Northwest Interconnected Systems Framework Demonstration Project
The Northwest ISF Demonstration Project aims to impact student achievement and attainment, increase identification and impact on students with internalizing behaviors, improve wellness, and reduce rates of student discipline problems and related impact of trauma, opioid and substance misuse, suicide prevention, depression, and/or anxiety. This is a collaborative effort between the Northwest MHTTC, the Center on PBIS, state departments of education, regional training and technical assistance (TA) providers, and districts.
Interconnected Systems Framework Webinars October 22, 2019 - January 21st, 2020
The Interconnected Systems Framework (ISF) promotes using a single system of delivery for educational and mental health supports in schools. ISF offers a solution to the challenge of meeting the needs of the whole child. Presented by Susan Barrett, MA, and facilitated by the school mental health leads of the Northwest MHTTC (Kelcey Schmitz) and the Pacific Southwest MHTTC (Leora Wolf-Prusan). Guest speakers included: Tawni Barlow, M.Ed Medical Lake School District, Natalie Sedano, CAHELP, Jennifer Kubista, Ed.D, Superintendent at Central School District 13J & Kaci Fleetwood, M.Ed, State Coordinator for Nevada's School Climate Transformation Project.
Creating Trauma-Responsive Schools Webinars November 13, 2019 - May 13th, 2020 (Online)
This series of webinars are designed to enhance educators’ knowledge about trauma and its impact on students, as well as enhance educators’ ability to engage with youth who’ve been exposed to trauma. Experts will provide information about the definition of trauma, the neurological impact of trauma on students, the signs and symptoms of trauma, and an explanation of how trauma can manifest in the classroom.
Alaska RTI/MTSS Effective Instruction Conference - January 24-26, 2020, Anchorage, Alaska
We were pleased to have several sectional choices for educators at the intermediate and advanced level of RTI/MTSS implementation, including sessions on using data, effective teaming, evidenced-based early literacy instruction, school mental health resources, and research-based strategies to improve graduation rates.
2020 5th Annual Idaho Positive Behavior Network Conference - February 6-7, 2020, Boise, Idaho
We brought educators together to focus on evidence-based best practices for effectively supporting students’ social, emotional, mental health, and academic needs while fostering a collective problem-solving environment of innovation, resilience, safety, and success.
Interconnected Systems Framework Discussion Hours February 20, 2020 - August 11th, 2020
Webinars are the launch of learning, and we know that while our three, 60-minute webinars helped us gain foundational language and hear from leaders in the field, many of you wanted the chance to share with one another, ask questions, and continue the intensive discourse needed to create transformational educational environments through ISF. These sessions are supported by Susan Barrett & our ISF Field Leaders, and made meaningful with your participation. Presenters & participants will share their ISF implementation challenges, celebrations, and lessons learned or learning.
18th Annual Northwest PBIS Network Conference - February 26-28, 2020, Tacoma, Washington
The largest gathering of educators, researchers, thought leaders, community partners, and practitioners in the field of Schoolwide Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (SWPBIS) in the Pacific Northwest. This year's theme "PBIS for ALL" asked us to examine the impact of our work for every child who walks through our doors. Real success in school is measured by our collective ability to support our most vulnerable students.
The Well-Being Series April 2 - June 17th, 2020 (Online)
In response to these critical needs, the School Mental Health Supplement is partnering with Forefront Suicide Prevention Center, University of Washington SMART Center, Association of Washington School Principles, DBT in Schools, NWPBIS Network, Sounds Supports, LLC, and WellEducator to bring you a series of webinars for kids, parents, and educators, focusing on mental wellness and suicide prevention.
Virtual MTSS Fest 2020 - April 22, 2020 (Online)
The Northwest School Mental Health team delivered two presentations at the 2020 Virtual MTSS Fest. Sessions were facilitated by leaders in our MTSS Community, OSPI Staff, and Capital Region ESD 113. Washington State Superintendent Chris Reykdal provided the morning welcome; George Sugai was the keynote speaker.
