Schoolin' Around

This podcast episode discusses the importance of creating a comprehensive MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Support) handbook for K-12 education. It features insights from education leaders who share their experiences in developing and implementing MTSS handbooks in their districts. The conversation covers key components of an effective handbook, the significance of staff roles, data collection strateg...

In this conversation, Maria Quinones-Ford, an RTI facilitator, discusses the critical role of family engagement in education, particularly within the context of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). She emphasizes the importance of involving parents in their children's education, sharing strategies for fostering family involvement, and addressing challenges faced in engaging diverse families. Ma...

In this podcast episode, Larissa and Jenna Davies discuss the implementation of the MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) framework in the School District of Manatee County, Florida. Jenna shares her experiences, challenges, and strategies for effectively rolling out MTSS, emphasizing the importance of stakeholder involvement, data-driven decision-making, and building a supportive infrastructure....

In this episode, Larissa discusses the challenges of meetings in educational settings and offers actionable strategies to make them more efficient and purposeful. She emphasizes the importance of preparation, facilitation, and follow-up in transforming meetings from time drains into productive sessions. The conversation also highlights the role of the MTSS framework in streamlining meeting process...

In this conversation, Michele James, former instructional coach, 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 eff...

**100th Episode Giveaway Entry Link ** In our 100th episode, Larissa and Jared Scott discuss student mental health, vulnerability, and how student voice is essential in school culture. Jared shares his journey from a shy student to a public speaker and counselor, highlighting the need for authentic connections between educators and students. They talk about the Culture Shift Tour, which helps stud...

**100th Episode Giveaway Entry Link ** In this discussion, educators Erika Bare and Tiffany Burns share their insights into the education sector, reflecting on their experiences during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and their journey to co-authoring the book Connecting Through Conversation. They underscore the critical role of building meaningful connections in schools and offer practical...

This podcast episode discusses the significant challenges of absenteeism in K-12 education, highlighting the efforts of educators at Creekside Early Childhood School in Lakota Local Schoolsin Ohio. The conversation covers various strategies implemented to improve student attendance, including community engagement, communication with parents, and tiered support systems. The speakers emphasize the i...

This conversation explores the unique challenges of implementing Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) in middle schools. It highlights common mistakes schools make, such as ignoring core instruction and static interventions, and presents effective strategies used by high-performing schools to enhance student support. The discussion emphasizes the importance of flexible intervention systems, stro...

Larissa talks with Joshua Windham, an eighth-grade history teacher, about integrating technology into education to meet diverse student needs. Joshua shares insights on balancing traditional teaching with modern tools, using strategies like gamification and peer feedback to boost engagement and empower students. He also discusses the potential of AI to create personalized learning, the challenges...

In this conversation, Larissa and Farah Assiraj discuss the complexities of implementing and sustaining Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) in secondary schools. Farah shares her extensive background in education, emphasizing the importance of student agency and voice in the learning process. They explore strategies for fostering student engagement and the need for educational systems to adapt...

In this conversation, Larissa and Dr. Julie Sauve discuss the importance of social-emotional learning (SEL) in education, the challenges faced by educators, and the need to prioritize teacher wellbeing. They highlight how Harmony Academy supports students and teachers with relationship-driven curricula and practical strategies for managing wellbeing in a complex educational system. Julie Sauve emp...

I n this episode, host Larissa Napolitan discusses the challenges faced by middle and high schools in ensuring that every student receives the necessary support and enrichment. She introduces W.I.N. (What I Need) Time, a flexible, data-driven approach designed to address these challenges by providing tailored interventions and enrichment opportunities. The conversation explores the logistics of im...

In this conversation, Larissa and Paul Young, retired principal and college professor, discuss effective strategies for managing student behavior in elementary schools. Paul shares his experiences as a principal and educator, emphasizing the importance of teaching positive behaviors, creating a supportive school culture, and understanding behavior as a system problem rather than an individual issu...

In this conversation, Larissa and Trudy Bender, school psychologist and Senior Manager of Thought Leaders at Branching Minds, discuss the critical role of behavior documentation in schools, emphasizing its importance for both compliance and effective student intervention. They explore the challenges teachers face with traditional documentation practices, the need for accurate data to inform studen...

In this conversation, Larissa and her guest, Jackie Reilly, a certified school psychologist and executive function coach, explore the concept of relationship mapping in education, emphasizing its importance in fostering positive connections between students and educators. They discuss practical strategies for implementing relationship mapping in schools, the challenges educators face, and the sign...

In this conversation, Larissa and Ellina Xiong, MTSS Lead at Branching Minds, dive into the challenges of implementing Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) in schools. They discuss the role of implementation science in creating structured approaches to support student success. Ellina shares her expertise, offering practical tips on effectively implementing MTSS, including the importance of a ded...

This episode explores the transformative impact of the science of reading on literacy education, emphasizing the importance of structured literacy and the MTSS framework. It discusses the historical context of reading instruction, the urgency of adopting evidence-based practices, and the challenges educators face in implementing these changes. The conversation highlights the need for collaboration...

In this episode of School and Around, hosts Larissa Napolitan, Karen Hamilton, and Hiral Vekaria discuss the integration of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and special education. They emphasize the importance of viewing all students as part of a unified system of support, where core instruction is accessible to everyone. The conversation covers the challenges of gaining buy-in from educator...

**Only 2 weeks left to take our 2024 Listener Survey (You will be entered to win an Amazon Gift Card!) In this episode of School and Around, host Larissa Napolitan engages with educators leading the MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) work in their districts. The conversation explores the challenges faced in implementing MTSS, including building buy-in, resource limitations, and the need for ef...

Take our 2024 Listener Survey and be entered to win an Amazon Gift Card!  In this conversation, Larissa and Maya Gat, Branching Minds CEO,  discuss the challenges and uncertainties facing educators as they look ahead to 2025. They reflect on the difficulties of 2024, including budget constraints and the need for innovative solutions. Maya emphasizes the importance of leveraging technolog...

Take our 2024 Listener Survey for a chance to win an Amazon Gift Card! In this episode, Larissa reflects on the challenges and successes faced by education leaders in 2024, focusing on chronic absenteeism, mental health, behavior issues, and the importance of a holistic approach to student success. She emphasizes the significance of building connections with students and families, addressing emoti...

In this episode, host Larissa Napolitan engages with a panel of experts to discuss the implementation of Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) in K-12 education. Guests include Karen Castle, Director Emeritus of Professional Services at Branching Minds, Dr. Mary O’Meara is the Superintendent of the Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District in New York, and Dr. Barbara Jenkins, A highly recog...

Take our 2024 survey and be entered to win an Amazon Gift Card! 2024 Listener Survey Episode Description: In this conversation, Mitch Weathers, teacher, author and creator of Organize Binder, discusses the critical role of executive functioning skills in education, particularly for middle and high school students. They explore how these skills impact student success, the importance of routines in...

In this conversation, Larissa and Julie Miller-Johnson, Branching Minds Associate Director of Funding and Proposals, discuss the complexities of funding for Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) in education. They explore various funding sources, including federal, state, and private grants, and how schools can align their needs with available resources. Julie shares insights on the importance of...