MTSS-I Virtual Learning Summit 2025

Welcome Address

Introduced by Stacy A. S. Williams, PhD, NYSED MTSS-I Director

Presented by New York State Education Department (NYSED) Representative

Creating Enabling Conditions for Multi-tiered System of Supports (MTSS) Implementation

Presented by Caryn Sabourin Ward, PhD, Co-Director, National Technical Assistance Center, United States Department of Education

Teaching and learning keep evolving and changing to meet the needs of new student generations. As our practice evolves, the systems and processes supporting them need to evolve and change as well. However, our systems often lag in change. How can we as leaders create the enabling conditions and systemic change needed to support our educators evolving practice to obtain equitable outcomes for our students? We will strive to answer this question using implementation science and provide practical actions teams can apply to support MTSS implementation within their local context.

Multi-Tiered System of Supports-Integrated (MTSS-I) District Wide Policies: Creating Systems That Endure

Presented by Rodrigo Campos, PsyD, MTSS-I Coach

Frequent changes in school or district leadership are a reality in education, but well-designed systems and structures can outlast these transitions. In this session, we will explore how to establish and sustain MTSS policies that remain effective despite leadership changes. Drawing on proven models from districts across the country, participants will learn best practices for building policies that are data-driven, community-focused, and resilient. Attendees will also gain practical tools and strategies to address common challenges, ensuring that their MTSS framework remains a cornerstone of evidence-based instruction and intervention, and continuity in their schools, regardless of leadership shifts. This session is designed for school leaders and district staff looking to create enduring, adaptable systems that support all students.

The District Leadership Team (DLT) - School Leadership Team (SLT) Cycle: Implementation Science as The Glue That Secures Our MTSS House of Cards

Presented by Daniel Carroll, MS, CAS, MTSS-I Coach

Teaming structures are among the primary, foundational features of the body of research known as implementation science, and New York State Education Department’s (NYSED's) Pilot MTSS-I Frameworkcenters the implementation of MTSS-I around two specific implementation teams-DLT and the SLT. In this practical and engaging session, we will explore how implementation science's key features are baked into NYSED's Pilot MTSS-I Frameworkand its guidance for establishing effective DLTs and SLTs. Participants will learn how to effectively integrate the ongoing work of the DLTs and SLTs within a cyclicalfeedback loop that is fueled by iterative cycles of cohesive data.

District Highlight - Lackawanna City School District

Facilitated by Renee Beaulieu, CAS, MTSS-I Coach

Lunch Break

The Architecture of Coaching: Building Strong Foundations to Support Coaching

Presented by Sophia Farmer, MT, Implementation Specialist, Response to Intervention (RTI) Center for Education Evaluation and Research

You can be the architect of a robust coaching system that transforms the potential of coaching into practice. In this presentation, participants will learn how to build a system that empowers coaches to deliver consistent, impactful support to implement key initiatives. We’ll explore essential tools and best practices to create consistency, success and foster continuous growth.

Data-Driven Solutions for Empowering System-Wide MTSS Success

Presented by Victoria Setaro, Instructional Lead: Data Analytics and Professional Learning, Ulster BOCES

In this 50-minute session, participants will explore the critical role of data in driving MTSS and develop strategies for data-based problem-solving. Through use of an audit/district-reflection tool, DLTs will reveal their own data streams to enhance collaboration, monitor interventions, and adjust support strategies across all tiers. Participants will also learn best practices for integrating multiple data sources—academic, social-emotional, and behavioral — to create well-rounded, responsive interventions that promote student success.

The Long View: Case Studies and Positive Outcomes in Districts that have Embraced Family Engagement

Presented by Fiona Rattray, BA, PGCE, Family Engagement Coordinator, Starbridge Kari Powers, MS, Family Engagement Specialist and Information Specialist, Starbridge

This evidence-based session will consider tangible data collected from districts that have committed to engaging their families. Attendees will explore outcomes in a range of schools focused on increasing family engagement as a strategy to improve student success. The session will also include case studies so that attendees can engage in examining and identifying strategies or approaches that may work in differing scenarios.

Initial Implementation

Facilitated by Steve Rappleyea, PsyD, MTSS-I Coach

Wrap Up & Evaluation Day 1

Welcome Address

Presented by Anael Alston, EdD, Assistant Commissioner Office of Access, Equity, and Community Engagement Services

Optimizing MTSS for Multilingual Learners (MLL): Ensuring Access for All

Presented by Claudia Rinaldi, PhD, Chair of Undergraduate Education, Lasell University

This session will address how MTSS can support MLL students across all tiers of instruction, screening and progress monitoring. This session will provide recommendations and practical application of collaboration structures, representation, and optimization of MLL supports across general and special education. Finally, we will provide guidance on the role of the student support process or pre-referral for MLLs.

Bridging Data and Practice: Enhancing Reading Instruction Through Data-Informed Decision Making

Meredith Rivet, MS, CAS, MTSS-I Coach

This professional development session empowers educators and leaders to leverage data to improve reading outcomes. Participants will explore strategies to interpret and utilize data at both the system and classroom levels to design targeted, effective reading instruction. The session covers key components such as analyzing assessment data, aligning instruction with student needs, monitoring progress, and fostering collaboration among teachers and administrators.

Elevating Family Voices in MTSS: Strategies for Inclusion and Engagement

Presented by Julianne Toce, MS, Senior Manager for Training and Development, INCLUDEnyc Michael Verini, MS, Family Engagement Training Specialist, INCLUDEnyc

This interactive session focuses on elevating family voices within NYSED’s MTSS-I Pilot Framework. Attendees will explore the integral role families play in enhancing positive outcomes for students, and learn practical strategies for effectively including families on implementation teams. Additionally, the session will cover innovative methods for engaging families and including their input when direct participation is not possible, ensuring that all voices are heard.

District Highlight - West Islip Union Free School District

Facilitated by Rodrigo Campos, PsyD, MTSS-I Coach

Lunch Break

Promoting Culturally Responsive Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Implementation

Presented by Kamontá Heidelburgh, PhD, Assistant Professor of School Psychology, Ohio State University

This session will explore strategies for implementing PBIS through a culturally responsive lens. Participants will learn how understanding and valuing students' cultural backgrounds can reduce biases and enhance positive behavioral outcomes. The session will also provide insights into the intersection of cultural context, diversity, and equity with PBIS frameworks, offering practical techniques to make PBIS more inclusive and effective for all students.

Mastering Tier 1 Instruction: The Art of Designing a Well-Crafted Lesson

Presented by Renee Beaulieu, CAS, MTSS-I Coach

In this 50-minute session, participants will explore the critical role of data in driving MTSS and develop strategies for data-based problem-solving. Through use of an audit/district-reflection tool, DLTs will reveal their own data streams to enhance collaboration, monitor interventions, and adjust support strategies across all tiers. Participants will also learn best practices for integrating multiple data sources—academic, social-emotional, and behavioral — to create well-rounded, responsive interventions that promote student success.

Implementing MTSS-I Tier 1 Behavioral Supports with Fidelity to Leverage Success for all Students

Presented by Alyssa Rodriguez, MS, CAS, NCSP Graduate Assistant, Technical Assistance Partnership - Behavior

In this session, participants will learn how the empirically supported components ofthe NYSED’s MTSS-I Pilot Framework, Tier 1 Behavioral Supports, form an equitable foundation that emphasizes structuring the educational environment to increase academic engagement while reducing the need for exclusionary discipline practices.

Practices to Support Sustainability

Facilitated by Steve Rappleyea, PsyD, MTSS-I Coach

Wrap Up & Evaluation Day 2