In this conversation, Larissa and Austin Griffith, Senior Product Designer, discuss the use of AI in education and how it is being integrated into the Branching Minds product. They explore various ways AI is currently being used in schools, and touch on the challenges and concerns surrounding AI implementation, including privacy issues and the need for prompt engineering. They highlight the benefits of AI in education, including reducing repetitive tasks, interpreting data, and personalizing learning. They address misconceptions about AI, such as the fear of job replacement and impersonality, emphasizing that AI is a co-pilot and assistant rather than a replacement for human educators. They also discuss the importance of data privacy and the need for thoughtful and useful applications of AI in education.

Resources:

MTSS Meetings Guide & Toolkit

Teacher Workload Webinar

Admin Guide

Request a consultation

Takeaways:

• AI is being used in education for various purposes, including essay writing, lesson planning, and content generation.
• Implementing AI in education comes with challenges, such as privacy concerns and the need for prompt engineering.
• AI has the potential to improve efficiency and outcomes in education, but careful consideration and ethical use are necessary. AI has the potential to automate repetitive tasks, interpret data, and personalize learning in education.
• AI is a co-pilot and assistant, not a replacement for human educators.
• Data privacy is a crucial consideration when using AI in education.
• Thoughtful and useful applications of AI can lighten the cognitive load of educators and improve student outcomes.

Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our Branching Minds Website, or sign up for our weekly Newsletter on all things MTSS. Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds.

Send feedback or inquiries to podcast@branchingminds.com!

In this Ask an Expert episode, Larissa asks Dr. Essie Sutton, Director of Learning Science and Trudy Bender, Senior Manager of Thought Leadership, about the benefits of universal screening for social and emotional needs in schools. The conversation highlights the importance of addressing the social and emotional needs of all students, including those who may fly under the radar. These experts provide recommendations for schools overwhelmed by the number of students needing support, including focusing on tier one interventions, seeking community partnerships, and implementing structured recess programs.

Resources:

Guide for Universal Screening for SEL & Behavior

Common Questions for MTSS & SEL

Tier 2 Behavior Guide

Nurturing a Sense of Belonging in Schools Webinar

Request a consultation

Takeaways:

• Universal screening allows schools to assess the social and emotional needs of all students, providing a more systematic and unbiased approach compared to teacher referrals.
• Transparency and clear communication with parents about the purpose and use of screening data are crucial for building trust and engagement.
• Addressing the social and emotional needs of all students, including those who may fly under the radar, is essential for creating a safe and supportive learning environment.
• When overwhelmed by the number of students needing support, schools can focus on tier one interventions, seek community partnerships, and implement structured recess programs.
• Conducting screening multiple times throughout the year allows schools to track progress, identify patterns, and inform targeted interventions.

Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our Branching Minds Website, or sign up for our weekly Newsletter on all things MTSS. Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds.

Send feedback or inquiries to podcast@branchingminds.com!

In this episode, Larissa interviews Christie Creele, the assistant director of MTSS at Garland Independent School District in Texas. They discuss how to set up the school year for successful MTSS implementation. Christie shares insights on creating buy-in, addressing assumptions, and supporting the whole child. She emphasizes the importance of team collaboration, involving all stakeholders, and providing training and support. Christie also talks about the challenges and stages of MTSS implementation and offers practical tips for the first few weeks of school.

Resources:

Beginning of Year MTSS Gameplan Ebook

Beginning of Year MTSS Gameplan Webinar

MTSS Meetings Guide & Toolkit

MTSS From Buy-in to Implementation Article

Request a consultation

Takeaways:

• Setting up the school year for successful MTSS implementation requires creating buy-in and addressing assumptions.
• Team collaboration and involving all stakeholders are crucial for effective MTSS implementation.
• Providing training and support, as well as clear communication and consistent meetings, are essential for building a robust MTSS system.
• MTSS implementation is an ongoing process that takes time and requires continuous improvement.
• Supporting the whole child and focusing on what's best for students should be the driving force behind MTSS implementation.

Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our Branching Minds Website, or sign up for our weekly Newsletter on all things MTSS. Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds.

Send feedback or inquiries to podcast@branchingminds.com!