Loading…
MTSS for the Whole Child: Align Systems & Elevate All...
Audience: Teacher clear filter
Tuesday, September 29
 

9:40am EDT

Chronic Absenteeism, In the Building: Showing Up Together
Tuesday September 29, 2026 9:40am - 10:50am EDT
Chronic absenteeism requires more than a single strategy or a single champion. It requires coordinated systems, trusted relationships, and data that drives action at every level. In this session, participants will build a shared vocabulary for discussing chronic absenteeism, examine the Early Warning Intervention and Monitoring System (EWIMS) as a practical, data informed action tool, and explore intervention strategies across the tiers of MTSS, including how family engagement and relationship building can address the barriers that data alone cannot see.
Whether you work in a building, a district office, or a regional agency, you will leave with a shared language, practical strategies, and a clearer sense of who your partners are in this work.
Speakers
avatar for Steve A. Massengill & Carol Ann Paul

Steve A. Massengill & Carol Ann Paul

School / Parent Liaison; State & Federal Programs, and Special Populations,, Wayne RESA
Steve A. Massengill comes to you with a 37 year career in public education.  As part of the Lincoln Park Public Schools he has served in many capacities including teacher, elementary principal, middle school assistant principal and athletic director.  Currently he is serving as... Read More →
Tuesday September 29, 2026 9:40am - 10:50am EDT
VT 460

9:40am EDT

District Spotlight: Plymouth-Canton Effective Tier 1 Practices, MTSS & Continuous Data-Based Decision Making, Literacy, Academic Interventions Elementary
Tuesday September 29, 2026 9:40am - 10:50am EDT
“What if every student could thrive in reading?” This session demonstrates how to make that a reality. Grounded in research on the learning hierarchy (Burns, 2018), explicit and systematic reading instruction (Lane, 2020), and MTSS-informed reading practices (Stollar, 2021), participants will explore an evidence-based literacy curriculum, benchmark and diagnostic assessments, and practical MTSS strategies. Attendees will work with real data to design Tier 1, 2, and 3 interventions, turning insights into actionable instruction for all learners.
Speakers
avatar for Jan Douglas, Lori Monteith, & Dr. Denise Lilly

Jan Douglas, Lori Monteith, & Dr. Denise Lilly

K-5 Curriculum Coordinator /Literacy COSA/Executive Director of Elementary Education, Plymouth-Canton Community Schs.
Jan Douglas is an experienced educator with a diverse background as an elementary and middle school teacher, instructional coach, elementary principal, and K–5 curriculum coordinator for Plymouth-Canton Schools. Passionate about literacy and student achievement, she has facilitated... Read More →
Tuesday September 29, 2026 9:40am - 10:50am EDT
VT 425 Rennold's Room

9:40am EDT

Elevating Every Learner: Embedding Built-In Accessibility and Assistive Tech into Tier I MTSS
Tuesday September 29, 2026 9:40am - 10:50am EDT
Are you maximizing the technology already at your fingertips? Everyday platforms like Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, and Chrome OS contain powerful, built-in accessibility features that can transform core instruction. In this interactive session, educators will uncover at least five essential tools designed to support diverse learning profiles without the need for specialized software. Participants will learn how to proactively design Tier I lessons that leverage these features to eliminate barriers to grade-level content. Finally, because true accessibility requires student agency, we will build actionable plans to teach students how to self-advocate and independently utilize these tools. Leave equipped to foster independence, elevate your MTSS systems, and ensure every learner is supported and successful.
Speakers
avatar for Amber Wade & Pamela Cunningham

Amber Wade & Pamela Cunningham

Assistive Technology Consultants, Wayne RESA
Currently, Amber is an Assistive Technology Consultant for Wayne RESA. She is a
member of the Wayne Assistive Technology Team (WATT) and aids in providing
various assistive technologies for students across Wayne County. WATT works
with IEP teams and students with moderate to s... Read More →
Tuesday September 29, 2026 9:40am - 10:50am EDT
VT 440

