MTSS Integrated Conference 25

Students learn best and flourish most when assured of their belonging. Yet, too many schools, workplaces, and communities still struggle to become places of widespread and meaningful inclusion for students with disabilities. In his presentation, Dr. Carter will share a powerful framework for reflecting upon and fostering belonging within our classrooms and schools. Together, we will explore the implications of this work on the ways we welcome, support, educate, and embrace students with disabilities.

The Inclusionary Practices Technical Assistance Network (IPTN) is a partnership among Washington’s Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), and statewide education, advocacy, and community organizations. Launched in 2023, it builds on earlier inclusion efforts to disrupt segregated systems and reduce disproportionality, with a specific focus on student experiencing the highest levels of exclusion  - - students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and Black students with disabilities.  Districts are invited to hear from these organizations to learn about the professional development and technical assistance they are providing and to hear more about grant funding available to partner with these TA providers. Dr. Cassie Martin, Executive Director of Special Education at OSPI will be there to answer questions and to describe the workings and outcomes of the IPTN.

To learn more about these technical assistance providers, please visit the IPTN website https://ospi.k12.wa.us/student-success/support-programs/inclusionary-practices-technical-assistance-network-iptn

Mental health concerns and exclusionary practices underscore the urgent need to create inclusive environments. By focusing on positive behavior support, mental health and wellness, and inclusive education, schools can enhance academic success and also foster social development and a sense of belonging. WA MTSS framework allows schools, districts, and ESDs to build their capacity to develop and deliver inclusionary practices and eliminate exclusionary practices, while addressing mental health promotion, prevention, and intervention for all learners.

With over 10% of students diagnosed with ADHD, why are so few supported before crisis points? Most MTSS frameworks miss early opportunities—relying on generic strategies until ADHD manifests as behavior, academic failure, or school refusal. In this session, you’ll learn why that happens and how to fix it. Walk away with clear, doable Tier I and II strategies that make your MTSS system more proactive, inclusive, and effective for students with ADHD.

The MASH model strengthens inclusive, trauma-assumed systems through interdisciplinary coaching. This session explores how MASH builds school, family, and agency partnerships to support students with behavioral health needs. Participants will learn how to shift mindsets from student “fixing” to adult capacity-building, create emotionally safe environments, and engage in systems-level problem-solving.

In this session, two districts will share their journey in reducing restraint and eliminating isolation, highlighting both successes and challenges. Presenters will reveal key systems and practices driving change and offer practical, replicable strategies. Attendees will gain actionable insights to support implementation in their own schools.

This participant driven session is designed for those in building and/or district leadership positions to engage in small group collective problem solving related to barriers to inclusive practice implementation within an MTSS framework. The session will begin with a brief whole group overview of the principles and practices to build and sustain inclusive schools self-assessment tool. Participants will then self-select into a small group discussion (e.g. early learning, elementary, secondary, district) facilitated by members of AESD and the UW Haring Center for Inclusive Education. Using a problem of practice protocol, participants will engage with a vignette and explore potential solutions to common barriers to implementation. Participants will also be prompted to reflect and share how this process may inform their own inclusive journeys.

"While the pandemic may seem behind us, its effects continue to impact our
educational communities. Student behaviors are intense, staff needs are complex, and the gap
between surviving and thriving can feel insurmountable. Still, I am unwavering in my belief that
when we bring relationships and community to their hearts, we will strengthen our systems and
bring academic achievement and social/emotional competence to their minds. Working
together to heal the harms from the last several years will open the door for us to bring trust,
clarity, consistency, and, ultimately, improved outcomes to our schools."

Students in foster care often face unique and significant challenges such as trauma, instability, and disrupted educational experiences, that can affect their academic, social, and emotional well-being. Comprehensive frameworks such as MTSS are the most effective way to address the diverse needs of these students. This session will explore how MTSS can be implemented specifically for students in foster care to ensure equitable access to education and provide educational stability.

Exemplar districts will share how they've leveraged key partnerships to develop buy-in for universal screening. Participants will learn about how universal screening data can be used to promote education equity for all students. This session will demonstrate approaches that foster adults' cultural competence and an interconnected approach to enhancing comprehensive school mental health.

Inclusionary classroom practice requires barrier-free instruction that is accessible and meaningful to all learners, including students who may take the general or alternate assessment (WA-AIM). This presentation demonstrates how general and special educators can plan curricular units based on grade-level standards in inclusive classrooms with diverse learners. Participants will walk away with ready-to-use techniques for rigorous and barrier-free instruction that meaningfully engages every student, including those who take the alternate assessment.

As student behavior concerns and educator burnout rise, it’s time to reimagine support through student voice and agency within MTSS. This session highlights two transformative, student-centered approaches—Restorative Justice Centers (RJC) and student Equity Communities of Practice (ECOPs). Discover how these structures empower students to shape a more inclusive and supportive school climate. Join us for an engaging, solutions-driven conversation that repositions students as key partners in driving meaningful school change.

Join Ali Hearn for an interactive follow-up session to the Keynote! You’ll not only deepen your
understanding of Restorative Practices through real-time engagement but also have the
opportunity to ask questions, share insights, and explore practical strategies for implementation.
This is your chance to connect directly with Ali and gain clarity on how to make Restorative
Practices a meaningful part of your school community.

For many district and school leaders, the push to implement MTSS comes fast—often without the clarity, cohesion, or shared vision needed for long-term success. This session is designed for those who have felt the pressure to act quickly, only to find themselves in an endless loop of false starts, fragmented efforts, and staff fatigue.
Join us as we explore what it means to pause with purpose—to step back from unclear or reactive approaches and re-engage with MTSS implementation through a lens of coherence, leadership alignment, and sustainable momentum. Learn how one district shifted from urgency-driven decisions to a more strategic, collaborative rollout that created buy-in at every level—from the central office to the classroom.

Multiple measures are available to support district and building leadership teams in evaluating MTSS implementation. This session provides an overview of the Center on MTSS Fidelity of Implementation Rubric (2025) and a recently developed interview, facilitator’s guide, and resource document funded by the Washington AIMS project. Participants will learn about the purpose, strengths, and challenges of multiple tools and will understand how the use of these measures can be combined for comprehensive school improvement efforts.