Schoolin' Around

In this episode, Larissa discusses the pressing mental health issues faced by students today, highlighting the need for effective frameworks like MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) to address these challenges. She emphasizes the importance of integrating Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) to create a cohesive environment that supports studen...

Jessica Orenstein, a behavioral scientist and public health practitioner, joins Larissa Napolitan to discuss the emotional challenges students face as they transition from high school to college. As the Director of Programmatic Partnerships at The Jed Foundation (JED), a leading nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for teens and young adults nationwide, Jessica oversees pa...

In this conversation, Larissa and “Coach Rudy” discuss the critical role of emotional intelligence in education, emphasizing the need for students to develop responsibility and prioritization skills. “Coach Rudy” shares insights on effective teaching methods, the importance of leadership in implementing social emotional learning (SEL) programs, and the long-term impact of these skills on students'...

In this episode of Schooling Around, host Larissa Napolitan speaks with Sarah Frazelle, Senior Researcher and MTSS Trainer at American Institutes for Research. They discuss the importance of early intervention in education, the role of data in decision-making, and the challenges faced by schools in implementing effective support systems. Sarah emphasizes the need for community involvement, the sig...

In this episode, host Larissa speaks with Krissy Martin, the director of MTSS at a school district in North Carolina. They discuss the importance of standard treatment protocols in supporting students with varying needs, the role of teachers in the MTSS process, and the significance of collaboration among educational staff. Krissy shares insights on implementing research-based interventions, the p...

In this MTSS Simplified episode, Larissa discusses the essential components of effective MTSS intervention plans, focusing on the importance of progress monitoring, establishing data trends, implementing interventions with fidelity, maintaining flexibility, and utilizing data visualization. She emphasizes that regular monitoring and adjustments based on data are crucial for ensuring that intervent...

In this conversation, Larissa and Jodee Nelson, teacher and MTSS interventionists, discuss the challenges and opportunities surrounding meetings in the education sector. They explore why educators often dislike meetings, the importance of effective practices, and how to create a collaborative environment. They also touch on the potential of AI to enhance meeting efficiency and the significance of...

In this conversation, Connie Rockow, from Oakfield-Alabama School District in New York, discusses the challenges and strategies involved in implementing Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) in education. She emphasizes the importance of building momentum, ongoing support, and the need for effective communication and feedback among educators. Connie shares her experiences in leading a small rural...

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,...

In this episode, Larissa discusses the seven guiding principles of MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports), emphasizing the importance of proactive support for all students, strong leadership, research-based core instruction, effective assessments, clear response protocols, data-driven decision-making, and the continuous learning of educators. Each principle is explored with practical examples and...

In this conversation, Larissa and Austin Griffith, Senior Product Designer, discuss the use of AI in education and how it is being integrated into the Branching Minds product. They explore various ways AI is currently being used in schools, and touch on the challenges and concerns surrounding AI implementation, including privacy issues and the need for prompt engineering. They highlight the benefi...

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 prov...

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 pr...

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 recommendi...

In this conversation, Larissa interviews Jorge Valenzuela, an educator, coach, speaker, and author, about his journey in the education innovation space. They discuss the importance of collaboration and openness to change in ensuring that all students have the support they need. The conversation explores the concept of instructional innovation and its importance in education. The importance of buil...

In this conversation, Larissa interviews Latresha Wilson, the principal of Tuckaseegee Elementary School in North Carolina, about the school's success in improving kindergarten through third-grade students' reading scores. Latresha shares that the school prioritized early literacy and implemented strategies such as data-driven instruction, independent practice, small group instruction, and academi...

Description: In this episode , the guests discuss the importance of restorative practices in creating a safe and supportive school environment. They explore the concept of a restorative ecosystem, which involves building relationships and addressing the needs of all stakeholders in the school community. The conversation also touches on the role of school-based law enforcement and the Texas School...

In this episode, Trudy Bender and Angela Watson discuss the challenges of teacher workload and burnout. They explore the contributing factors to teacher frustration and provide practical ideas for managing educator workload. They emphasize the importance of protecting teachers' planning time and creating a culture that values their time and supports their needs. They also discuss the role of techn...

In this episode, Larissa discusses the importance of family involvement in schools and how it can lead to MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) success. She provides five practical tips for enhancing family involvement, including fostering personal relationships, introducing the MTSS framework positively, establishing clear communication protocols, tracking and sharing communication efforts, and...

In this conversation, Larissa and Erica Ilcyn, former middle school special ed teacher, discuss the concept of a feedback hole and how it impacts student engagement.  The conversation touches on topics such as the role of emotional safety, the impact of standardized tests, and the importance of modeling resilience and growth mindset as a teacher. The conversation explores the importance of li...

In this episode of the School and Around podcast, Trudy Bender, school pyschologist and Chris Causebrook, District MTSS Specialist, discuss Tier 3  behavior planning in schools. They emphasize the importance of district and campus teams, universal screening for behavior, designated staff and space, and professional development. They also highlight the need for a standard treatment protocol, i...

In this episode, Larissa Napolitan interviews Catherine Cueva, the director of MTSS for the Hempstead Union Free School District in Long Island, New York. They discuss the role of a director of MTSS and the importance of holistic support for all students. Catherine shares her journey with MTSS and emphasizes the need for understanding systems and implementation science. Resources: 4 Tips for Leadi...

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, Larissa and her guest, Dr. Michael Nagler, discuss the development of the Synergy program, an alternative high school program that offers a different approach to education. The program aims to give students more autonomy and flexibility in their learning, allowing them to pursue their interests and passions. Dr. Nagler emphasizes the importance of helping students understand...

In this episode, Toni Liza-DeMello, the district MTSS manager for Chicago Public Schools, and Dr. Eva Dundas, the chief academic officer of Branching Minds, discuss the journey of implementing an equitable MTSS system in a large urban district. They highlight the importance of district-wide support and collaboration with various departments, such as social-emotional learning, language and culture,...