In Support of Students

Katie Novak, ED.D., is an education consultant, author, and graduate instructor at the University of Pennsylvania. She has over 20 years’ experience in teaching and administration and has published twelve books focused on building inclusive and equitable classrooms, schools, and systems. Kristan Rodriguez, PH.D., spent over 20 years as a practitioner in private and public school settings, including being a teacher, principal, and superintendent of schools. Dr. Rodriguez is currently the owner of an educational consulting agency that helps provide professional learning and staffing to schools across the globe. In addition to her books, she has authored numerous MTSS implementation resources that have been used in the field.

• From Katie 7From Kristan 8Introduction 8Chapter 1: Planning for Systems Change 9The View from My Window, Kristan 9Our Call 10The Need for Complex Change 12Unfreeze-Change-Refreeze Model 13Concerns-Based Adoption 15Implementation Science 17Improvement Science 21Summary 24Reflection Questions 25Chapter 2: Understanding MTSS 25Baking, Not Caking 26Defining MTSS 26Vision 32Instructional Design 32Tiered Systems 33Systems and Structures 34Summary 36Reflection Questions 37Chapter 3: The Power of Inclusive Practices 38The Power of Carrot Cake, Katie 38The Opportunity Myth 39Universal Design for Learning 41Deeper Learning 51Deeper Learning Tasks 53Summary 55Reflection Questions 55Chapter 4: Building Your Team and Crafting a Vision 57The Ultimate Dream Team, Katie 57Teamwork Makes the Dream Work 58Establishing the MTSS Team 58Team Members 59Team Process 61Building Team Norms 62Coordinating with Other Teams 65Understanding Effective Instructional Practice 66Creating the Vision 68Drafting the Vision 69Summary 71Chapter 5: Kicking Off the Needs Assessment Process 72My Reflection in the Mirror, Kristan 72Where Do I Start? Katie 73Seeing Our Current Systems 73Document Review 75Document Review Sample: High School Schedule 78Asset Mapping 81Systems Inventory 83Summary 84Reflection Questions 84Chapter 6: Data Analysis to Prepare for MTSS 86The Power of Lived Experiences, Kristan 86Data Analysis 87Outcomes Data 88Instructional Data 89Perspectives Data 89Systems Data 90Equity Reviews 90Transforming Equity Reviews Into Action 93Prepare Your Data Culture 95Set a Positive Data Culture 95Create a Comprehensive Assessment Map 96Design a Data Decision Flowchart 97Create Data Systems 99Summary 100Reflection Questions 100Chapter 7: Conducting the Self-Assessment 101Refinishing the Glider, Katie 101Completing the Self-Assessment 102Instructional Vision 104Instructional Design 105Tiered Systems 108Systems and Structures 111Key Findings 114Summary 117Chapter 8: Root-Cause Analysis 118Down the River 118Identify Potential Root Causes 119Organizing Your Proposed Root Causes Around Control 120Review Root Causes for Leverage 121Validate Your Root Causes 122Verify Your Root Causes 123Summary 124Reflection Questions 124Chapter 9: Planning for Success 126Walk with Me, Kristan 126Sample Process Overview 127Writing SMART Goals 133Vetting Your Plan 137Logic Models 139Your Turn 144Action Planning 145Summary 148Reflection Questions 148Chapter 10: Implementing Systems 149Avoiding the Fate of Sisyphus 149Unpacking Fidelity 150Fidelity Checks in Practice 154Feedback Loops 155A Case Study: Integrating MTSS 157Summary 160References 161Appendix A 169Appendix B: Sample Action Steps for MTSS Strategy 177Vision Action Steps 177Instructional Design Sample Action Steps 177Curricular Materials 178Equitable Practices 178Pedagogy 179Assessment 179Learning Environment 180Tiered Systems Planning 181Tiered Supports 181Data Systems 182Access to Resources 182Leveraging Systems and Structures 184Staff Development and Competency 184Structural Support 185Continuous Improvement Cycles 185Human Resources 187About the Authors 187Katie Novak, Ed.D. 188Kristan Rodriguez, Ph.D. 189