Social Emotional Learning Series DavisSIGAssignment

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Fresno Pacific University *

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Apr 3, 2024

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1 Signature Assignment (MTSS for SEL) Shae Davis Fresno Pacific University Professor Ramirez December 6, 2023

2 MTSS for Social Emotional Learning Multi-tiered Systems of Supports (MTSS) is defined as acting like an umbrella term which describes prevention and interventions frameworks to serve all students in both an academic and behavioral format across three tiers of prevention. (Donohue et al., 2019) Throughout the history of education in the United States there has long been a need for a data driven system that aims to help address student academics and to help address and prevent negative behaviors by integrating universal strategies and both individualized interventions and group interventions. First introduced under Every Student Succeeds Act in 2015, MTSS is known by different terms in different states but the purpose and function of MTSS remain the same. For the purposes of this paper the focus will be on SEL in the elementary school setting and the curriculum used will be an evidence-based curriculum provided by CASEL called Competent Kids, Caring Communities . (CASEL, 2023) Tier 1: Universal Support This tier focuses on creating a positive and inclusive school climate, promoting academic success, and addressing the social and emotional needs of every student. Recognizing that students' success is not solely dependent on academic achievement, educators are turning to comprehensive programs like CASEL to enhance Tier One support. Tier one supports offered at this level include but are not limited to general education lessons, school-wide behavioral expectations, classroom lessons based on ASCA Mindsets and Standards, school wide activities based on ASCA standards, classroom lessons on citizenship, empathy, social skills, and providing the school with assemblies highlighting behavioral expectations such as anti-bullying campaigns.

3 ● Evidence-Based SEL Curriculum: CASEL is a leading organization in the field of social and emotional learning, providing evidence-based strategies and resources. Its curriculum is designed to cultivate students' self- awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision- making which are all key components of emotional intelligence. Integrating CASEL into Tier One MTSS support at the elementary level ensures that social and emotional development is not merely just an add-on but an important part of the overall educational experience. One curriculum program that is offered by CASEL is Competent Kids, Caring Communities. This particular program is a lesson based SEL approach which also offers specialized training for educators who wish to teach lessons that focus on issues such as racial bias, equality, and other social issues that are affecting schools today. (CASEL, 2023) Elementary school is a critical period for social and emotional development. CASEL's curriculum, integrated into Tier 1 MTSS support, addresses the diverse needs of students by providing tools for emotional regulation, interpersonal skills, and responsible decision-making. This proactive approach equips students with the skills needed to navigate social situations, build positive relationships, and make informed choices. ● School-Wide Initiatives: Tier 1 uses information gleaned from data collection and supports such as PBIS to help examine the needs of the schools population. School counselors are able to use this data to help interpret the needs of the students as aligned with their cultural context to help assist with Tier 1 planning. The use of assessments done by administering pretests and post tests are great ways to gauge the understanding of the students. Some examples of school counselor led initiatives are:

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4 Creating a Welcoming Environment: Picture the school counselor as the friendly face during morning drop-offs, greeting students and parents alike. Their role in setting a positive tone at the beginning of the day becomes a subtle yet crucial Tier 1 support. By creating a welcoming environment, the counselor contributes to the overall atmosphere that supports students' emotional well-being and readiness to engage in the day's activities. Lunchtime Social Skills Bootcamp: Informally, the school counselor organizes a "Social Skills Bootcamp" during lunch breaks. This initiative, while seemingly casual, embeds Tier 1 support by addressing social needs among students. Positive Behavior Recognition: Embracing the power of positive reinforcement, the counselor initiates a school wide "Caught Being Awesome" campaign. This informal approach to acknowledging positive behavior reinforces Tier 1 support by celebrating students' social and emotional achievements. In Tier 1, counselors work with the entire student body, focusing on preventive measures. From creating classroom lessons on various SEL subjects such as social awareness, building relationships, and bullying to individual student planning and school wide programs and activities the school counselor is key to implementing the MTSS program. Classroom SEL Lessons:

5 Each week will have different lessons and a different SEL topic. The curriculum being used for this particular Tier is a CASEL curriculum that is evidence based and contains topics and subtopics such as social skills, character building, school life and how to handle different situations, and social issues such as bullying or cheating. A typical week lesson would start off with a Morning Circle where the counselor greets all the students and has the students greet each other. The school counselor can then share any brief announcements or positive news and then move on to the lesson for the day. Each lesson plan contains detailed instruction for the activity and how to connect with the students. (CCC, 2020) Tier 2: Targeted Interventions ● Personalized Check-ins: Teachers can conduct weekly personalized check-ins with students identified for Tier 2 support. These check-ins go beyond academic concerns, allowing teachers to understand the student's feelings, interests, and any challenges they may be facing. Building a trusting relationship fosters a sense of connection and belonging, contributing to the student's overall well-being. ● Small Group Counseling: Small group counseling is a tool used by school counselors to treat a range of academic and socio-emotional issues, such as boosting study skills, stress management, and self-esteem. School counselors use small group counseling for addressing a range of academic and socio-emotional issues, including improving study skills, regulating stress, and building self-esteem.