Virtual AWSP/WASA 2020 Summer Pre-Conference - June 11 & June 25, 2020 (Online)
AWSP and WASA had been working around the clock to pivot the direction of our 2020 Summer Conference to keep you safe, informed, and connected while navigating this unprecedented time by connecting with fellow educational leaders to renew focus, clarity, and insight for the upcoming school year.
Virtual AWSP/WASA 2020 Summer Conference - June 29 - 30, 2020 (Online)
AWSP and WASA have been working around the clock to pivot the direction of our 2020 Summer Conference to keep you safe, informed, and connected while navigating this unprecedented time by connecting with fellow educational leaders to renew focus, clarity, and insight for the upcoming school year.
Supporting School Mental Health in the Context of Racial Violence - July 31 & August 7th, 2020 (Online)
This was a two-part learning series intended for students, families, educators and school mental health professionals who are navigating the impact of racial violence on student mental health. Each learning session featured a moderator who engages advocates, leaders and the school mental health workforce.
Considerations for Systematic Screening PK-12: Universal Screening for Internalizing and Externalizing Behaviors in the COVID-19 Era - August 12, 2020 (Online)
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, PK-12 schools across the United States closed and educators quickly pivoted to remote and continuous learning opportunities to protect students and society as a whole from the deadly coronavirus – COVID-19. As educational leaders across the country navigate the complexities for providing instruction during the 2020-2021 academic year, questions have arisen regarding systematic screening practices.
Northwest PBIS Summer Institute - August 13, 2020 (Online)
The NWPBIS Network, Sound Supports, and Inua Group joined together to bring you a quality day of webinars with content around adapting systems to respond to the changing school environments. This event was sponsored in part by the school mental health supplement to the Northwest MHTTC.
Washington MTSS Fest - August 12, 2021
As implementers of the Multi-Tiered System of Supports Framework for Washington State, the Center for the Improvement of Student Learning (CISL) strives to create opportunities for any individual to learn and grow. The Northwest School Mental Health team delivered two presentations at the 2021 Virtual MTSS Fest. Sessions were facilitated by leaders in our MTSS Community, OSPI Staff, and Capital Region ESD 113.
Summer Institute 2021 - Renew, Restore, Restart: Adapting Tiered Supports for the New Now - August 9, 2021
The NWPBIS Network and Sound Supports hosted a day of quality webinars with content around adapting systems to respond to the current and changing school environments. This event was sponsored in part by the school mental health supplement to the Northwest MHTTC.
The Mental Health Impacts of Surviving COVID-19: Implications for School Mental Health - June 25, 2021
This is a conversation with four survivors of COVID-19, all of whom identify as long-haulers (people who “have not fully recovered from COVID-19 weeks or even months after first experiencing symptoms,” according to Harvard Health). Like Derek, Karla, Mieka, and Jessica, “some long-haulers experience continuous symptoms for weeks or months while others feel better for weeks, then relapse with old or new symptoms. The constellation of symptoms long-haulers experience, sometimes called "post-COVID-19 syndrome” (Harvard Health: If you've been exposed to the coronavirus). Dr. Kira Mauseth provided an overview about Long COVID behavioral health.
Virtual AWSP & WASA Summer Conference 2021 - June 2021
Summer Conference 2021 featured John Hattie, Peter DeWitt, DJ Batiste, Floyd Cobb, John Krownapple and more.
Washington MTSS PLC - January - June 2021
The Office of Superintendents of Public Instruction (OSPI) and the Northwest Mental Health Technology Transfer Center (NW-MHTTC) along with other partners provided a series of webinars for educators, administrators, and stakeholders to come together to collaborate on topics and find common solutions.
MHTTC National School Mental Health Best Practices - Always and Now 8-Part Learning Series - February - May 2021
The MHTTC Network hosted an 8-part training series using the National School Mental Health Best Practices: Implementation Guidance Modules for States, Districts, and Schools. This resource was developed by the MHTTC Network in partnership with the National Center for School Mental Health (NCSMH) and aims to help states, districts and schools advance comprehensive school mental health and engage in a planning process for implementation.
