April is World Autism Month! I invite you to reflect on the evolution of autism awareness initiatives and consider how we can foster supportive and inclusive learning environments moving forward (free resources included)! Out of deep respect for diverse perspectives, I will use both people-first and identity-first language throughout this newsletter. Words are powerful; everyone’s… Read More Autism: Awareness to Action – A Journey Through History & Tools to Use Today
Strengthening Your Tier 1 Foundation: A 5-Article Series
“You can’t intervene your way out of a Tier 1 problem,” goes the saying. For this reason, a strong Tier 1 foundation is key to supporting staff and students in the areas of academics, behavior, mental wellness, and attendance. During the month of December, we shared a five-article series that focused on how school staff… Read More Strengthening Your Tier 1 Foundation: A 5-Article Series
Resources to Support the 2023 Mathematics Standards of Learning
Beginning in the 2024-2025 school year, all public divisions and schools across the commonwealth will implement the revised 2023 Mathematics Standards of Learning (SOLs). Resources are currently being developed to support the implementation of the revised standards, some of which are detailed below. VDOE Resources for Transitioning to the Newly Adopted Standards The VDOE’s 2023… Read More Resources to Support the 2023 Mathematics Standards of Learning
5 Tips to Prioritize Staff, Student, and Family Voice
Throughout this month’s December Friday 5s, we have been unpacking the PBIS Tiered Fidelity Inventory (TFI). Thus far, we have examined ways to effectively establish teaming processes, teach and reteach expectations, coordinate high quality professional learning and strengthen our feedback and acknowledgement systems. This week we will focus on TFI features 1.10 and 1.11. These… Read More 5 Tips to Prioritize Staff, Student, and Family Voice
5 Tips for Developing Feedback and Acknowledgement Systems
TFI feature 1.9 defines feedback and acknowledgement as a formal system that is in place and used by at least 90% of a sample of staff and received by at least 50% of a sample of students. This written set of procedures for specific behavior feedback should be: [a] linked to school-wide expectations and [b]… Read More 5 Tips for Developing Feedback and Acknowledgement Systems
5 Tips for High Quality Professional Learning
TFI 1.7, Professional Development, calls for a written process to be used when orienting all faculty/staff to the four core Tier 1 SWPBIS practices: teaching school-wide expectations, acknowledging appropriate behavior, correcting errors, and requesting assistance. The Every Student Succeeds Act calls professional development an integral part of an educator’s work, and says for an activity… Read More 5 Tips for High Quality Professional Learning
5 Tips for Effectively Teaching and Re-teaching Behavior
The PBIS Tiered Fidelity Inventory (TFI) features 1.3 – 1.6 focus on teaching behavioral expectations and emphasizing consistency in defining and responding to behavior. Providing resources that assist and empower staff and students to teach expected academic and social behaviors ensures we are creating a positive climate for learning. Turn the Tables: Ask Students to… Read More 5 Tips for Effectively Teaching and Re-teaching Behavior
