Immediate Data for Communication and Response

 I am wanting to focus on communication with the IEP team, but more specifically, the data pertaining to the student. I feel it is important for all team members to be able to look and analyze the students' data. The Iowa IDEA website is a great place to enter data on the IEP but only holds the basic data. By having data available live through google documents, all members of the IEP team can access in depth data at any time. 

I currently have most of my students' data being collected with pencil and paper. The paraprofessional or teacher that is collecting that data typically turns the data sheets into me on Fridays to be entered into the IEP system. This is nice to have the data at the end of the week, but does not allow for immediate or quick response to some behaviors. Having live data also allows for others to read specific comments, positive or negative, on any given situation. 

I will dig into reaching on the importance of communication between members of IEP teams. I will look for my research through various online websites and more specifically through the AEA website. I will know it worked through observations, and increased communication with the IEP team members. 

Research of SEL and MTSS Assessments

Reflection over Research

 As I researched MTSS and SEL assessment, I have visualized a solid plan for the use of the DESSA data. Using DESSA data, we will be able to look at building-wide instructional needs, classroom level needs, and small group/individual social emotional needs. We can use both SEL PD time to look at data as well as PLC time eventually. Just as we look at academic data, our DESSA data will help us understand where our gaps are and help us determine a plan for instruction on all three tiers of intervention. With universal curriculum in place already, we will take a look at tier 2 interventions needed which can be done within the classroom or by me as a school counselor in small groups, or with Mrs. Murphy in Life Skills. 

While we have some systems in place to follow the MTSS framework, like PLCs, BATs, and counseling, I think it will be important to take the time to explain the MTSS process within SEL PD this year so staff knows how to look at the data and what to do with it. If we take the time to learn and understand how the data can be used, the ultimate outcome should be greater social emotional skills, classroom culture and climate, and therefore, greater academic abilities and achievements. Within the Aperture system, there are tier 2 resources available to all staff and that will be helpful in our planning of tier 2 interventions. Beyond that, being a counselor, I will help develop tier 2 and tier 3 interventions for students or classrooms that are in the need.

I used a variety of resources to help understand the MTSS framework, including resources specific to SEL. They are listed below. For now, I do not have further questions. However, as we administer the DESSA and look at data, I know I will need to come back to the model as we review data and plan interventions.

Resources for Research

Dept. of Ed Multi-Tiered System of Supports

Second Step Alignment Chart

Michigan's MTSS Levels of Support

6 Steps to Effective SEL Assessment
 (Links to an external site.)

Improving SEL instruction with Data

 I will be focusing on how best to guide/provide interventions based on DESSA data and studying the MTSS model more closely to help me make those decisions based on data. This approach will help us at Central to frame how we use the data to improve SEL instruction and skills so that our students' social and emotional skills and needs can be encouraged and fostered. There are many resources on MTSS and our middle school is focusing on MTSS. I will be able to find resources from AEA, online, as well as colleagues. DESSA data will be taken 4 times a year for every student. We will see data change over the year as we make decisions using DESSA data.