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.

This presentation highlights a model where school-based clinicians collaborate within schools througha regionalbehavioral health agency, using ISF and MTSS to integrate educational and mental health support. Participants will gain insights on team-based support, data-driven interventions, and sustaining successful, integrated behavioral health partnerships.

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.

Join us for an overview of our Elementary SEL MTSS framework, with a focus on our universal screening process. All students are screened three times per year using a research-based tool to identify social-emotional strengths and areas of need. Screening outcomes guide collaborative teacher discussions and help determine appropriate next steps, such as Tier 2 behavior plans or individualized supports. Our goal is to ensure every student receives the right level of support to thrive emotionally and socially.

A thriving AAC-affirming school is like a well-tended garden—rooted in beliefs, supported by training and policies, and nurtured through daily implementation by a community of educators, SLPs, paraeducators, administrators, and peers. This session offers actionable strategies to embed AAC across environments, foster peer inclusion, and sustain long-term change. Explore leadership-driven initiatives, tiered professional development, and classroom integration techniques to cultivate a communication-rich culture where all students blossom as communicators.

"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."

This session will provide a framework to address the gap between desired and actual student outcomes, exploring the crucial role of adult performance in achieving these goals. Participants will examine the difference between evidence-based systems for change and those currently in place. Through collaboration and reflection, participants will identify how a systemic response to adult practice can close the achievement gap and improve student learning, ensuring every educator plays a pivotal role in student success.

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.