Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)

Our Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) is a powerful framework designed to improve the learning outcomes of all students at Hiawatha Academies. MTSS is a data-driven, prevention-based approach that employs evidence-based practices and systems to create a comprehensive support system. Here are the key components of our MTSS:

Shared Leadership: MTSS at Hiawatha is a collective effort guided by a team of stakeholders representing the school, network, and community. This team, comprising students, family members, educators, and support staff, engages in shared decision-making to ensure effective MTSS implementation.

Evidence-based Instruction and Intervention: We utilize evidence-based instructional approaches grounded in scientific research studies to inform educational decisions and enhance student outcomes.

Universal Screening: Our approach involves universal screening – a quick and repeatable assessment of academic and behavioral skills administered three times a year. This helps assess curriculum functionality, instructional effectiveness, and student progress. Currently, our network uses the Social Academic Emotional Behavior Risk Screener (SAEBRS).

Progress Monitoring: We systematically collect academic and behavioral data through progress monitoring, using various methods regularly and over time. This ongoing assessment helps us understand how students respond to instruction and intervention.

Family Partnership: Active involvement of families in the MTSS process is crucial. Recognizing the vital role families play in a student's development, we aim to strengthen the home-school partnership. Engaging families empowers them as active participants, facilitating collaborative decision-making, personalized interventions, and improved student outcomes.

 

At Hiawatha Academies, our MTSS is a dynamic system providing behavioral and academic support to all students. It operates across three tiers of intervention:

1. Foundation for all students
2. Evidence-based practices for the entire school community

1. Focused interventions for students not making sufficient progress
2. Additional support and resources

1. Intensive, individualized interventions for students requiring significant support
2. Specialized resources and personalized strategies

Our commitment to MTSS reflects our commitment to each student's success, ensuring a supportive learning environment that meets the diverse needs of our school community.

BARR (Building Assets, Reducing Risks)
Fostering Relationships for Success

As BARR schools, our focus is on building meaningful relationships with students to understand and support their unique needs for success. The BARR model has eight strategies to create intentional connections among students and educators.

The Eight BARR Strategies include 

1. Focus on the Whole Student
   1. At Hiawatha Academies, we recognize that students bring their lives with them. Building relationships enables educators to address academic, emotional, social, and physical needs, ensuring students are ready and able to learn.
2. Provide Professional Development
   1. We believe in the continuous growth of our educators. Regular hands-on training and coaching ensure that our staff feels comfortable and supported in implementing the BARR model effectively.
3. Social Emotional Learning (I-Times and U-Times)
   1. Staff facilitates a weekly 30-minute Social Emotional Learning lesson. This time helps students develop essential life skills that contribute to fostering meaningful relationships.
4. Create Cohorts
   1. Cohorts are instrumental in building connections among staff, between staff and students, and among students themselves. Breaking into smaller groups enables educators to cultivate meaningful connections, promoting more effective teaching and learning.
5. Cohort Teacher Team Meetings
   1. Teachers meet weekly to discuss students from a strength-based perspective. This collaborative approach allows staff to identify struggling students, implement effective interventions, and identify those who may benefit from acceleration.
6. Risk Review Meetings
   1. When a student is identified as struggling, they enter a structured risk review process. This process helps teachers develop a targeted action plan to support the students in their journey to success.
7. Partner with Families in Student Learning
   1. Recognizing families as active partners in a student's education is essential. Our educators actively communicate with families, fostering a collaborative approach to student learning.
8. Engage Administrators
   1. Each BARR school is part of a connected community that networks with one another. This collaboration allows for the exchange of ideas on effective school leadership and student engagement strategies.

At Hiawatha Academies, BARR is more than just a model; it's a commitment to creating an environment where relationships are at the core of every success story. Join us as we build assets and reduce risks, ensuring that every student's journey is one of fulfillment and accomplishment.