Systemic Student Support (S3) Academy Informational Webinar October 11, 2018

Agenda 01 S3 Academy: Background & Overview 02 Key Dates & Activities 03 District Teams Agenda 04 Self-Assessing S3 Indicators & Implementation Plan 05 Application Requirements 06 Points of Clarification & Questions

Why are we here?  Students increasingly face a range of academic, behavioral, social- emotional, and wellness-related opportunity and achievement barriers. As a result, there is a strong need to further develop school and district capacity to develop, secure, and coordinate supports that build upon students’ and families’ strengths and address barriers to learning . Research conducted nationally and within Massachusetts demonstrates that when schools effectively close these gaps by providing students with comprehensive supports that are integrated alongside instruction, students can thrive academically (regardless of socioeconomic status).

Background: Foundational Initiatives & Partners DESE’s Core (“Heart”) Strategy: Supporting SEL, Health, & Safety Safe & Supportive Schools (Commission, Framework & Initiatives) MTSS Academies S3 Academy Partners

Goals & Expected Outcomes: S3 Academy Overview Goals & Expected Outcomes: Increase understanding of integrated/systemic student support approach & best practices Support districts in self-assessing current student support systems, practices & resources Help districts develop an implementation plan to strengthen their student support systems & establish measurable outcomes (and/or integrate into existing plans – e.g., school or district improvement plans, Safe & Supportive School plan, etc.) Build learning community of educators in MA K-8 schools where participants learn about each other’s experiences and practices

S3 Academy Overview (continued) Key Activities: Three full-day workshops, facilitated by Rennie & COSS Two virtual convenings to support self-assessment & planning Ongoing targeted support & technical assistance Eligible Participants: District teams of 3-4 schools serving grades K-8 Elementary, elementary + middle, or middle At least one school serving elementary students Very small districts may propose including only two schools Priority consideration given to districts serving schools identified as needing broad/comprehensive or targeted/focused support

S3 Academy Timeline Date Activity Oct. 26, 2018 Applications due Week of Nov. 5, 2018 Follow-up calls with applicants, as needed Week of Nov. 13, 2018 Academy participants selected and notified Dec. 12, 2018 (tentative) Workshop 1: Understanding integrated/systemic student support approaches & best practices January TBD Virtual Convening:  Introducing S3 self-assessment indicators and process February TBD Workshop 2: Self-assessing against S3 indicators & initial planning March TBD Virtual Convening: S3 implementation planning April TBD Workshop 3: Refining plans & establishing outcomes

3-4 schools serving grades K-8 (ES, ES+MS, or MS) District Teams 3-4 schools serving grades K-8 (ES, ES+MS, or MS) Team composition: One district leader, decision-making authority on student support work At least three team members per school, including: Administrator with decision-making authority (e.g. principal, asst. principal) General educator (e.g. teacher) Student-support related staff (e.g. school counselor) Other team members may include additional student support staff or additional classroom teachers, special education or EL staff, a family representative, a community partner, etc.

Self-Assessing against S3 Indicators Examination of the existing conditions & structures in your school or district that can be built upon to establish a systemic approach to student support Common in- and out-of-school barriers to learning Strengths & assets of students, families, and school/district Leadership & teaming structures Existing student information collected Existing student support resources, processes & practices Existing partnerships with community agencies/institutions

S3 Implementation Planning An actionable plan that builds directly upon learnings and discussions from workshops, including insights from S3 Self- Assessment process Concrete, feasible & targeted in scope Establishes specific, measurable outcomes Reflects variations in schools within a district Where appropriate, integrated into existing plans (e.g., school or district improvement plans, Safe & Supportive School plans, etc.)

Estimated Commitment  3 full-day, in-person workshops 2 web sessions Time outside of workshops  Completing process to self-assess against S3 indicators Development & refinement of S3 Implementation Plan Pending funding and interest, participate in 2nd year of implementation support  Brief pre & post surveys

Application Requirements No more than 5 pages: Identify lead applicant from district Describe district context & background Identify 3-4 participating schools Identify proposed S3 Academy team members Articulate goals for participating in S3 Academy Describe current & upcoming efforts to improve student support Assurances from superintendent See detailed criteria & guidance in application

Points of Clarification This work is aligned with and complementary to the Safe & Supportive Schools Framework and Initiatives (particularly for schools/districts that have identified “Access to Services” as an area of need). However, all schools meeting eligibility criteria are welcome to apply for the S3 Academy (even if they haven’t received a Safe & Supportive Schools grant). Participation in the S3 Academy does not mean signing up to partner with City Connects. Participation in the S3 Academy does not mean you need to buy or subscribe to a specific curriculum or student support service model.

Questions Questions?

Rebecca Shor, Director, Systems for Student Success Office Thank you! Thank you! Rebecca Shor, Director, Systems for Student Success Office rshor@doe.mass.edu 781.338.3559 www.doe.mass.edu 75 Pleasant Street, Malden, MA 02148