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Can you tell us a little bit about Lyons School District 103?
Our district consists of 2,179 students. Our demographics are approximately 75% free/reduced lunch and 25% fully paid. Our student population is approximately 75% Hispanic, 19% White, 5% black and 1% multi-racial.
Why did Lyons begin working with IL MTSS-N?
Initially, Lyons was mandated to work with one of the approved supports provided by the state, so Illinois MTSS had already begun working with Lyons when I arrived at the district in 2019.
When I first arrived, there were no structures whatsoever, and Lyons had very high administrative turnover! I quickly realized the toll turnover can take on a district. There was evidence of many new initiatives that had not had time to develop. It was clear to me that we needed to continue working with Ruth Poage-Gaines, our ILMTSS-N coach, to advance the structures and services we had begun building. Together, we developed a district improvement plan, teaming structures, and began using the DCA and SAM-I to identify other areas of need to establish the foundation necessary to ensure that initiatives can be learned and practiced with fidelity.
What sorts of changes have you seen since the district began implementing MTSS?
We have had many changes! The teaming structures, DIP, SIP and long-range planning for our embedded professional development systems have proven to be successful in helping staff learn and practice the initiatives we are moving forward with in the district. We developed an instructional support system, with 45 minutes weekly dedicated for all teachers to differentiated professional development. We established a GLT time frame for weekly 45-minute meetings to support and guide the tier 2 and 3 processes for RtI. We developed an MTSS Handbook and a teacher toolbox of online resources that support our staff in various ways.
How has the systems coaching process worked in your district?
Ruth is readily available and a positive contributor to our district. Her wealth of knowledge and resources are invaluable. We work very well together, and many times she is my resource for growth and learning. She does a great job in keeping us aligned to the big picture and helps keep us from getting fragmented or falling into individual silos. Ruth assists directors and principals at the building level and district level. She is constantly championing for students to receive optimal evidence-based services. She knows our district very well and can help us see areas that we may be overlooking.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your experiences with IL MTSS-N?
Our District Leadership Team has an immense amount of confidence in Ruth and Illinois MTSS as a whole. It’s clear that they’re committed to developing systems based on best practices. We look forward to even more learning and growth as we continue working with them. |
