Branching Minds University: Courses for District Leaders and Educators

Creating safe and supportive school environments requires proactive strategies for identifying and responding to student safety concerns. This course provides an overview of school-based threat assessment and suicide risk screening, emphasizing their importance within a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). Participants will explore legal and ethical considerations, learn about evidence-based tools such as the Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines (CSTAG), the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS), and the SAFE-T model, and examine best practices for intervention following an assessment. Read more

This course provides a practical, high-level overview of the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). Educators will learn how MTSS uses data, teamwork, and targeted support to meet the needs of all learners. Explore the key components, clarify common misconceptions, and see how MTSS can make teaching more focused and effective. Read more

In this course, educators will explore proven strategies for enhancing Tier 1 instruction to ensure all students receive high-quality, effective teaching, regardless of the grade level or content area. By refining instructional practices, teachers can meet the diverse needs of learners while promoting academic achievement for all. This course will focus on six key strategies that can be immediately implemented in the classroom to increase engagement, accessibility, and success for every student. Read more

This course introduces Early Warning Systems in education, focusing on what they are, how they work, and why they matter. Participants will learn to identify key early warning indicators related to academics, behavior, and attendance, and explore how Early Warning Systems align with and support a Multi-Tiered System of Supports to improve student outcomes. Read more