SMART Center 2021 Virtual Speaker Series - December 2, 2020, March 3, April 7, May 5, June 2, 2021
The school mental health supplement to the Northwest MHTTC co-sponsored the UW SMART Center's 2021 Virtual Speaker Series. Originally a series of in-person events, we moved these presentations to a virtual format due to COVID-19. Check out the 2021 UW SMART Center Speaker Series Recordings, Materials, & Resource Document.
Connections We Need: Supporting the Resiliency of Youth and Young Adults - April 16, 2021
The "Connections We Need" session served as a kick-off for a series of summer professional development opportunities led by youth that provided expanded learning opportunities and programs with school staff, who support them where they are, as they navigate the impacts from the pandemic, trauma, and interruption of their social emotional journey.
Optum Idaho Virtual Conference - April 13 - 14, 2021
The Optum Idaho Conference is a statewide event established to provide a platform for sharing knowledge, expertise, experiences, and to collectively discuss emerging opportunities and potential solutions.
The 18th International Virtual Conference on Positive Behavior Support - March 17 - March 19, 2021
The Association for Positive Behavior Support’s 18th International Virtual Conference featured over 100 oral presentations, posters and pre-conference workshops highlighting empirical findings, assessment and intervention methods, current topics, and other aspects of Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
19th Annual NWPBIS Network Conference - February 24 - 26, 2021
The NWPBIS Network provided a quality day of webinars with content around adapting systems to respond to the current and changing school environments. This event was sponsored in part by the school mental health supplement to the Northwest MHTTC.
WSCA Virtual Annual Conference - February 24 - 26, 2021
The Washington School Counselor Association (WSCA) represents certificated Professional School Counselors who work in public and private schools at all levels. The WSCA promotes best practices in and advocates for professional school counseling by providing leadership and professional development that promotes positive student outcomes in the areas of academic support, career planning, and personal/social development, thereby enhancing achievement for every student.
Alaska Autism Resource Center's 2020 Online Autism Conference - November 9-11, 2020 (Online)
The Alaska Autism Resource Center (AARC) offered a FREE Online Autism Conference.
The ISF West Coast Party Webinars: Enhancing MTSS - Integrating Student Mental Health and Wellness through Systems, Data, and Practices - October 2020 - February 2021 (Online)
The Northwest MHTTC and the Pacific Southwest MHTTC extended deeper technical assistance on the Interconnected Systems Framework (ISF). Interconnected Systems Framework (ISF) is a structure and process that maximizes effectiveness and efficiency by blending the strengths of school and community mental health with strengths of the multi-tiered framework of PBIS (Barrett, Eber, Weist, 2013).
Self-Care and Compassion for the Educator Webinar Series - October - December, 2020 (Online)
The Northwest Mental Health Technology Transfer Center and the Northwest PBIS Network collaborated to bring you a FREE, 3-part webinar series presented by WellEducator, LLC. The Self-Care and Compassion for the Educator webinar series was part of The Back-to-School Series - Supports for Staff, Students & Families During COVID-19.
Managing Anxiety & Return to School Webinar Series - September - December, 2020 (Online)
The Managing Anxiety & Return to School webinar series was part of The Back-to-School Series - Supports for Staff, Students & Families During COVID-19. This series was designed to highlight what anxiety looks like and walk through evidence-based interventions for anxiety in educational settings.
Leading Our School Systems & Communities Through and After Wildfire - September 30, 2020 (Online)
The Northwest MHTTC and the Pacific Southwest MHTTC collaborated on a virtual town hall on school mental health leadership in times of wildfire. Six principals, superintendents, county and state office of education leaders from Washington State, California, and Oregon who have experienced wildfires offered reflections, lessons learned, and shared their stories. Leaders were in conversation for the first portion of the townhall and then answered questions through a moderated Q & A.
Sound Supports 12th Annual Virtual Summer Institute 2022 - August 16 - 17, 2022
The NWPBIS Network and Sound Supports hosted a day of quality webinars with content around adapting systems to promote strong equity-centered MTSS. This event was sponsored in part by the school mental health supplement to the Northwest MHTTC.
