Empowering Educators: MTSS Conference Sparks Growth at NCA

After the training, I became an (MTSS) Implementation Specialist. This is new certification for our school. At NCA we have wanted to implement more framework for MTSS, so that we can support students in academics, math, reading, social and emotional skills and needs. We will be doing this in a tiered system: Tier 1--this will be an experience offered to every student; Tier 2--this will look like providing support for some students based on their needs; Tier 3 -- this will apply to those students who need that more extensive support.

 

The goal is that we build a really robust support system, so that we are seeing needs in advance and then implementing where needed so that these students can thrive as they move forward. I would say Tier 2 level is where we are at currently and where we are growing and building. For example, in Elementary we have adopted 'Amplify' (a K-12 educational platform that provides high- quality curriculum, assessments, and instructional resources designed to enhance student learning and support teachers in the classroom) so that we can do screens for reading and we can provide intervention when needed. A goal moving forward would be to bring in K-8 supports in place for: math, reading, behavioral, social and emotional. The idea being that when students have a sense of belonging and well-being, then they do better in academics--this benefits the whole child.

 

Overall I'm grateful because the training better equipped me to bring this structure to our staff at NCA, so now it's time to bring it to life!

Amanda Tormon Middle School Assistant Principal

My biggest takeaway was how important clarity is into implementing MTSS into our school. This helps grow NCA because we are able to set a more firm foundation of trust, safety, and support to students and staff. We are creating confidence with what we want to achieve in our goal by having the right people in place to guide our staff and students from start to finish.

 

One of the main concepts of MTSS is low burden for teachers, this is going to alleviate stress from their plate, which is incredible news! Our MTSS certified team will walk alongside our teachers from academics, behavior…the whole journey, to ensure our teachers are equipped. We have a firm foundation laid in advance to welcome this MTSS system, which is so fantastic--it's why we have additional Counselors, Assistant Principals, EAs, and a Behavior Specialist on campus. MTSS Systems that we will be implementing will then be moved into daily practice through all of these folks, all the way to receptionists, to ensure the student outcomes result in graduating resilient disciples of Christ who are spiritually equipped and academically prepared to be leaders of tomorrow!

 

MTSS is the bridge between what we know and what we do--we use data to drive what systems we will be implementing. One of my favorite things I heard at the conference was, 'this is heart work.' I love that because that is truly what we do at our core! 

Jacie DeWitt Behavior Support Specialist

At the conference, they talked a lot about the implementation process and how to do it well. I learned so much about the MTSS framework and the need for this support system in all schools. My big takeaway from that was seeing this brought to life in a framework that is rich with data and incorporates the entire academic staff--from teachers, to parents- each student's whole support team. As an MTSS implementation specialist, there has to be a shift in mindset as you're doing this, so that you can do it well in order to achieve desired results. I think that by implementing these multiple systems of support is an answer to prayer for so many parents and families who have been in our community and needing support for their child, this structure will give more clarification and interventions in place to build a stronger bond and framework for parents, teachers, and admin to continue to partner together. Overall it enhances the partnership and parents can see our heart's desire to achieve these goals and see every child succeed.

 

Being at NCA for many years, I think we have so many systems in place through Thrive, our Counselor support, teacher/parent connections--we've already started on this journey and have some great systems, but the MTSS adds such a great framework to what we are already doing--by giving more direction and goal setting. It allows us to utilize our gifted staff and leadership more holistically to have an enhanced programmatic data driven framework.

 

I'm excited we have this resource to showcase our schoolwide mission and vision statement in a stronger way, because at the end of the day, we want to ensure Christ is shown through our efforts, in addition to our goal of academic, behavioral, emotional, and social well-being.

Sarah Leighow Lower Elementary Principal