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Welcome to the IL MTSS Network Fall newsletter!
Our quarterly newsletter is dedicated to sharing the resources and information you need to achieve learning growth for your students.
In this issue – family engagement! Meet one of our coaches, view resources for improving family engagement, and see some upcoming trainings and conferences where you can learn more.
It’s also not too late to register for one of our 2023-24 Learning Networks. Find more information below! |
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Meet the Team |
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Ruth Poage-Gaines, Coaching Services Coordinator
Ruth Poage-Gaines has been with the IL-MTSS Network for 11 years as a regional coordinator, lead coach, area wide instructional leader, coaching services coordinator, and network capacity coach. Ruth has worked as a school psychologist, principal, and special education coordinator who has served populations ranging from elementary school to community college age, and from general education to students with autism, emotional and behavioral disorders, and multiple disabilities. With three decades of experience, she lends her expertise to assist district and school teams, staff, and peers. Her driving force in this endeavor is ensuring equitable access to high quality education for all.
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| Learn more about Ruth. |
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We spoke to Ruth to learn more about her and her approach to MTSS |
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What would you like our audience to know about your background prior to joining IL MTSS Network?
In my journey of working with mentally ill adults after I earned my bachelor's degree, I became acutely aware of the critical need for early intervention in the lives of children. Listening to my patients express feelings like “no one was there for me in school” ignited my passion for School Psychology. As I embraced the role of a child advocate in educational settings, I recognized the imperative for reform in the special education system and processes. Through this journey, I have witnessed the success of the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) and believe in its efficacy when implemented with fidelity for the benefit of districts and students.
What is your top advice for educators and school administrators to encourage family engagement?
Family engagement is a continual journey that thrives on the dedication and joint efforts of educators and families. At the heart of this journey is creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that forms the foundation for meaningful connections with families and the community. Soliciting input, valuing their perspectives and ideas, actively engaging families, and prioritizing strategies for supporting families within the education system are paramount. |
| Read Our Full Conversation with Ruth |
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| Coaching Highlight
Granite City Community Unit District #9 |
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Meet Kristen Novacich-Koberna
Kristen Novacich-Koberna is the Executive Director of K-12 Curriculum and Professional Development for the Granite City Community Unit District #9 in Granite City, Illinois. GCSD9 is located in the southern part of the state about ten minutes east of St. Louis, Missouri. Over the past 24 years, Kristen has served the district as a director of elementary education, a principal, an assistant principal and a middle school teacher. She has been integral to the work of continuous improvement for Granite City schools within each role. She also manages the Title I and II, LIEP, 1003a and serves as a principal mentor.
Kristen says:
Our ongoing partnership with IL MTSS is like parenthood. It feels like tough love at times, when you look at data that you don’t want to see. The data can be difficult to believe, but in the end, the benefits we see in the improvements of our students once new systems are in place are worth the growing pains it takes to make those gains.
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| Read Our Conversation with Kristen |
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MTSS Evidence-Based Practices |
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MTSS is evidence-based. In this section of the newsletter, we’ll dive into a different evidence-based practice in each issue.
In this Issue: Family Engagement
Meaningful family engagement is based on the premise that parents, educators and community members share responsibility for youth development. It is fostered through a deliberate process and embraced throughout the school community. It empowers adults to jointly support student growth, addresses barriers to learning, and is mindful of diverse school-communities and responsive to student and family needs. Research shows that parental involvement leads to academic and social gains for students – and improving it might be easier than you think!
Check out resources for family engagement on our Evidence-Based Practice webpage:
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From the Association for Children’s Mental Health ACMH – Find information, support, resources, referral and advocacy for children and youth with mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders and their families.
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ESSA Title 1 Parental Engagement – ESSA Title 1 requires local educational agencies to actively engage parents and families. Learn more about requirements and get guidance to make sure you’re in compliance.
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Illinois Family Engagement Framework – The ISBE Family Engagement Framework Guide brings together research, best practices, and legislative requirements. It provides resources that integrate family engagement into the school improvement process.
Here are some additional articles with practical tips for family engagement:
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2023-24 IL MTSS-N Learning Networks |
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Registration is going strong for our 2023-24 Learning Networks, with more than 80 participants signed up! It’s not too late to join our Evidence Based Practices Series and Coaching Series.
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| Sign Up Today! |
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Early Childhood Professional Learning |
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We’ve partnered with ECPL to offer a series of interactive trainings to discuss, define, create and implement an equitable MTSS framework for all learners – including high-performing students, students who are multilingual learners, students receiving special education services, students who are twice exceptional, and those struggling with barriers to learning.
Sessions are Nov. 15, Jan. 18 and Feb. 7, online from 4 to 5:30 p.m. All sessions are CEU eligible.
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| Learn More and Register |
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NIU STEM Fest
On Sept. 30, 2023, we had a picture-perfect day for NIU’s STEM Fest celebration! Thousands of visitors of all ages explored hands-on science, technology, engineering and math exhibits hosted by NIU students, faculty, staff, and community partners. Even the youngest visitors honed their STEM skills with blocks.
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EJC Symposium
For the Oct. 4 EJC Symposium, we were selected to showcase our work on equity with Forest Park and Lyons School Districts. We had 150 participants in our session! Thanks to Forest Park and Lyons on a job well done. |
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Student-Centered Coaching Institute with Diane Sweeney |
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Student-Centered Coaching is an evidence-based instructional coaching model that shifts the focus from “fixing” teachers to collaborating with them to design instruction that targets student outcomes. Over six days throughout the year, this institute will take a deep dive into this coaching approach with expert Diane Sweeney. Diane is an educator, coach, author and highly sought-after facilitator.
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November 29-30 – Core practices for Student-Centered Coaching.
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February 7-8 – Focus on school culture and teacher engagement through teacher self-efficacy and school improvement.
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April 10-11 – Exploration of reflective dialogue with opportunities for practice and problem solving.
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| Learn More and Register |
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Multilingual Illinois 2023 Statewide Conference in Conjunction with ESSA
December 5-7, 2023
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Several of us will be attending the ESSA 2023 conference in Oak Brook, and we hope to see you there! We’ll present “Ideas to Intentions: Overcoming Barriers to Equity through MTSS, Monitoring and Measurement,” on Dec. 5, 2023 at 10:15 a.m. in the Conference Dining Room. We’re excited to be presenting with staff from Lyons SD 103 and Forest Park SD 91. |
| Learn More and Register |
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Inspiration |
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Coaching Conversations Podcast with Jim Knight
We’re feeling inspired by Jim Knight’s podcast! It features exciting conversations between Knight and experts in educational coaching and other fields – on topics that are relevant to educational leaders and coaches. Topics include leveraging data in the classroom, nurturing student voices, creating effective presentations and other practical and inspiring fare.
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| Learn More and Listen |
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Forward to a Friend
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Illinois MTSS Network
Northern Illinois University
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