In this conversation, Larissa and Trudy Bender explore the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework, addressing common misconceptions and emphasizing the importance of consequences in behavior management. They discuss the balance between accountability and empathy in educational settings, the role of natural consequences, and the significance of restorative practices. The conversation highlights the need for clear expectations, data collection, and meaningful interventions to effectively support student behavior.

Resources:

Tier 1 Behavior Guide

PBIS: More than Points and Parties

Request a consultation

Takeaways:

• PBIS stands for Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, applying MTSS to behavior.
• A common myth is that PBIS means no consequences, which is misleading.
• Consequences are essential for teaching students about their actions.
• Natural consequences help students understand the impact of their behavior.
• Restorative practices should include meaningful consequences for wrongdoings.
• Accountability and empathy can coexist in educational settings.
• Teachers must balance discipline with understanding of student backgrounds.
• Data collection is a vital intervention strategy for behavior management.
• Positive reinforcement is the strongest tool in shaping behavior.
• PBIS should be part of a larger system of interventions, not a standalone solution.

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 episode, Taren Hendricks and Dr. Kelsey Walker share their experiences and insights on implementing Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) and literacy initiatives in Goshen County Schools. They discuss the unique challenges and successes of working in a rural educational setting, and highlight the importance of data-driven decision-making and professional development.

Resources:

Reading in the Brain: The New Science of How We Read (Dehaene, 2010)

The Reading League’s summer book study

• Effective Universal Instruction (Gibbons et al., 2018)
• MTSS for Reading Improvement (Brown & Stollar, 2025)

MTSS Coach PLC

• Untangling Data-Based Decision Making (Harlacher et al., 2024)
• Intervention Central: Response to Intervention resources

WDE’s Wyoming MTSS Center

Resources & professional development

• AIR’s MTSS Center resources

MTSS and Science of Reading Article

MTSS Coaching Toolkit

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Takeaways:

• MTSS Implementation: The importance of a structured, system-wide approach to implementing MTSS to ensure consistent support across diverse educational settings.
• Data Utilization: How centralized data systems can enhance decision-making processes and improve student outcomes by providing clear insights into student progress and needs.
• Professional Development: The effectiveness of phased training and the application of adult learning theory in fostering teacher growth and improving instructional practices.
• Shared Leadership: The role of collaborative leadership in driving educational change and ensuring the sustainability of new initiatives.
• Teacher Support: The need for ongoing support and resources for teachers to effectively implement MTSS and adapt to new educational strategies.

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!

This episode of School and Around dives into the critical topic of threat assessments in schools, particularly in relation to Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). The conversation features experts Dr. Dewey Coronel and Dr. Ellina Xiong, who discuss the importance of a systematic approach to threat assessments, the need for multidisciplinary teams, and the role of community engagement in ensuring school safety. They emphasize the significance of psychological safety for students and the necessity of ongoing training for staff involved in threat assessments.

Resources:

Threat Assessment Guide

Webinar on Threat Assessment

Takeaways:

• Threat assessments are essential for preventing school violence.
• A unified team-based approach is crucial for effective threat assessment.
• Most threats reported in schools are not serious and require careful evaluation.
• Community education is vital to differentiate between seeking help and snitching.
• Psychological safety is foundational for a positive learning environment.
• Threat assessment processes should avoid overreaction and underreaction.
• Multidisciplinary teams enhance the effectiveness of threat assessments.
• Regular training and practice for threat assessment teams are necessary.
• Schools should focus on building relationships with students to prevent violence.
• Statistical data shows that school shootings are rare compared to other forms of violence.

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!