MTSS Integrated Systems Conference 2022 - August 4 - 5, 2022
You may have known of it as MTSS Fest in the past; this year’s conference was an MTSS integrated systems conference, as systems continue to get aligned and integrated. By integrating efforts, they increased the efficiency and effectiveness of the resources to better support staff and students. Continue learning about how to ensure systems work for EACH and EVERY student from preschool through graduation.
AWSP/WASA Summer Conference 2022 - June 26 - 28, 2022
This year's theme was "You Belong Here." Sessions focused on belonging, inclusion, collaboration, climate & culture, systems, and student learning.
Anchored in Our Roots: Restoring Our Ancestral Healing Practices for Self-Care and Wellness - June 1, 2022
The Northwest MHTTC School Mental Health Team was excited to welcome back Dr. Sabine Thomas and Katrice Thabet-Chapin M.Ed., Ed.S., NCSP for the Anchored in Our Roots Series Finale.
Washington OSPI MTSS PLC - October 2021 - May 2022
As implementers of the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) Framework for Washington State, the Center for the Improvement of Student Learning (CISL) strives to create opportunities for any individual to learn and grow. The Office of Superintendents of Public Instruction (OSPI) and the Northwest Mental Health Technology Transfer Center (NW-MHTTC) brought a series of webinars where there was a space for educators, administrators, and stakeholders to all come together to collaborate on topics and find common solutions.
Classroom WISE: A Mental Health Literacy Course for Teachers and School Staff
To address this need, the MHTTC Network, in partnership with the National Center for School Mental Health at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, developed a FREE self-guided online course, video library + resource collection, and a website focused on educator mental health literacy. The 3-part training package, Classroom WISE (Well-Being Information and Strategies for Educators), was informed by and co-developed with educators from across the nation.
The Washington Mental Health Summit 2022 - May 17, 2022
The Washington State Mental Health Summit was an inclusive forum for stakeholders around the state to develop, share, and advance new and promising ideas, opportunities and collaborations that advance effective education, prevention, and care for Washingtonians living with mental health and addiction problems. The event was open to any mental health stakeholder interested in participating in the improvement of mental health care in Washington State.
2022 UW SMART (Virtual) Center Speaker Series - February 23 - May 25, 2022
The Northwest MHTTC co-sponsored the UW SMART Center's Fourth Annual 2022 Speaker Series. Originally a series of in-person events, we moved these presentations to a virtual format due to COVID-19. Sessions included:
The 19th International Conference on Positive Behavior Support - April 13 - 16, 2022, San Diego, CA
The Northwest Mental Health Technology Transfer Center was honored to present at the 19th International Conference on Positive Behavior Support.
The 20th Annual NWPBIS Conference 2022 - Still Connected: Relationships, Resilience, and Belonging - April 12 - 14, 2022, Tacoma, WA
The Northwest Mental Health Technology Transfer Center was a sponsor for the 20th Annual Northwest PBIS Conference that brought experts from across the field to present and provide trainings on key topics related to school mental health.
Healing School Communities: Shifting the Dominant Paradigm to Center Student Wellness - February 8 - March 22, 2022
The overall objective of these Community of Practice sessions was to support the MHTTC Healing Racial Violence Teamlet’s internal focus, which is to help students, families, educators, and school mental health professionals navigate the ongoing impact of racial violence in all forms on student mental health.
Leading With Youth Voice Series - January 24 & February 7, 2022
Kristin Thorp and Matt Leavitt led a conversation about the importance of youth voice at our organizations' decision-making tables and in our communities. We examined the principles of youth-driven system work and the ways it benefits our agencies, coalitions, and systems as a whole. These sessions served as grounding for all participants in shared language and definitions of youth-driven practices.
The Mental Health Impacts of Surviving COVID-19: Implications for School Mental Health Systems Leaders and Providers Part II - November 22, 2021
In June 2021, we gathered to listen to COVID-19 survivors and long-haulers and learn about their experience to inform how we as school mental health providers and leaders prepared for the needs of staff and students for the coming school year. In Part 2, Dr. Kira Mauseth returned to provide a more in-depth share about Long COVID behavioral health and what we are learning in our research. Derek, Karla, Mieka, and Jessica (four survivors of COVID-19, all of whom identify as long-haulers) also returned to share where they are now and offered recommendations for school providers.
