A B-Corps From the Beginning: Staying True to Our Values & Growing Into the Future

    News

    Authors: Maya Gat and David Magier, Co-founders of Branching Minds

    For us, choosing to become a B-Corps in 2015 was a no-brainer. We started Branching Minds as a way to make education more accessible, equitable, and effective, and we are driven by our desire to have a positive impact on society. The governance structure of B-Corps helps facilitate our commitment to creating value for our stakeholders, including our staff, customers, and the wider education community.

    Supporting Students’ Social, Emotional, & Behavioral Needs: Moving From Referrals to an Interconnected Systems Framework

    SEL and Behavior, Instituting MTSS

    It is widely recognized that students' sense of well-being plays an important role in learning outcomes. Therefore, it is no surprise that schools have a growing need for systemic practices that better support students' social, emotional,  and behavioral needs. In a lot of cases, classroom teachers are the first people to recognize when students have an escalated need for support. Yet, most teachers do not have the training or available time that is needed to address intensive social, emotional, and behavioral needs of students on their own. This is why schools need to ensure that a system of support is in place along with practices and procedures for early identification and the implementation of supports and services before issues become escalated.

    How Universal Design for Learning Connects With MTSS

    MTSS Practice, Tier 1 - Core Instruction

    As a middle school teacher, I tapped into every creative avenue for presenting information to my students. My students were diverse, not only culturally but also with different interests, strengths, and challenges. Hooking them on a concept was hard work! I was competing with their phones and social lives. Even so, I wanted to ensure the skills and concepts covered in my English class stuck in their brains for a long time. 

    6 Daily Engagement Practices for Every MTSS Tier

    MTSS Practice, Tier 1 - Core Instruction

    Student engagement remains a consistent topic of interest for educators. How do educators and schools compete with all the other entertainment forms that captivate students? As a former middle school teacher, I often felt like I needed to be a circus performer to capture students' attention, standing on my desk and keeping a continuously high-energy environment. However, that isn’t the case. Engagement within the classroom often starts at a simpler level, by meeting the needs of students and building an environment they want to be a part of each day. 

    MTSS Is Equity With Its Work Boots On - Read & Watch Blog Post

    Equity, Instituting MTSS

    Equity often seems like a lofty idea, and complicated to achieve. How do we make sure that schools are set up to meet every student where they are and provide the support they need to succeed? When it comes to actually addressing equity, the application is the hardest part. This is where a Multi-Tiered System of Supports comes in. The MTSS framework makes it possible to meet the needs of students and practically, intentionally close those learning gaps.

    How Can Power Standards Strengthen Your MTSS?

    MTSS Practice, Tier 1 - Core Instruction

    When my state began the Common Core Curriculum shift, we examined and mapped out standards. I soon realized there was no way we had enough time for our students to master all of the reading, writing, speaking and listening standards for their grade level. With such a broad range of standards and topics, it was hard to know where my students needed help as we had to quickly move through standards and skills. There was no systematic way to identify what I should prioritize.

    Check In Check Out and Beyond: Tier 2 Behavior Interventions That Build Relationships & Foster School Connectedness – Webinar Recap

    SEL and Behavior, MTSS Practice, Tier 2, Interventions and Learning Supports' Strategies
     
    A well-run Tier 2 behavior intervention program can be life-changing on a campus. For students, the additional positive attention, structure, and feedback helps them follow the rules and expectations that make academic and social success possible. For teachers, a campus-led program for such students means that they are not alone in meeting the behavioral needs of their students. Instead, the school community works together to support both students and teachers.

    What Are MTSS Assessments in High School, and Why Are They Important?

    MTSS Practice, MTSS Data Literacy, MTSS Assessment Data, MTSS for Secondary

    One of the most challenging parts of my work as a High School Administrator was coaching my teachers and staff on the importance of making decisions based on assessment data. During my initial one-on-one meetings with my teachers and staff, I would ask them, “What assessment data are you using to drive your decision-making and instruction to meet the needs of your students? Most times, I would get a blank stare, or as my nephew says, I would hear crickets. Other times I would receive a response like this: “I did not need a test to tell me; I just know my students.”

    The MTSS 6-Week Intervention Check-In - Webinar Recap

    MTSS Practice, MTSS Assessment Data, Interventions and Learning Supports' Strategies
     
    “A defining feature of MTSS is the continuous improvement driven by data. Teams collect and analyze data to diagnose problems or gaps and select strategies to address these challenges.”

    Brancher Insight: Cultivating Family Engagement in MTSS

    MTSS Practice

    Branching Minds seeks to provide top-notch service to all our partner educators. And that includes bringing the skills and talents of our amazing Branching Minds employees, AKA “Branchers,” to the table! Whitley Dozier, Customer Success Manager, has extensive experience and knowledge as a former Multi-Tiered System of Supports Coordinator. In her former role, she acted as a liaison between the district, schools, and community members, and learned about state policy and MTSS best practices to help her district continually improve in meeting the needs of all students.