9:40am EDT

Equitable MTSS in Action: Collaborating to Accelerate Growth for English Learners
Tuesday September 29, 2026 9:40am - 10:50am EDT
This session focuses on strengthening systems for the equitable inclusion of English Learners (ELs) within Michigan’s MTSS framework. Participants will explore Oakland Schools developed data tools and implementation guides, and focus on collaboration to build inclusive practices that support ELs within continuous improvement efforts. Emphasis will be placed on having a team-based approach while using comprehensive data to inform decisions, align supports, and create meaningful outcomes for English Learners.
Speakers
avatar for Christina Kozlowski

Christina Kozlowski

ELD Consultants, Oakland Schools
Dr. Tina Kozlowski earned a Doctorate of Education from the University of Michigan-Dearborn, with a focus on English Learners, and has been contributing to the field since 2006. As a former district ELD leader and past- president of MITESOL, she is dedicated to promoting equitable... Read More →
Tuesday September 29, 2026 9:40am - 10:50am EDT
VT 450

9:40am EDT

MTSS as a Lever for Equity: Examining the Letter and Spirit of the PA146 Legislation for Secondary Educators
Tuesday September 29, 2026 9:40am - 10:50am EDT
Grounded in a Multi‑Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), this session responds to growing interest in how secondary educators can meaningfully “live into” the intent of PA 146 through everyday classroom practice. With a focus on secondary contexts, the session will explore how literacy‑rich instruction, purposeful assessment practices, and intentional instructional shifts align with MTSS to support equitable access, responsiveness, and sustainability. Participants will examine practical considerations for the application of PA 146 within an MTSS framework while remaining attentive to the complexities of adolescent development and secondary classrooms. This session is facilitated by Dr. Rosalyn Shahid, Dr. Laura Gabrion, and Jeff Austin. 
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Rosalyn Shahid

Dr. Rosalyn Shahid

Literacy Consultants, Wayne RESA
Dr. Rosalyn Shahid is a literacy consultant, an adjunct instructor, a lover of books, and a social justice advocate. She is a native Detroiter, graduate of thee Cass Technical High School, and a former Detroit high school English teacher, which grounds her work. The primary aim of... Read More →
Tuesday September 29, 2026 9:40am - 10:50am EDT
W 210 B

9:40am EDT

MTSS from a Restorative Practices Lens
Tuesday September 29, 2026 9:40am - 10:50am EDT
Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) is often discussed as a framework for identifying and addressing academic and behavioral needs, but at its core, MTSS is about ensuring every child receives what they need to thrive. When implemented through a restorative lens, MTSS becomes more than a compliance structure—it becomes a relational, equity-centered approach that prioritizes belonging, dignity, and healing. This interactive 70-minute session is designed specifically for school social workers and student support professionals. Participants will explore how restorative practices strengthen each tier of MTSS by centering relationships, amplifying student voice, and addressing root causes rather than symptoms. Through case studies, role plays, and collaborative problem-solving, attendees will leave with practical strategies to integrate restorative approaches into their intervention planning and daily practice.
Speakers
DT

Dr. Terrance Scott

Climate, Culture & Equity Consultant, Wayne RESA
Dr. Terrance Scott is an educator, consultant, and writer dedicated to dismantling barriers that prevent children from historically oppressed backgrounds from accessing a high-quality, joyful education. With roots in Detroit, he discovered his passion for educational equity and community... Read More →
Tuesday September 29, 2026 9:40am - 10:50am EDT
VT 405

9:40am EDT

Tier 1 Ambitious Math Instruction in the Elementary Classroom
Tuesday September 29, 2026 9:40am - 10:50am EDT
During this session, participants will experience a cognitively guided instruction mathematical task. They will explore the Essential Instructional Practices in Early Math and identify how practices 5 and 7 allow every student to become capable, confident mathematicians.
Speakers
avatar for Janine Owen

Janine Owen

Mathematics Education Consultant, Wayne RESA
Janine Owen is a Mathematics Consultant for Wayne Regional Educational
Service Agency, with 19 years of experience in education. She has taught grades
kindergarten through fifth grade, provided math recovery intervention as a certified Math
Recovery Specialist, and collaborate... Read More →
Tuesday September 29, 2026 9:40am - 10:50am EDT
W 205 Wilson