6 ● Peer Mentoring Programs: ● Implementing a peer mentoring program can create a supportive environment for students in need of Tier 2 interventions. Pairing students with peer mentors fosters a sense of community and belonging. These mentors, preferably from higher grade levels, can provide academic assistance, emotional support, and serve as positive role models, creating a more personalized and empathetic support system. ● Screening Tools: ● Use validated tools like the "Student Risk Screening Scale" to identify students at risk. ● Conduct regular assessments to monitor progress. ● Small-Group Interventions: ● Establish SEL support groups facilitated by school counselors. ● Focus on specific SEL skills based on individual needs. ● Small group classes on racial equity, social justice, and restorative justice. ● School Counselor Involvement: ● Collect and analyze data such as Office Discipline Referrals. ● Counselors collaborate with teachers and administration to address individual student needs. Counselors can use a Request for Assistance System to allow other staff members, family, or students to help document behaviors. (Donohue et al., 2019) ● School counselors can use CICO (Check In, Check Out) to help students set daily goals and review those with students prior to their day starting and also after their

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7 school day has ended. Daily progress reports are sent out and reviewed by the student and counselor. ● Counselor led small group supports such as social skills classes, behavioral classes, and academic supports using CASEL curriculum. ● Conduct regular progress reviews and adjust interventions as needed. Tier Three – Intensive SEL Support Individualized Support Plans This tier includes intensive individualized support for the students whom the previous tiers have not been able to help. These individualized interventions include direct and indirect services along with collaboration with trained staff, as well as one on one sessions with the school counselor. Tier 3 support includes referrals to mental health professionals such as psychologists or licensed mental health professionals. Examples of Individual Interventions: The Wraparound Process is used to help assist students with their goals, both short-term and long-term and should include planning for their future. This plan includes documenting goals and creating a sustainable and achievable way for the student to meet these goals, such as obtaining a job, work experience, social skills practice, or academic goals. School counselors will work in conjunction with other influential members in the students’ lives to create a plan that works best for them. Trauma-informed interventions are another individual intervention that will help target issues such as homophobia, racism, or sexism. All interventions are adapted to the needs of the student with respect to their gender, culture and affirming beliefs. Using data

8 gathered from the other tiers as well as data from school attendance and behavior plans these individual plans are implemented and adjusted as needed. (Bruns, 2019) Ongoing Monitoring and Evaluation As with the previous tiers, data is continuously looked at and examined to best determine the effectiveness of the MTSS program. School counselors will track all interventions to ensure that students are receiving the correct intervention and adjust them accordingly. Use of Behavior Tracking Forms, PBIS, and CICO are ways that the school counselor will use data to track and evaluate these interventions. Summary of a School Counselors' Role in MTSS for SEL In order to successfully implement this MTSS program it is imperative that school counselors are involved in every aspect. School counselors work hand in hand with stakeholders, community partners, fellow staff and school administration to best support students who need intervention with these different tiers. In Tier 1 interventions school counselors provide classroom instructional, universal support, individual student planning and provide school wide activities and programs. School counselors provide Tier 2 interventions by offering supplemental support, short term progress monitoring, and offer referrals to outside agencies for students who need more support. Tier 3 supports and interventions involve counselors who provide intense sessions that are more one-on-one and are more geared towards providing support for students who were not helped by Tier 1 and 2 interventions. In a nutshell, school counselors wear multiple hats in the MTSS framework – from creating a positive school environment for all students to offering more tailored support for those who need it most. They're the go-to professionals for fostering both the well-being and academic success of every student.

9 References CASEL. (2023a). Competent Kids, Caring Communities . CASEL Program Guide. https://pg.casel.org/competent-kids-caring-communities/ CASEL. (2023b). Program guide . CASEL Program Guide. https://pg.casel.org/competent- kids-caring-communities/ Donohue, P., Betters-Bubon, J., & Goodman-Scott, E. (2019a). Chapter 2. In The School Counselor’s Guide to multi-tiered systems of support (pp. 34–34). essay, Routledge. Donohue, P., Betters-Bubon, J., & Goodman-Scott, E. (2019b). Chapter 7. In The School Counselor’s Guide to multi-tiered systems of support (pp. 188–189). essay, Routledge. CCC. (2020). CCC Learning Portal . GRADES 2–5 LESSONS OVERVIEW. https://public.cdn.ccclearningportal.org/wp/CSC2e_Teachers-Package_Grade-4- sample.pdf CSC. (2023, September 21). Caring School Community . Collaborative Classroom. https://www.collaborativeclassroom.org/programs/caring-school-community/

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