Schoolin' Around

Hosted by Schoolin' Around by Branching Minds

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161

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Schoolin' Around is a weekly podcast hosted by Branching Minds, featuring prominent leaders, subject-matter experts, and thought innovators with their perspectives on the current challenges facing K-12 education. You can find more info about Branching Minds at our website, branchingminds.com or follow on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds.

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60 recent

June 16, 202614 min

The MTSS Leader’s Summer Reset

In this episode, we discuss the importance of setting intentions over goals, reflection, and how deliberate leadership can transform the upcoming school year. She offers practical strategies for educators to reflect, set intentions, and lead with purpose, especially in the context of MTSS.Resources:Leader Protocol Guide for Buy-InSummer Reflection QuestionsArticle: Reflecting on Yourself as a LeaderArticle: How to Let Your Values Guide You as a School LeaderArticle: What K-12 Leaders Need to Know About the Power of Self-ReflectionArticle: Setting Intentions: A Powerful Tool to Help Us LearnTakeaways:Distinguish between goals that set destinations and intentions that define how you show up.Use reflection as a counterbalance to keep school change from becoming chaos or burnout.Set clear intentions to prime your neural system for spotting opportunities that align with your leadership style.Protect your staff’s energy by removing unnecessary initiatives before adding new ones.Use the L.O.V.E. framework to evaluate whether your decisions truly align with your core values.Build trust through small, kept promises rather than relying on grand declarations.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!

June 9, 202628 min

How Deep District Alignment Makes Real MTSS Progress for North Carolina District

The episode explores how deep district alignment transforms educational practices by embedding frameworks into daily routines in Person County, North Carolina. The guests, Kelly Kiser and Lyndsay Hubbard, highlight the importance of visibility in student progress to boost teacher buy-in and confidence. The discussion emphasizes hands-on support through coaching, which bridges the gap between policy and practice. Finally, it showcases how consistent structures and cross-school collaboration lead to sustainable educational transformation.Resources:The Superintendent’s Guide to MTSS and District Strategic PlanningLeader Protocol Guide for Buy-InGuide for Sustainable MTSS Implementation Administrators Guide to Supporting TeachersRequest a consultationTakeaways:Embedding frameworks into daily practices leads to true reform.Tangible growth evidence turns compliance into conviction.Coaching bridges the gap between policy and practice.Standardizing protocols ensures high-quality practices.Rethinking support models ignites transformation.Sharing practices reduces siloed thinking.A well-planned calendar builds confidence and momentum.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!

June 2, 202627 min

How One District Leader is Breaking ‘Analysis Paralysis’ to Make Real MTSS Progress

In this interview, Dr. Kristen Panzerella from Lawrence UFSD in New York, shares her district's journey in implementing MTSS, emphasizing the importance of getting into the work quickly, building staff buy-in through consistency, and adapting practices to support diverse student populations. Discover practical strategies for overcoming analysis paralysis and fostering a culture of action in education.Resources:Leader Protocol Guide for Buy-InMTSS Meetings GuideRequest a consultationTakeaways:Start quickly to fuel progress.Visible results build commitment.Consistency unifies student experiences.Focus on a few targeted interventions.Action builds momentum faster than planning.Small wins foster continuous improvement.Rapid action reveals real needs.Empower staff to innovate and revise.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!

May 26, 202636 min

EOY Insights: How To Turn MTSS Data Into Actionable Wins Before Summer Break

In this episode, Valerie Parsons, a Professional Learning Consultant at Branching Minds, school administrator, and author of the MTSS playbook series, shares her expert insights on leveraging end-of-year data to improve educational outcomes. She discusses key topics such as data analysis, universal screening, test preparation strategies, and effective planning for the upcoming school year. Resources:MTSS Playbook Series: End-of-Year Winning Plays Webinar: Turning Insights into Action: EOY Data for AdministratorsBlog: End-of-Year Reflection and Planning With MTSS: Connect the Dots With Branching MindsEOY Action PlanSchedule a Conversation Takeaways:Use data to make informed decisions and improve educational outcomes.Utilize checklists to ensure nothing falls through the cracks during the school year.Keep motivation high and evaluate student progress to plan future support.Understand the benefits and limitations of different assessment types.Ensure district-wide consistency in cut scores for accurate data analysis.Use data to guide professional learning and improve instructional effectiveness.Regularly assess and refine systems for ongoing improvement.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!

