Building a Collaborative Approach to Student Support (Part 1)

Learning Outcomes: I am able to articulate and define what my learner’s grades means. Grades are powerful data tools for my instruction.

In this two-part session, participants will discover how to collaboratively create a learning environment that supports all students. The first sectional will introduce the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework to address both academic and behavioral needs. It highlights an approach where all students receive universal support, some benefit from targeted interventions, and a few may require more intensive, individualized assistance. This system is designed to be adaptable, ensuring that every school can implement it in a way that works for their unique context. This foundation will emphasize the crucial role every staff member can play in supporting students’ diverse needs. By building on earlier discussions about fostering a positive school culture, the second sectional aims to equip all participants with accessible tools and insights to enhance collaboration among staff, ensuring that every adult in the building contributes to the academic, social, emotional, and spiritual success of every student. Join us to learn how small shifts in practice can lead to big changes in your school community!

Meredith Pucci is the Curriculum Director for Central Wisconsin Lutheran Schools (Lakeside Lutheran HS Federation). She holds a bachelor’s degree from UW-Madison, a master’s degree from Concordia University, and ministry certification from Martin Luther College. Since 2006, Pucci has worked in both WELS and public schools with diverse student populations in urban and suburban settings, ranging from Pre-K to 8th grade. Her roles have included serving as a principal, instructional coach, reading interventionist, and classroom teacher. Additionally, she has been a leader coach with the Center for Urban Teaching and a student teacher supervisor for Wisconsin Lutheran College.

Valerie Weiss is the Director of Student Services and academic interventionist at Westside Christian School. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire in 2003 and holds a Reading Teaching License from Viterbo University. With 18 years of experience in the Madison and Middleton public school districts, Weiss has served as both a special education and classroom teacher. She is passionate about fostering an inclusive learning environment and is dedicated to supporting the diverse needs of her students.