MTSS in TSD

This is our thirty-sixth edition this school year! (...the 2nd to the last one ever...)

We have used this newsletter to make connections between the CO Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework and the Thompson School District (TSD).

> Access last week's edition.

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It's Been a Pleasure!

I will be leaving TSD in the coming weeks...and I'll be leaving Colorado. Both have been my home for a long time, and I will miss all of the good people here and all of the great experiences I have had. This is the second to the last edition of this newsletter - a publication that it has been my pleasure (and sincere honor) to compose each week. I have tried to "curate" information available across a variety of inputs to share with all subscribers and readers.

Hopefully, you have found some of these features and resources useful...I know that I have learned through the process of development and distribution. Although I am leaving the district, I do not feel that it is lacking in its implementation of MTSS. The time has come for there to be truly distributed leadership and ownership of the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework in TSD. Each critical perspective is represented, and each necessary voice/role is reflected in TSD. As a reminder, each member of the Learning Services Division (and other TSD departments) contribute to a coherent and cohesive system. Consider each of the work teams and their responsibilities. A Multi-Tiered System of Supports is made of: academics, well-being (i.e., social, emotional, behavioral, mental, physical health), programs/services, family and community partnering, assessment/data (and reports), training/coaching, improvement planning, etc. If MTSS is "every ed" (which it is), it should be implemented by "every ed" in our system. The coordinators, TOSAs, and Directors at the Administration building connect and work together to secure supports for schools. And site-level personnel collaborate to ensure positive student outcomes.

As we always say, MTSS is not "person-specific" or "individual-dependent". A sustainable Multi-Tiered System of Supports has systems in place (e.g., methods of problem solving, communication, and professional development). That is what we are seeing in TSD now (and in the future), full commitment from all educational stakeholders, each "playing their part". Thanks to each of you for "making it happen". The Thompson School District is a Multi-Tiered System of Supports! Continue onward...Strive to 2025 and beyond: Empower to Learn...Challenge to Achieve...Inspire to Excel!

This is the shape of a Cross or Compass - with a center circle at top, bottom, right, and left; all circles are connected to the center with gray bars; Thompson Educational Expectations is written in center black-colored circle with Learning Design in orange circle on left, Learning Delivery in red circle on right, Evaluations of Learning in green circle on bottom, Conditions for Learning in blue circle at top

TEE...

The Thompson Educational Expectations (TEE) have been an anchor in TSD. We can use the Compass Points in our daily practice.

Conditions for Learning: Predictable, Preventative, Positive (environment/engagement)
Learning Design: Aligned, Articulated, Adopted (content)
Learning Delivery: Tiers, Transitions, Technologies (process)
Evaluations of Learning: Measuring, Monitoring, "Making" (product)

These Compass Points represent the "environments/relationships, curriculum, instruction, and assessment/s" we should be prioritizing in our work. Approach guidance and implementation of TEE with a focus on equity and inclusion. This resource (shared previously) may help you/your system as you provide Support for Each Learner within Cooperative Learning Structures.

cartoon images of faceless characters of male and female. One complete sentence is spread out. It reads: "I Matter. Colorado's youth shouldn't have to face mental health struggles alone."

CDE: "It’s #MentalHealthAwareness month,
so let’s talk mental health! I Matter offers free, confidential
therapy sessions to children and teens in need.
Visit http://IMatterColorado.org to learn more."

Resource:
CDE Mental Health Education Literacy Resource Bank

May 18: Global Accessibility Awareness

From the Colorado State Governor's Office of Information Technology:

"Thursday, May 18 is the 12th Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD)! The mission of GAAD is “to get everyone talking, thinking and learning about digital access and inclusion, and the more than One Billion people with disabilities” worldwide.

Awareness is the first step in better serving people with disabilities. People with disabilities use a variety of accessibility tools and techniques to navigate the world of technology. Let’s start by discussing common accessibility techniques that help people with disabilities the most.

Visual - People who are blind or have low vision need alternative text (alt text) descriptions for meaningful images, and use the keyboard rather than a mouse to interact with interactive elements. Learn more about visual accessibility.
Hearing - People who are deaf or hard of hearing will need captioning for video presentations and visual indicators in place of audio cues. Learn more about auditory accessibility.
Physical - People with physical disabilities may need alternative keyboards, eye control or other adaptive hardware to help them type and navigate on their devices. Learn more about physical IT accessibility.
Cognitive, Learning and Neurological - An uncluttered screen, consistent navigation and the use of plain language are useful for people with different cognitive disabilities. Learn more about cognitive and neurological accessibility.

Accessibility removes barriers and unlocks what is possible! Ensuring your IT infrastructure is accessible means allowing people with disabilities to be independent and more productive.

To better understand how people with disabilities navigate technology, try the No Mouse Challenge created by the State of Minnesota Office of Accessibility. If you have questions about accessibility, check out the OIT Guide to Accessible Web Services or reach out to the Technology Accessibility Program (TAP) team at OIT_Accessibility@state.co.us."