11:00am EDT

Beyond Eligibility: Building MTSS Systems That Support Every Neurodivergent Learner
Tuesday September 29, 2026 11:00am - 12:10pm EDT
This interactive session explores how schools can strengthen MTSS systems to support the whole child, especially students with neurodivergent needs who may not qualify for an IEP. Through the dual lens of a special education consultant and parent, participants will examine system gaps, align supports across tiers, and leave with actionable strategies to ensure every learner is seen, supported, and successful.
Speakers
AM

Ashley Mullins

Special Education Consultant, Wayne RESA
Ashley has served as a special education teacher for six years, an Assistant Principal and behavior consultant, Director of Special Education, and a contractor for MDE-OSE. She later worked as a Supervisor of Special Education and now serves as a Special Education Consultant supporting... Read More →
Tuesday September 29, 2026 11:00am - 12:10pm EDT
W 205 Wilson

11:00am EDT

Designing an Effective MTSS Handbook: What it is and Why we need it
Tuesday September 29, 2026 11:00am - 12:10pm EDT
A well-designed MTSS handbook is essential for ensuring consistency, clarity, and effectiveness in supporting all students across a district. In this breakout session, participants will learn how to develop a comprehensive MTSS handbook tailored to their district’s needs. We will explore key components of MTSS, aligned to the Michigan Department of Education’s MTSS Practical Profile.  Attendees will leave with practical templates, models of best practice, and a roadmap for crafting a user-friendly MTSS Handbook that fosters collaboration and sustainable implementation. Whether you're starting from scratch or refining an existing document, this session will equip you with the tools to create a valuable resource for your MTSS framework.
Speakers
avatar for Jay Haffner & Dr. Tina Kozlowski

Jay Haffner & Dr. Tina Kozlowski

Educational Improvement and Secondary Literacy Consultant/English Language Development Consultant, Oakland Schools ISD
Jay Haffner is an Educational Improvement and Secondary Literacy Consultant at Oakland Intermediate School District (Oakland Schools).  He is most interested in helping schools develop team-based leadership practices that support disciplinary literacy, adolescent literacy development... Read More →
Tuesday September 29, 2026 11:00am - 12:10pm EDT
VT 460

11:00am EDT

District Spotlight: Belonging is Contagious: Peer-Powered SEL for Tier 1 (Student Panel)
Tuesday September 29, 2026 11:00am - 12:10pm EDT
This session explores the powerful impact of peer-to-peer leadership in a secondary MTSS framework through the lens of three distinct student-led programs. Participants will discover how Mustang Mentors support freshmen in their academic and social transition to high school through peer mentorship. The presentation also highlights Peer Links, which connects students with and without disabilities across the school day to promote belonging for all students. Furthermore, we will examine how the "Be Nice." team champions mental health awareness to cultivate a proactive and compassionate school climate.
Speakers
AS

Amy Soukup, Jill Anderson, Carrie Casabere & Dianna Shamus

Northville Public Schools
Amy Soukup is a career educator at Meads Mill Middle School in Northville Public Schools, where she has spent 30 years cultivating a classroom environment built on empathy and growth. As a founding member of the be nice. team and a previous presenter at the Mental Health Coalition... Read More →
Tuesday September 29, 2026 11:00am - 12:10pm EDT
VT 425 Rennold's Room

11:00am EDT

District Spotlight: Secondary MTSS - School Day Intervention
Tuesday September 29, 2026 11:00am - 12:10pm EDT
Learn how Woodhaven High School manages complex systems change to provide an individualized pathway to growth for every student. This session explores the WBSD Way of MTSS, a holistic framework that integrates academics, behavior, attendance, and social-emotional learning (SEL) into a single, cohesive system. 
Speakers
avatar for Jay Vesperman & Phil Short

