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The Blog


Behavior Support in Schools: How MTSS and PBIS Work Together
Every school wants classrooms where students feel safe, respected, and ready to learn. But creating that environment doesn’t happen by chance; it requires consistent, proactive systems for teaching and reinforcing positive behavior. That’s where MTSS and PBIS come in. These two frameworks, Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) , work hand-in-hand to build schoolwide systems that promote both academic and behavioral

INcompassing Education
Mar 254 min read


MTSS vs RTI: What’s the Difference?
If you work in education, you’ve likely heard the terms MTSS and RTI used interchangeably. Both frameworks aim to help students succeed through early intervention and data-driven decision-making, but they’re not quite the same. Understanding MTSS vs RTI is essential for building systems that meet the needs of every learner. In this guide, we’ll break down how the two models relate, where they differ, and why many schools are shifting from RTI to MTSS as a more comprehensi

INcompassing Education
Mar 184 min read


MTSS Tiers Explained: A Practical Guide for Educators
Every student learns differently, and that means every student needs a different level of support to succeed. The challenge for schools is figuring out how to identify those needs and provide help before small struggles become big barriers. That’s where the MTSS framework comes in. Short for Multi-Tiered System of Supports , MTSS gives educators a structured, data-driven way to meet every learner where they are, academically, behaviorally, and emotionally. In this guide, we

INcompassing Education
Mar 114 min read


PBIS Meaning Explained: What Does PBIS Stand For in Schools?
If you’ve spent any time in education, you’ve probably heard the acronym PBIS in staff meetings, professional development sessions, or district plans. But for many educators, the term still feels a little abstract. So, what exactly does PBIS mean? And why has it become such a cornerstone of effective behavior management in schools across the country? Let’s break down the PBIS meaning , explore how it works, and understand why this proactive framework is transforming school c

INcompassing Education
Feb 254 min read


Supporting the Whole Child: Connecting Social-Emotional Learning, MTSS, and Classroom Management
Student success isn’t just about test scores — it’s about developing the whole child. That means addressing academic, social, emotional, and behavioral needs in a coordinated way. Across the country, schools are finding that Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), and classroom management are three essential pillars that, when integrated, create thriving learning environments. When teachers and leaders align these elements, students not o

INcompassing Education
Feb 43 min read


Building Strong Classrooms: How Behavior Management and Curriculum Support Work Together
Classrooms are the heartbeat of schools — where instruction, engagement, and relationships all come together. But building strong classrooms requires more than just great lessons; it also requires effective systems for behavior management, aligned curriculum, and meaningful assessment practices

INcompassing Education
Jan 73 min read


Making Data-Driven Decisions in MTSS
Whether you're working in an elementary, middle, or high school setting, there are key ways to bring data-driven decision-making to life in your MTSS work.
Brian Lovell
Aug 25, 20253 min read


Empowering Educators: Professional Development for Teaching and Leadership
Educator PD offers training and learning to boost knowledge, skills, and effectiveness in teaching and leadership.
Dianne McKinley
Jan 30, 20252 min read


Exciting News: INcompassing Education Expands Services for Schools and Teachers!
At INcompassing Education, we are thrilled to share some exciting news! We’ve expanded our services to offer even more support for schools.
Dianne McKinley
Oct 25, 20241 min read


Self-Regulation Strategies for Middle and High School Students
Over the past few years, I’ve heard the same question come up over and over – “how do we help our middle and high school students self-regulate?” It begins with understanding! Whether we reflect on our own experiences, have adolescents in our home, or work with students who are between the ages of 11 and early 20s, we understand that there are some significant shifts in behavior and functioning during this time! Students are seeking to understand themselves and how they fit i
Dianne McKinley
Sep 18, 20237 min read


Strengthening MTSS Tier 2 Behavioral Systems and Supports
MTSS, or multi-tiered systems and supports, encompasses a tiered approach to academics, behavior, and social emotional learning giving us a better picture of the way these components all work together for our students. Tier 1 includes services that ALL students receive. To learn more about building a strong tier 1, check this out! By setting up a solid foundation and clear process, we are able to shift to a preventative lens, intervene earlier, and benefit ALL students. Today
Dianne McKinley
Feb 28, 20234 min read


Strengthening MTSS Tier One Behavioral Systems and Supports
Check out my free one hour session to gain a better understanding of the importance of a solid MTSS foundation and leave with a plethora of resources to support your efforts no matter where you are in building your school’s or district’s system! All of the resources mentioned in the video are linked below. Click here or on the image below to access the video!
Tiffany Creager
Jan 25, 20232 min read


The Distinction Between School Climate and School Culture
We believe that building positive school culture and school climate largely depends on the quality of relationships.
Dianne McKinley
Jun 1, 20175 min read


The Importance of Professional Development in Education
Professional development (PD) in education or educational consulting refers to a wide variety of advanced professional learning, specialized training, or formal education that intends to help teachers, educators, and administrators improve their skills, knowledge, and effectiveness.
Schools, districts, federal, state or foundation grants, or private sources can shoulder the cost of professional development training. It can be delivered in person, online, through 1-on-1 int
Dianne McKinley
Apr 19, 20174 min read
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