Collaborative Inquiry: MTSS

I can't believe I am sitting here with only 7 days left as an Administrative Intern.  The MTSS structures that are in place are probably what I am most proud of.  A system was in place for the MTSS process, but the district had large representation in the process at Rogers Garden Elementary.  My administrator made it very clear that this was a system that she wanted the school to regain ownership of.  The idea of collaboration with district representation was one that should be honored, but owning the process, the students, the data, building capacity with the teachers, were all components of the MTSS structure that Ms. Ann Broomes, principal at Rogers Garden Elementary wanted to see in place. Through collaboration with Amy, the school-based behavioral Specialists/MTSS Chair, we got to work.  The journey was some days frustrating trying to find answers and be turned in circles for answers.  Attempting to locate pieces of information and ensure that we were meeting the personal an

So the end is near ... There are not many more days of school left for this Administrative Intern and a whole year has passed since I sat in the initial MTSS meeting with a group of skilled individuals including highly skilled Social Workers and Psychologists who had many years of experience in the MTSS process.  I sat trying to hide the fact that I "had no clue" about the MTSS structure outside of the limited experiences I had as a teacher bringing students through the MTSS process. I could liken this experience to being the difference between "student" and "teacher."  As a "student" of MTSS, I was the classroom teacher.  I was engaged in an "ASK" and "GET" game.  I had a problem with a student... I would "ask" a question and then I would "get" and answer or vice versa from the "more knowledgable" MTSS gurus.  Then it came to the data collection piece and they (MTSS/TEACHERS) would ask a questi

It was music to my ears ... Do you know how receiving positive feedback from some individuals feels as though you just struck gold?  Well, that's been my experience today.  The structure of the MTSS framework was one of concern last year.  But this year, as we progress ... things are going really well.  The psychologist is one with high expectations for procedure and compliance and accountability. The psychologist made the following observations today and announced her sentiments aloud to the team. Background:  We have a student that we are working at length to support.  We have exhausted all resources and supports available to wrap around this child and this family. Her comments to our MTSS team (and I paraphrase):   It is very clear that the team is supporting this student and the family to the best of our ability and beyond.  The data being provided is substantive.  The Behavioral Intervention Plan is being followed to fidelity and appropriate Positive Behavior Supports a

It was so much fun reading your blog.  I had a good laugh:-)  The reflection truly shows your growth.  However, don't throw out the baby with the bath water. You had the drive, the plans, and the talent to get the job done.  Not every situation will lend itself to including all the stakeholders.  I think you stopped short of sharing what came next.  It is just as important how you were able to fix the situation.  None of us will ever be perfect leaders.  We will all make mistakes. You developed your skills of how to mend relationships, accept responsibility for our actions, and avoid making the same mistakes again.  You cared enough about the people around you and enough about the relationships you were trying to foster to not throw-up your hands and walk away from the situation with an “I don't care attitude”.  Instead, you found a way to push through and as a result have developed relationship with people who respect you for who you are and what you wer

Here is the question I posed ... Part of my project has been to support the foundation of MTSS. I am logging the progress and would be interested in your feedback.   Think of last year compared to this year.  Please reflect on anything that has improved, diminished, or stayed the same and if you have any further concerns or suggestions that you would like to see with the future of RGE MTSS.   The feedback is in ... My mentor, Ann ...writes: The MTSS and PBS process has improved tremendously since last year.    There is a process that is consistent and understood by all.   The meeting dates, times, and coverage has been scheduled throughout the year.   The stress level for teacher involvement has decreased and their knowledge about the process, including knowing how to talk about student interventions verses programs has also improved.   Specific areas have been identified for growth in the coming year, but the areas of growth are tweaks to process that is working.