data, the difficulty in extracting actionable insights, and the importance of leadership in guiding teachers to make informed decisions based on data.

Resources:

Article: How Meaningful Metrics Drive MTSS Success

Progress Monitoring Guide and Toolkit

2025 Branching Minds MTSS Summit

Request a consultation

Takeaways:

• Data overload can hinder effective teaching.
• Teachers often struggle to find actionable insights.
• Vague data does not provide clear guidance for educators.
• Leadership plays a crucial role in data utilization.
• Effective teaching requires clear direction from data.
• Data should serve as a map, not a mountain.
• Educators need support in interpreting data.
• Actionable insights can transform teaching practices.
• Data-driven decisions require clarity and purpose.
• Leadership can bridge the gap between data and teaching.

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 speaks with Katie Ahsell and Trisha Senne from Community Consolidated School District 59 about the challenges and successes they have faced in supporting student needs, particularly in the wake of the pandemic. They discuss the unique demographics of their district, the importance of equitable resource allocation, and the collaborative efforts made to improve their multi-tiered system of support (MTSS). The conversation highlights the significance of clear communication, data-driven decision-making, and the positive outcomes resulting from their hard work and commitment to student achievement.

Resources:

A Guide to Self-Assessment of MTSS Implementation

Middle of the Year Webinar: MTSS Momentum

Leader Protocol Guide for Buy-In

2025 Branching Minds MTSS Summit

Request a consultation

Takeaways:

• Supporting student needs across a diverse school district is a challenge.
• A one size fits all approach to intervention is ineffective.
• Post-pandemic, the district had to adopt new curricular resources.
• Recognizing inequities in resource allocation was crucial for change.
• Collaboration among staff and departments was key to success.
• Evaluating and adapting intervention strategies is an ongoing process.
• Effective communication is essential during times of change.
• Celebrating successes boosts morale and confidence among staff.
• Commitment to continuous improvement is vital for student achievement.

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, Nicole Kade, Chief Education Officer of Greenfield Learning, shares her personal journey as a struggling reader and discusses the current challenges in literacy education. She emphasizes the importance of structured literacy, the need for effective teaching practices, and the role of MTSS in supporting struggling readers. Nicole also highlights the significance of engaging students and addressing emotional aspects of learning to read, while advocating for the use of technology as a supportive tool in literacy instruction.

Resources:

https://www.voyagersopris.com/products/reading/rewards

https://www.thereadingleague.org/compass/

A Teachers Guide to Making Phonics Explicit

Website: www.greenfieldlearning.com

Facebook: @GreenfieldLearning

Twitter: @GreenfieldLearn

LinkedIn: @Greenfield Learning Inc

Branching Minds Resources:

• Why We Teach Reading This Way: Understanding Literacy Basics Through the Science of Reading
• Literacy Basics Slides
• Early Literacy and Branching Minds Article
• Early Literacy Webinar

Takeaways:

• Structured literacy is essential for effective reading instruction.
• Many students are not receiving the explicit instruction they need to learn to read.
• Teachers face challenges due to competing initiatives and lack of resources.
• MTSS provides a framework for supporting struggling readers effectively.
• Engagement and relationships are key to motivating students to read.
• Technology can enhance literacy instruction when used intentionally.
• Addressing emotional aspects of learning is crucial for student success.
• Teachers need to be equipped with the right tools and training to support literacy.
• It's never too late for students to learn to read.

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!