Schoolin' Around

Mar 04 2025 95 ep. 30 mins 3
Schoolin' Around Podcast artwork

Schoolin' Around is a weekly podcast hosted by Branching Minds, featuring prominent leaders, subject-matter experts, and thought innovators with their perspectives on the current challenges facing K-12 education. You can find more info about Branching Minds at our website, branchingminds.com or follow on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds.

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Reimagining Teacher Wellbeing Through Practical Solutions

Mar 04 2025 43 mins  
In this conversation, Larissa and Dr. Julie Sauve discuss the importance of social-emotional learning (SEL) in education, the challenges faced by educators, and the need to prioritize teacher wellbeing. They highlight how Harmony Academy supports students and teachers with relationship-driven curricula and practical strategies for managing wellbeing in a complex educational system.

How to Simplify MTSS Implementation Through W.I.N. Time

Feb 25 2025 10 mins  
In this episode, host Larissa Napolitan discusses the challenges faced by middle and high schools in ensuring that every student receives the necessary support and enrichment. She introduces W.I.N. (What I Need) Time, a flexible, data-driven approach designed to address these challenges by providing tailored interventions and enrichment opportunities. The conversation explores the

Leadership Lessons in Elementary Behavior Strategies

Feb 18 2025 34 mins  
In this conversation, Larissa and Paul Young, retired principal and college professor, discuss effective strategies for managing student behavior in elementary schools. Paul shares his experiences as a principal and educator, emphasizing the importance of teaching positive behaviors, creating a supportive school culture, and understanding behavior as a system problem rather than an

Does Behavior Incident Documentation Feel Like a Waste of Time?

Feb 11 2025 16 mins  
In this conversation, Larissa and Trudy Bender, school psychologist and Senior Manager of Thought Leaders at Branching Minds, discuss the critical role of behavior documentation in schools, emphasizing its importance for both compliance and effective student intervention. They explore the challenges teachers face with traditional documentation practices, the need for accurate data

Trusted Adults, Thriving Students: The Role of Relationship Mapping

Feb 04 2025 28 mins  
In this conversation, Larissa and her guest, Jackie Reilly, a certified school psychologist and executive function coach, explore the concept of relationship mapping in education, emphasizing its importance in fostering positive connections between students and educators. They discuss practical strategies for implementing relationship mapping in schools, the challenges educators fa

The Science Behind MTSS Success: Breaking Down Implementation Strategies

Jan 28 2025 42 mins  
In this conversation, Larissa and Ellina Xiong, MTSS Lead at Branching Minds, dive into the challenges of implementing Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) in schools. They discuss the role of implementation science in creating structured approaches to support student success. Ellina shares her expertise, offering practical tips on effectively implementing MTSS, including the imp

The Science of Reading and MTSS: A Framework for Better Literacy Outcomes

Jan 21 2025 10 mins  
This episode explores the transformative impact of the science of reading on literacy education, emphasizing the importance of structured literacy and the MTSS framework. It discusses the historical context of reading instruction, the urgency of adopting evidence-based practices, and the challenges educators face in implementing these changes. The conversation highlights the need f

Bridging MTSS and Special Education to Support All Learners

Jan 14 2025 30 mins  
In this episode of School and Around, hosts Larissa Napolitan, Karen Hamilton, and Hiral Vekaria discuss the integration of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and special education. They emphasize the importance of viewing all students as part of a unified system of support, where core instruction is accessible to everyone. The conversation covers the challenges of gaining buy-

Strategies for Overcoming MTSS Challenges in Schools

Jan 07 2025 39 mins  
**Only 2 weeks left to take our 2024 Listener Survey (You will be entered to win an Amazon Gift Card!)In this episode of School and Around, host Larissa Napolitan engages with educators leading the MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) work in their districts. The conversation explores the challenges faced in implementing MTSS, including building buy-in, resource limitations, and

Education in 2025: Budgeting, Technology, and Overcoming Challenges

Dec 31 2024 33 mins  
Take our 2024 Listener Surveyand be entered to win an Amazon Gift Card! In this conversation, Larissa and Maya Gat, Branching Minds CEO,  discuss the challenges and uncertainties facing educators as they look ahead to 2025. They reflect on the difficulties of 2024, including budget constraints and the need for innovative solutions. Maya emphasizes the importance of levera