3 Systemic Success Themes
In education, we have to wear multiple hats. When I’m working for the university I’m both a researcher and and a technical assistance partner for state and territory leaders implementing PBIS. Because of these hats I had the opportunity to travel to Guam and work with the Guam Department of Education PBIS coaches and many of their building administrators and teacher leadership teams. Guam is a beautiful island just south of Japan. The only down side is that it takes 24 hours to travel there from my home base in Oregon. I’m sure I’ll write more later about my experience later but for now let’s just say our education colleagues showed me their amazing hospitality and how they’ve integrated their Chamorro culture into their MTSS and PBIS systems.
After visiting 12 schools – from elementary to high school and meeting with building administrators for multiple work sessions – three patterns of successful implementation emerged. I observed that many of the schools that are thriving under very challenging circumstances (including severe typhoon damage), even with the usual time constraints and challenges that are familiar to every school. Keep reading for three success patterns that stood out to me - even in my sleep deprived state!
Success Pattern #1: Teacher Ownership Without Overwhelming Teachers At one high school, teachers don't just attend MTSS meetings – they led the efforts because the master schedule had built-in common prep time. The teachers were able to meet in both their departments but also within grade levels for data-based decision making. Data use wasn't another add-on; it's become their natural problem-solving approach. The key? They made it easier for teachers to collaborate, not harder.
Success Pattern #2: Student Partnership That Actually Works The standout middle schools didn't just manage students – they empowered them as partners. Grade-levels built community with identity (Cougars, Tigers, Jaguars), student-led initiatives, and Student Body Association ownership. Student representatives sat on the school leadership team and helped to plan and lead school assemblies. Referral data was shared with the student body at large so together the school could work to improve the climate. When students co-create the culture, teachers spend less time managing and more time teaching.
Success Pattern #3: Simple Data Systems That Get Used There was a disruption in service for the primary database and so school teams had to improvise and get scrappy. Their leadership implementation teams were able to quickly create practical tools like Excel tracking systems and use data sheet templates that staff were able to understand and use. Across schools, they shared their excel sheets so that when possible they weren't reinventing the wheel. For some schools this new, simpler method is more effective for delivering tiered instruction. Sometimes the simplest solution is the most sustainable.
Here's what struck me most: These successful schools weren't doing more – they were doing things more strategically.
Although it seemed like they had infinite energy - the principals and teacher/staff leaders I met weren't superhuman. They didn't have extra hours in their day or unlimited budgets. In fact, their budgets are even more limited than most of our schools on the mainland. They had something else: proven teaming and decision-making frameworks.
Bottom Line
The challenge most educators face? You're expected to know how to build these systems without ever being taught how.
It's like being handed the keys to a race car without driving lessons. You know the destination (effective MTSS), but you're figuring out the route through trial and error.
What if instead you had:
Templates that work (so you're not starting from blank documents)
A community of educators who've already navigated these exact challenges
Monthly guidance from someone who's implemented MTSS
Systems designed for busy people who need maximum impact with minimal time investment
The truth is, you don't need more hours in your day (although that would be very nice) – you need better systems.
Having this time with our Guam colleagues makes me even more excited to get back to the MTSS Implementation Network. Our network truly is a strategic advantage and not a time obligation.
Here's why I know this to be true: Even if you can only spare one hour a month (seriously, just one hour), you'll walk away with actionable solutions. And when you're ready for more support – templates, group coaching, community meetups, recorded trainings, weekly message board guidance – it's all there waiting for you.
Join sooner rather than later for a no-brainer good deal.
You're already doing incredible work. Let's just make it easier. You deserve the same advantage of being supported in your efforts.