Jay Vesperman & Phil Short

High school principal /Curriculum Director, Woodhaven-Brownstown Sch. Dist.
Jay Vesperman is an experienced high school principal with a passion for leading teams through the "big shifts" in education. Whether managing complex organizational changes or building a unified school culture, Jay’s leadership is rooted in collaboration and a deep commitment to... Read More →
Tuesday September 29, 2026 11:00am - 12:10pm EDT
VT 705

11:00am EDT

From Screening to Support: Understanding Early Literacy Assessments
Tuesday September 29, 2026 11:00am - 12:10pm EDT
In this session, we will take a closer look at the required components of a dyslexia screener under PA 146 by unpacking each subcomponent. This session is not focused on a specific screener from the MDE approved assessment list, but instead on building a clear understanding of the screening requirements. Participants will learn what each measure assesses and what the results can reveal about students. We will explore how screening data can be used to identify strengths and areas of need and to guide informed instructional decisions.
Speakers
avatar for Carrie Fromm

Carrie Fromm

Literacy Consultant, Wayne RESA
Carrie Fromm is a Literacy Consultant with Wayne RESA, supporting schools and districts across Wayne County in strengthening evidence-based literacy instruction. With over 30 years in education, she has served as an elementary and middle school teacher, literacy coach, and curriculum... Read More →
Tuesday September 29, 2026 11:00am - 12:10pm EDT
W 210 B

11:00am EDT

Leveraging MTSS to Increase Motivation, Engagement and Understanding in Secondary Math
Tuesday September 29, 2026 11:00am - 12:10pm EDT
In this professional learning series, participants will explore how MTSS can be leveraged to increase student motivation, engagement, and understanding in the secondary math classroom. The series will focus on creating inclusive, student-centered learning environments that support meaningful participation, productive struggle, and positive mathematical experiences for all learners. Participants will examine strategies such as purposeful small-group instruction, accessible high-cognitive-demand tasks, and collaborative learning experiences that promote student thinking, confidence, and ownership of learning. Educators will also explore how these approaches can strengthen both Tier 1 instruction and targeted intervention supports while fostering belonging, persistence, and deeper conceptual understanding in mathematics. 
Speakers
avatar for Yarisha Johnson

Yarisha Johnson

Instruction and Pedagogy Consultant - Mathematics, Oakland Schools ISD
Yarisha Johnson is a dedicated Mathematics Education Consultant at Oakland Schools, an intermediate school district serving more than 40 public school districts and public school academies. With over two decades of hands-on experience as a middle and high school educator, administrator... Read More →
Tuesday September 29, 2026 11:00am - 12:10pm EDT
VT 405

11:00am EDT

Positive Behavioral Intervention Supports (PBIS) Tiered Fidelity Inventory 3.0 Tool Jumpstart
Tuesday September 29, 2026 11:00am - 12:10pm EDT
Are you ready to make the jump to the new PBIS Tiered Fidelity Inventory 3.0 Tool? This session will provide participants with a brief jumpstart overview for making the switch or administering the PBIS TFI for the first time. Changes to the fidelity tool, best practices for getting started, and how the inventory tool can support data-decision making within your MTSS system around behavioral supports will be addressed.  
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Amber Zarb

Dr. Amber Zarb

Mental Health Consultant, Oakland Schools, Oakland Schools ISD
Dr. Amber Zarb is a Mental Health Consultant with Oakland Schools. She holds clinical level social work licenses in Washington DC and in Michigan.  She served as a School Social Worker for over a decade in urban and suburban settings, supporting diverse school communities.  She... Read More →
Tuesday September 29, 2026 11:00am - 12:10pm EDT
VT 445

11:00am EDT

The ADAPT Narrative: Using Counter-Narratives to Improve Belonging, Engagement and Outcomes
Tuesday September 29, 2026 11:00am - 12:10pm EDT
This session introduces the ADAPT Narrative framework (Awareness, Development, Achievement, Pride, Triumph) as a Tier 1 approach within MTSS to support student identity, belonging, and postsecondary readiness. Participants will explore how stereotype threat and internalized narratives impact student outcomes and how storytelling and counter-narratives can be used as culturally responsive strategies to improve engagement and social-emotional well-being. Practical tools and examples will be shared to support classroom, school, and district-level implementation.
Speakers
avatar for Quan Neloms