Anchored in Our Roots: Decolonizing Self-Care for BIPOC School Mental Health Providers - November 16, 2021
Anchored In Our Roots was a wellness series for school mental health professionals developed with and for our BIPOC School Mental Health (BIPOC SMH) Providers. This series, authored by Dr. Sabine Thomas and Katrice Thabet-Chapin, M.Ed., Ed.S., NCSP, was designed to provide resources to navigate the intersectionalities of work and strategies for anchoring wellbeing around cultural and ancestral roots. The outcome was the creation of a virtual community where BIPOC SMH providers could access collective support and engagement around wellness topics that collectively impact their work and identities.
Managing Anxiety & The Return To Schools - November 3, 2021
The rate of anxiety among students and staff increased with the return to in-person learning during the ongoing pandemic. Drs. Kendra Read and Jennifer Blossom explored evidence-based strategies that mitigated the problematic anxiety within schools. School mental health clinicians, administrators and educators are invited to explore the FAST (First Approach Skills Training) Program, which they helped develop at Seattle Children’s Hospital.
Virtual PBIS Leadership Forum 2021 - October 26 - 28, 2021
The three-day virtual forum was a technical assistance activity of the Center on PBIS and offered an opportunity for the Center to share information on the latest applications of PBIS. It helped school, state, district, and regional Leadership Teams and other professionals increase the effectiveness of school environments through PBIS.
Annual NCSMH Conference 2021 on Advancing School Mental Health - October 14 - 15, 2021
The theme of this year's conference was School Mental Health: Moving Forward Together. Each year, the Annual Conference on Advancing School Mental Health brings together leaders, practitioners, researchers, and other stakeholders in the school mental health field to share the latest research and best practices. The conference emphasized a shared school-family-community agenda to bring high-quality and evidence-based mental health promotion, prevention, and intervention to students and families as part of a multi-tiered system of supports.
COVID's Disproportionate Impact on Youth Now and Tomorrow - October 7 - 8, 2021
The Northwest MHTTC School Mental Health team co-sponsored COVID's Disproportionate Impact on Youth Now and Tomorrow with League of Education Voters, which champions an education system that provides every student in the state an equal opportunity for success from cradle to career.
Idaho's ISCA-ISPA-SSWAI- 2021 Superconference “Stronger Together”: Uniting our Strengths for all Students - October 7, 2021
Idaho counselors, school psychologists, social workers, nurses, administrators, and educators gathered to “Unite our Strengths”. The focus was student mental health and wellness at this collaborative conference. During the two-day virtual event, Ben Springer and Tracy Glover & Leena Weaver were the keynote speakers, with community mental health and social/emotional/behavioral program panels, multiple breakout sessions, and networking opportunities. Helping mental health professionals from around the state to unite our strengths to advocate for and empower the mental health and wellness of Idaho K-12 students.
WASA Fall Conference 2021 Permission To Feel... Permission To Lead - September 26 - 28, 2021
The Northwest MHTTC School Mental Health team co-sponsored and presented at the WASA Fall Conference 2021 Permission to Feel... Permission to Lead. WASA brought experts from across the field to present and provide trainings in over 7 sessions on key topics related to school mental health across the conference and keynotes.
Lunch, Listen, and Learn: COVID-19 Back-to-Classroom THINK Toolbox and New Resources - September 10, 2021
Dr. Kira Mauseth, from the Washington DOH Behavioral Health Strike Team, shared current youth behavioral health symptoms and how those correspond with the phases of disaster, as well as, the newly released COVID-19 Back-to-Classroom THINK Toolbox.
NW MHTTC School Mental Health Team members and partners shared other new resources including:
2023 SMART Speaker Series: Equity-Centered MTSS and Implications for School Mental Health
21st Annual NWPBIS Conference: Aligning Values and Action to Create Community
The MHTTC Network's RACE (Raising Awareness Commemoration Event) for Mental Health
Free One-Day Alaska Workshops: Effective Practices To Support Mental Health in Schools
