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A research- and evidence-based playbook for creating MTSS in schools
In In Support of Students: A Leader’s Guide to Equitable MTSS, a team of distinguished educators delivers a comprehensive and insightful discussion of how to create evidence-based and equitable multi-tiered systems (MTSS). In the book, you’ll find the practical tips and tools you need to support the implementation and redesign of systems that meet the needs of all learners.
The author go beyond conceptual theories and frameworks and readers grounded, hands-on advice for developing MTSS that provide opportunities for students to learn at high levels while retaining equitable feelings of belonging and hope. The book also provides:
An indispensable resource for K-12 school leaders and administrators, In Support of Students will also prove invaluable to policymakers, university staff, and regional support providers.
Katie Novak, ED.D., is an education consultant, author, and graduate instructor at the University of Pennsylvania. She has over 20 years’ experience in teaching and administration and has published twelve books focused on building inclusive and equitable classrooms, schools, and systems.
Kristan Rodriguez, PH.D., spent over 20 years as a practitioner in private and public school settings, including being a teacher, principal, and superintendent of schools. Dr. Rodriguez is currently the owner of an educational consulting agency that helps provide professional learning and staffing to schools across the globe. In addition to her books, she has authored numerous MTSS implementation resources that have been used in the field.
From Katie 7
From Kristan 8
Introduction 8
Chapter 1: Planning for Systems Change 9
The View from My Window, Kristan 9
Our Call 10
The Need for Complex Change 12
Unfreeze-Change-Refreeze Model 13
Concerns-Based Adoption 15
Implementation Science 17
Improvement Science 21
Summary 24
Reflection Questions 25
Chapter 2: Understanding MTSS 25
Baking, Not Caking 26
Defining MTSS 26
Vision 32
Instructional Design 32
Tiered Systems 33
Systems and Structures 34
Summary 36
Reflection Questions 37
Chapter 3: The Power of Inclusive Practices 38
The Power of Carrot Cake, Katie 38
The Opportunity Myth 39
Universal Design for Learning 41
Deeper Learning 51
Deeper Learning Tasks 53
Summary 55
Reflection Questions 55
Chapter 4: Building Your Team and Crafting a Vision 57
The Ultimate Dream Team, Katie 57
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work 58
Establishing the MTSS Team 58
Team Members 59
Team Process 61
Building Team Norms 62
Coordinating with Other Teams 65
Understanding Effective Instructional Practice 66
Creating the Vision 68
Drafting the Vision 69
Summary 71
Chapter 5: Kicking Off the Needs Assessment Process 72
My Reflection in the Mirror, Kristan 72
Where Do I Start? Katie 73
Seeing Our Current Systems 73
Document Review 75
Document Review Sample: High School Schedule 78
Asset Mapping 81
Systems Inventory 83
Summary 84
Reflection Questions 84
Chapter 6: Data Analysis to Prepare for MTSS 86
The Power of Lived Experiences, Kristan 86
Data Analysis 87
Outcomes Data 88
Instructional Data 89
Perspectives Data 89
Systems Data 90
Equity Reviews 90
Transforming Equity Reviews Into Action 93
Prepare Your Data Culture 95
Set a Positive Data Culture 95
Create a Comprehensive Assessment Map 96
Design a Data Decision Flowchart 97
Create Data Systems 99
Summary 100
Reflection Questions 100
Chapter 7: Conducting the Self-Assessment 101
Refinishing the Glider, Katie 101
Completing the Self-Assessment 102
Instructional Vision 104
Instructional Design 105
Tiered Systems 108
Systems and Structures 111
Key Findings 114
Summary 117
Chapter 8: Root-Cause Analysis 118
Down the River 118
Identify Potential Root Causes 119
Organizing Your Proposed Root Causes Around Control 120
Review Root Causes for Leverage 121
Validate Your Root Causes 122
Verify Your Root Causes 123
Summary 124
Reflection Questions 124
Chapter 9: Planning for Success 126
Walk with Me, Kristan 126
Sample Process Overview 127
Writing SMART Goals 133
Vetting Your Plan 137
Logic Models 139
Your Turn 144
Action Planning 145
Summary 148
Reflection Questions 148
Chapter 10: Implementing Systems 149
Avoiding the Fate of Sisyphus 149
Unpacking Fidelity 150
Fidelity Checks in Practice 154
Feedback Loops 155
A Case Study: Integrating MTSS 157
Summary 160
References 161
Appendix A 169
Appendix B: Sample Action Steps for MTSS Strategy 177
Vision Action Steps 177
Instructional Design Sample Action Steps 177
Curricular Materials 178
Equitable Practices 178
Pedagogy 179
Assessment 179
Learning Environment 180
Tiered Systems Planning 181
Tiered Supports 181
Data Systems 182
Access to Resources 182
Leveraging Systems and Structures 184
Staff Development and Competency 184
Structural Support 185
Continuous Improvement Cycles 185
Human Resources 187
About the Authors 187
Katie Novak, Ed.D. 188
Kristan Rodriguez, Ph.D. 189
The New copy of this book will include any supplemental materials advertised. Please check the title of the book to determine if it should include any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.
The Used, Rental and eBook copies of this book are not guaranteed to include any supplemental materials. Typically, only the book itself is included. This is true even if the title states it includes any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.
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