Quan Neloms

Career Counselor, Wayne RESA
Quan Neloms has 22 years of experience in education, working at both the K-12 and collegiate levels. One of Neloms’ signature achievements is the creation of the “Lyricist Society”. Launched in 2010 as an after-school activity, the program’s purpose is to increase student... Read More →
Tuesday September 29, 2026 11:00am - 12:10pm EDT
VT 440

1:50pm EDT

“Bridging the Gaps: Integrating Mental Health Supports and Michigan School Safety Legislation within MTSS”
Tuesday September 29, 2026 1:50pm - 3:00pm EDT
This session examines how Michigan school safety legislation—including threat assessment teams, mental health liaisons, and staff training—can be effectively integrated within an MTSS framework. Participants will engage in collaborative planning, explore mental health supports across all three tiers, and leave with actionable tools to align legal requirements with student-centered practices. Ideal for school leaders, support staff, and district teams seeking to strengthen safety and wellness systems. Explore how Michigan’s school safety legislation aligns with mental health supports in a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). This session offers practical tools and collaborative planning to help schools integrate required safety measures and mental health services across Tiers 1–3.
Speakers
avatar for Danielle Tagai & Vanessa Long

Danielle Tagai & Vanessa Long

Regional Safe & Health Schools Coordinator and School Nurse Consultant, Wayne RESA
Danielle Tagai, LMSW, PSWC, C-SSWS, CTRS-C,  Safe & Healthy Schools Coordinator at Wayne RESA, has 20 years of experience in mental health and schools. As a School Social Worker for 15 years, Danielle has worked with ages 3 to 26 in general education, special education, and center-based... Read More →
Tuesday September 29, 2026 1:50pm - 3:00pm EDT
VT 440

1:50pm EDT

Are We There Yet? Using Data & Assessment to Determine Effectiveness of Interventions
Tuesday September 29, 2026 1:50pm - 3:00pm EDT
We’ve all asked it—and our teams have, too: Are we there yet? In an MTSS framework, putting an intervention in place is only half the journey. The real challenge is accurately determining whether that intervention is actually moving the needle for our students. Designed for a diverse audience of administrators, MTSS coordinators, classroom teachers, and ancillary staff, this interactive breakout session moves past the theory of progress monitoring and dives straight into practical, real-world application. Together, we will explore how to leverage existing assessment data to evaluate intervention impact with confidence. Instead of just looking at spreadsheets, you will participate in collaborative activities and walk away with simple, plug-and-play frameworks and tools you can implement immediately. Learn how to streamline your data meetings, align your multidisciplinary team, and take the guesswork out of your MTSS decision-making.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Steven Snead

Dr. Steven Snead

Supervisor of Curriculum & Assessment, Oakland Schools ISD
Steven Snead serves as the Supervisor of Curriculum & Assessment at Oakland Schools. His team is responsible for providing educators across dozens of districts and charter schools with professional learning, resource development, and consultation to support deep learning for all students... Read More →
Tuesday September 29, 2026 1:50pm - 3:00pm EDT
VT 460

1:50pm EDT

Culturally Responsive Instruction In Action: Teaching Boys with ADHD
Tuesday September 29, 2026 1:50pm - 3:00pm EDT
Our boys need us! Boys are 3x as likely to be identified with ADHD and experience difficulty within the school setting. How do we provide instruction to students, specifically boys, in a way that builds relationships and trust while producing positive student outcomes? This presentation addresses a critical gap in educator preparation: the intersection of culturally responsive teaching, special education, and the specific needs of boys with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This session was designed for a diverse audience including general education teachers, special education providers, parents, administrators, and future educators. This session combines research-based practices with practical classroom applications. Join this interactive session to learn strategies for supporting the children we know have the talent and ability to succeed in school.
Speakers
avatar for Theresa Franklin, Dawan Williams, & Angie Doelker