May 19, 202644 min

Executive Functions for K-3 Students for a Strong Start

This episode explores the critical role of self-regulation and executive functions in early education, revealing how they underpin academic success. Authors Mitch Weathers and Sarah Oberle share practical strategies for creating classroom environments that nurture these skills. By focusing on routines and reducing distractions, educators can enhance students' ability to learn and behave effectively. This approach empowers teachers to foster independence and resilience in young learners.Resources:Executive Function ToolkitExecutive Function in MTSSExecutive Function WebinarBook: Executive Functions for Every K-3 Classroom: Promoting Self-Regulation for a Strong Start Organized Binder2026 Mini SummitTakeaways:Executive functions are essential for early learning success.Classroom environments significantly impact executive function development.Cognitive bandwidth limits learning capacity and needs support.Supporting executive functions promotes educational equity.Teaching self-regulation is foundational to learning.Consistent routines enhance cognitive development.Leadership is key to embedding executive function practices.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!

May 12, 202636 min

10 Years of MTSS: Lessons from Mineola UFSD

This podcast episode features a deep dive into a decade-long journey of implementing and refining Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) in Mineola Union Free School District in New York. Sara Ortiz and Katie Shanahan share insights, challenges, and strategies for building a data-driven, proactive support system that enhances student outcomes and staff collaboration.Resources:The Superintendent’s Guide to MTSS and District Strategic PlanningCapacity Building for MTSS ArticleMTSS From Buy-in to Implementation ArticleArticle: Leadership and System-Level Work in MTSSRegister for MTSS Mini SummitRequest a consultationTakeaways:Align stakeholders to prevent siloed efforts.Use data to prevent crises.Transform culture with strategic data use.Use a manual for aligned decision-making.Regular dialogue fosters resilience.Enhance decisions with comprehensive systems.Recognize implementation as a long-term journey.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!

May 6, 202632 min

The Surprising Impact of Check-In, Check-Out for High School Students

In this episode, Kristyn Jones and Heather Terry from Norris High School in Nebraska, explore how their implementation of a check-in, check-out intervention is fostering more proactive and relational support systems for students with behavioral needs. They share practical insights, data strategies, and team collaboration tips that can help other schools build effective Tier 2 behavior interventions.Resources:Webinar: Check In Check Out and Beyond: Tier 2 Behavior Interventions That Build Relationships and Foster School ConnectednessTier 2 Behavior GuideMTSS in Secondary SchoolsDesigning a Menu of Behavior Intervention Options: Beyond Check-In Check-Out MTSS Mini Summit 2026Request a consultationTakeaways:Check-in, check-out (CICO) serves as an effective Tier 2 intervention and tracking system.Integration with the branching minds platform enhances monitoring and decision-making.Teacher training and staff buy-in are crucial for successful implementation.Real-life success stories demonstrate the intervention’s positive impact.Data is leveraged for relational support and academic improvement.Discipline and behavioral data inform broader Tier 1 and Tier 3 practices.School staff collaboration, including counselors and resource officers, is vital.Gradual implementation and patience are key to rolling out interventions.Creative scheduling helps embed Tier 2 supports during the school day.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!

April 28, 20269 min

Making Student Engagement More Than Compliance

This episode explores how education leaders can foster student engagement through practical strategies like student voice, choice, and empowerment, even with limited time. It emphasizes shifting from compliance to student-driven learning to improve achievement and motivation.Resources:Article: 6 Daily Engagement Practices for Every MTSS TierArticle: Student Engagement: Why It’s Important and How To Promote ItArticle: The Importance of Engaging Student Voices in MTSSRequest a consultationTakeaways:Shift from compliance to autonomy to transform engagement.Frontload safety and relevance to ensure engagement success.Focus feedback on student actions to unlock growth.Utilize existing high-impact strategies across routines.Build connections and relevance to enhance secondary engagement.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!

April 21, 202641 min

Mastering Tough Conversations: A School Leader's Playbook

In this insightful interview, authors Tiffany Burns and Erica Bare discuss their new book, 'A School Leader's Playbook for Tough Conversations.' They share practical strategies for school leaders to navigate difficult dialogues with staff and students, emphasizing the importance of care, preparation, body language, and ongoing coaching to foster trust and positive school culture.Resources:Book: A School Leader’s Playbook for Tough ConversationsTiffany and Erika's WebsiteFree ResourcesLeader Protocol Guide for Buy-InCapacity Building for MTSS ArticleBuilding Trust and MTSS Buy-In Through Teacher FeedbackRequest a consultationTakeaways:Tough conversations don't get easier with time; they get harder.Transparency about intent builds trust and clarifies misunderstandings.Body language and tone are more impactful than words in communication.Consistent, ongoing feedback fosters growth and reduces surprises.Empathy and curiosity are key when emotions run high.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!

April 14, 202640 min

How One School Transformed Family Engagement with Transparent Data Sharing

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 ArticleNavigating Parental Consent in MTSS to Empower Parents to Make Informed DecisionsRequest a consultationTakeaways: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!