In Support of Students - by Katie Novak & Kristan Rodriguez (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A research- and evidence-based playbook for creating MTSS in schools

In In Support of Students: A Leader's Guide to Equitable MTSS, a team of distinguished educators delivers a comprehensive and insightful discussion of how to create evidence-based and equitable multi-tiered systems (MTSS). In the book, you'll find the practical tips and tools you need to support the implementation and redesign of systems that meet the needs of all learners.

The author go beyond conceptual theories and frameworks and readers grounded, hands-on advice for developing MTSS that provide opportunities for students to learn at high levels while retaining equitable feelings of belonging and hope. The book also provides:

• Real-life examples and planning procedures to implement MTSS in a variety of school environments
• Strategies for building MTSS in ways that combat educator burn-out, overwork, and overwhelm
• An actionable toolkit to put MTSS into practice and improve student outcomes

An indispensable resource for K-12 school leaders and administrators, In Support of Students will also prove invaluable to policymakers, university staff, and regional support providers.

From the Back Cover

An evidence-based strategy guide for creating inclusive and effective MTSS in schools

In Support of Students: A Leader's Guide to Equitable MTSS delivers an engaging and insightful exploration of how to create evidence-based and equitable multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) that guarantee every student an opportunity to build mastery and an identity as an expert learner. Throughout the book, a team of accomplished educators offers practical tips and tools you need to implement and redesign systems to meet the needs of all learners.

The authors go beyond generic conceptual frameworks and theories to offer grounded, hands-on advice for developing multi-tiered systems that provide students with opportunities for high-level learning while nurturing feelings of belonging and hope. They also present real-life examples and planning procedures to implement MTSS in a wide variety of school environments, as well as strategies that counter educator burnout, overwork, and overwhelm.

The perfect resource for K-12 school leaders and administrators seeking proven MTSS implementation guidance, In Support of Students will also prove invaluable to policymakers, state agencies, regional support providers, and university staff.

"As an educator of thirty years and current MTSS Coordinator, In Support of Students is empowering! Whether you are an educator in the first stage of implementing MTSS or already full steam ahead, this book provides a blueprint that is proactive and responsive to student success for all learners. The authors take you on a journey through change, crafting a vision, planning for success, and action steps to an inclusive multi-tiered system of supports. Reflection questions posed throughout the book are a bonus, and provoke conversation for the reader and district teams. This is the real deal for educators looking to create and sustain an equitable MTSS!"
--Lorri Race, MTSS Coordinator 6-12, Norwich City School District

"Throughout In Support of Students: A Leader's Guide to Equitable MTSS, Dr. Novak and Dr. Rodriguez provide a clear, concise pathway to the change needed in our schools to support all students. They have demystified equitable MTSS implementation, providing the connections between what we talk about doing and the steps we can take to do it, and placing students at the center. The authors guide the process of adapting school environments into places where all students are included and learn!"
--Annie Lamberto, Special Education and Inclusionary Practices, Washington Education Association

"Katie Novak and Kristan Rodriguez have written a must-read guide for systems to move beyond theory and planning to actionable systemic changes so that all children may be successful and engaged in their learning. This book is invaluable for all levels of educational leaders."
--Krestin Bahr, Superintendent at Peninsula School District

About the Author

Katie Novak, ED.D., is an education consultant, author, and graduate instructor at the University of Pennsylvania. She has over 20 years' experience in teaching and administration and has published twelve books focused on building inclusive and equitable classrooms, schools, and systems.

Kristan Rodriguez, PH.D., spent over 20 years as a practitioner in private and public school settings, including being a teacher, principal, and superintendent of schools. Dr. Rodriguez is currently the owner of an educational consulting agency that helps provide professional learning and staffing to schools across the globe. In addition to her books, she has authored numerous MTSS implementation resources that have been used in the field.