Theresa Franklin, Dawan Williams, & Angie Doelker

Special Education Consultants, Wayne RESA
Theresa Franklin is a special education consultant with WRESA. She has 30+ years of experience in the field of special education working in both public and charter schools. Theresa is a life-long learner, committed to continuous improvement that promotes collaborative learning environments... Read More →
Tuesday September 29, 2026 1:50pm - 3:00pm EDT
W 205 Wilson

1:50pm EDT

District Spotlight: Plumbing, Not Fire Extinguishing-A Systems Approach to Behavior
Tuesday September 29, 2026 1:50pm - 3:00pm EDT
Too many behavior "systems" are really just a bucket of fire extinguishers — reactive, exhausting, and only used once things have already gone wrong. This session flips the script: we'll walk through how to build the unglamorous-but-essential infrastructure that prevents the fires in the first place, covering all three tiers of an MTSS behavior model. Come ready to think less about crisis response and more about the pipes running quietly behind the scenes — the systems that make calm classrooms possible.
Speakers
avatar for Kristen Maunu

Kristen Maunu

Student Services Administrator, Livonia Public Schools
Kristen Maunu supervises Elementary Programs and Services and Visual Impairment/Orientation & Mobility teacher consultants for the Western Wayne Regional Educational Service Agency. In her role, she coordinates districtwide efforts related to Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS... Read More →

Tuesday September 29, 2026 1:50pm - 3:00pm EDT
VT 425 Rennold's Room

1:50pm EDT

From Involvement to Investment: Reimagining the Family-School Relationship
Tuesday September 29, 2026 1:50pm - 3:00pm EDT
In an MTSS framework, family partnership shouldn't be a sidecar—it must be the engine. This session challenges the "checklist" approach to engagement, moving from passive involvement to active investment. Drawing on 30 years of leadership experience, we will deconstruct systemic barriers and utilize the Dual Capacity-Building Framework to foster trust-based partnerships. Participants will learn to leverage family insights to strengthen Tier 1 and Tier 2 supports, centering the "Whole Child". Attendees will leave with strategies to strengthen family involvement and relationships with their school community.
Speakers
avatar for Jennifer Snapp & Alyn Eastin

Jennifer Snapp & Alyn Eastin

Educational Improvement Consultants, Wayne RESA
Jennifer Snapp is an Educational Improvement Consultant with Wayne RESA, bringing 30 years of experience as a teacher, leader, coach, and literacy consultant. Jennifer takes a human-centered approach, building trust and communication among school leaders, staff, and families. As a... Read More →
Tuesday September 29, 2026 1:50pm - 3:00pm EDT
VT 445

1:50pm EDT

Leading with Clarity: MTSS and Michigan's K-12 Literacy and Dyslexia Law
Tuesday September 29, 2026 1:50pm - 3:00pm EDT
Navigating the intersection of MTSS and Michigan’s K-12 Literacy and Dyslexia law can feel overwhelming and daunting for leaders who already shoulder an increasing number of responsibilities.  Leaders don’t just need to know the law, they need a clear, actionable roadmap to implement it in a way that integrates this work into existing improvement efforts and supports meaningful change.  This session will focus on the following essential question:  How do we align these new, rigorous mandates with our existing systems without causing initiative fatigue?
Designed for educational leaders who want to move past compliance and toward sustainable impact. We will explore the core components of Michigan’s K-12 Literacy and Dyslexia Law and demonstrate how a robust Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) serves as a vehicle for implementation. We will also specifically focus on continuous data-based decision-making at all tiers within a robust MTSS framework will help ensure equitable literacy outcomes for all learners,
Leave this session with the clarity needed to lead your staff, align your resources, and helpful tools to support planning.
Speakers
avatar for Christina Carlin

Christina Carlin

Literacy Consultant, Oakland Schools
Christina Carlin serves as an Elementary Literacy Consultant in the Curriculum and Assessment unit of the District and School Services department at Oakland Schools.  As part of this team, she supports districts across the county to improve teacher efficacy and student outcomes by... Read More →
Tuesday September 29, 2026 1:50pm - 3:00pm EDT
VT 405
 
Share Modal

Share this link via

Or copy link

Filter sessions
Apply filters to sessions.