In this episode of Schoolin' Around, host Larissa Napolitan engages with Angie Plugge, the Director of Learning at Waverly School District in Nebraska, to discuss the implementation and impact of the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) in education. They explore the challenges and successes of MTSS, the importance of continuous improvement, and share real-life stories of student success. The conversation emphasizes the need for collaboration, data analysis, and the significance of setting a strong foundation at the beginning of the school year.

Resources:

Waverly's Success

Guide for Sustainable MTSS Implementation

Capacity Building for MTSS Article

Request a consultation

Takeaways:

• We have to prioritize where we really want to focus.
• Data analysis is not intuitive.
• It's about helping people meet their fullest potential.
• We have to build capacity for sustainable capacity.
• There's power in stories with MTSS.
• We need to connect the student outcome to the teacher action.
• Every year your group of students is different.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to MTSS and Educational Challenges

01:29 The Importance of Setting Up Structures

04:17 Angie's Journey with MTSS

06:53 The Role of Data in MTSS

09:54 The Impact of MTSS on Student Success

12:41 Gradual Release and Building Capacity

15:27 Connecting Teacher Actions to Student Outcomes

17:58 Celebrating Student Success and Teacher Efficacy

20:59 Final Thoughts on 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. Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds.

Send feedback or inquiries to podcast@branchingminds.com!

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!