97. Effective Universal Instruction with Dr. Sarah Brown & Dr. Kimberly Gibbons

Drawing from decades of experience in literacy, school psychology, systems-level leadership, and MTSS implementation, Dr. Sarah Brown and Dr. Kimberly Gibbons explain why strong universal instruction is the true foundation of student success. They explore what Tier 1 actually includes, why intervention alone cannot solve widespread literacy struggles, and how leadership, collaboration, fidelity, coaching, and systems-thinking all work together to improve outcomes for students.Key Takeaways:What Tier 1 really means inside an MTSS frameworkWhy MTSS is about resources and systems, not “Tier 2 kids” or “Tier 3 kids”Why buying a new curriculum alone won’t solve literacy problemsThe role of leadership in sustaining effective instructionThe importance of job-embedded coaching and ongoing supportWhy fidelity data matters (...and why it shouldn’t feel punitive)How collaborative teams build consensus and instructional coherenceThe power of strong questioning to uncover root causesWhy prevention through effective Tier 1 instruction is more powerful than over-relying on interventionPractical first steps schools can take immediately to strengthen instructionResources:Book: Effective Universal Instruction: An Action-Oriented Approach to Improving Tier 1 by Sarah Brown &amp; Kimberly GibbonsBook: MTSS for Reading Improvement by Stephanie Stollar &amp; Sarah Brown from Solution Tree (or on Amazon)This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the podcast!Connect with Dr. Sarah Brown:Website: https://systemimpactconsulting.com/Contact Dr. Sarah Brown on her WebsiteLinkedIn: Sarah Brown Ph.D.Join Dr. Brown’s MTSS Data AcademyDr. Brown also offers Virtual Coaching Sessions!Connect with Dr. Kimberly Gibbons:CAREI DirectorCAREI at the University of MinnesotaThis podcast is brought to you by <a href="https://www.stephaniestollarconsulting.com/register?utm_source=podcast&a