SI 2026: Breakout Session #6

Explore how the Van Horn Way strengthens school culture through practical and engaging SW-PBS systems. This session will highlight effective strategies for building positive environments, showcase incentive ideas that boost student motivation, and offer tools you can take back to your school or district. Walk away with actionable approaches for enhancing SW-PBS implementation and elevating student engagement through a culture of consistency, connection, and celebration.

SESSION OUTCOMES:

• Explore strategies that strengthen school culture and increase engagement
• Be able to apply actionable tools and resources that enhance SW-PBS

This session will highlight lessons learned from piloting an integrated Tier 2 academic and behavioral intervention designed to improve student engagement. This intervention is focused on teaching students transferable academic skills (note-taking, graphic-organization strategies) and behavioral skills (goal-setting, self-monitoring) that students use in core-content classes in high school.

SESSION OUTCOMES:

• Be able to describe how academic- and behavioral-instruction strategies can be integrated within Tier 2 frameworks to support ninth graders
• Understand how coaching can be conducted to promote student engagement and the use of newly taught study and engagement strategies

This session will discuss important considerations for developing and implementing Integrated Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (I-MTSS).

SESSION OUTCOMES:

• Understand principles to consider when developing and implementing I-MTSS at all three tiers

As AI becomes a growing source of companionship for teens, schools and families face a widening companionship gap that threatens authentic human connection. This session will examine why youths are turning to AI for social and emotional support along with the potential risks this creates for their development and well-being. Participants will learn how the SW-PBS framework can strengthen belonging by building predictable, supportive, and relationship-centered environments.

SESSION OUTCOME:

• Analyze key drivers behind teens’ increasing use of AI for companionship
• Explore how the SW-PBS framework can be used to create supportive environments that foster authentic human connection among youths
• Commit to specific, actionable strategies to implement as an educator or parent to strengthen real-world connection and reduce reliance on AI

Many new-teacher trainings focus on the knowledge and skills of SW-PBS, yet long-term sustainability requires something deeper — shaping beliefs, values, and professional identity. This session will invite attendees to rethink onboarding by intentionally considering, “Who do we want our teachers to become, not just what do they do?” Participants will learn practical strategies on how to help new staff internalize SW-PBS aligned mindsets, develop confidence, and build habits that reflect shared values. Come explore how shifting from procedural training to identity-centered development strengthens consistency and commitment across school systems.

SESSION OUTCOMES:

• Examine how shifting from knowledge and skills to identity impacts the long-term sustainability of SW-PBS expectations
• Identify practical strategies for supporting new teachers in developing SW-PBS aligned beliefs, identity, and habits of practice
• Apply a framework for aligning environment, skills, capabilities, and identity in their districts’ new-teacher trainings

Are you ready to take the guesswork out of SW-PBS? In this session, learn how to turn behavioral data into clear, confident decisions. Come explore simple tools, quick-tracking systems, and practical examples that make data collection easier, not overwhelming. Participants will walk away with a streamlined process for identifying student needs, monitoring progress, and choosing interventions that actually work. This session is your roadmap to help SW-PBS feel more consistent, more meaningful, and much less chaotic

SESSION OUTCOMES:

• Learn how to collect and organize behavioral data that is meaningful, usable, and efficient
• Understand how to analyze data to identify those needing tiered supports
• Leave with ready-to-use tools and templates for tracking student progress and monitoring the effectiveness of interventions

In this session, explore how increasing opportunities to respond (OTRs) can transform classrooms into dynamic, inclusive spaces that promote active participation, improved behavior, and stronger academic outcomes. Participants will examine the research behind OTRs, learn practical strategies for increasing student responses, and receive practice techniques that elevate both teacher effectiveness and student engagement. Come discover how small, consistent adjustments in instruction can lead to meaningful improvements in cognitive, behavioral, and emotional engagement.

SESSION OUTCOMES:

• Understand how increasing OTRs enhances student engagement, improves instructional flow, and aligns with Tier 1 practices
• Examine behavioral, emotional, and cognitive engagement; and explore how each contributes to student success
• Create a personalized plan for increasing the frequency and quality of OTRs to strengthen classroom climate and improve behavioral and academic outcomes

Learn how to navigate consistent, reliable systems to strengthen collaboration around student academic and behavioral interventions. This session will showcase a districtwide approach to implementing Tier 2 and Tier 3 supports through clear structures, aligned staff roles, and ongoing professional development. Participants will explore how collaborative intervention teams and shared data spreadsheets are used to monitor implementation, guide decision-making, and ensure fidelity. This creates a sustainable system that improves outcomes for students and supports staff.

SESSION OUTCOMES:

• Understand a districtwide framework for building consistent Tier 2 and Tier 3 intervention systems that improve both staff collaboration and the use of data to monitor and strengthen academic and behavioral supports
• Receive practical tools and strategies for using shared data spreadsheets to track intervention implementation and make informed decisions

Grounded in a rural PK-12 context with limited staff and small faculties, this session will highlight practical ways to keep reinforcement systems fresh by centering student voice. Participants will learn to combat reinforcement fatigue through student co-creation. Participants will also explore practical tools like the What’s Hot and What’s Not Toolkit to gather student input, practice drafting culturally relevant feedback questions, and review strategies for empowering students as SW-PBS leaders. The session will conclude with actionable steps to revitalize schoolwide systems and boost long-term buy-in.

SESSION OUTCOMES:

• Be able to identify the signs of reinforcement fatigue, and learn what a team can do when students get bored or stop responding
• Explore practical strategies to renew student interest through student surveys and focus groups
• Explore structures for schoolwide events to maintain momentum and build community