Molly Dinning - Multi-tiered Systems of Support for Student Mental Health and Regulation

This presentation provides an overview of how a suburban public school district has developed a multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) to address student mental health, emotional regulation, and executive functioning across grades PreK–12. Grounded in prevention and universal design, the session highlights the district’s Tier 1 framework that promotes wellness and builds students’ capacity for self-regulation and independence. Participants will learn how universal practices (including explicit instruction in executive functioning, schoolwide wellness initiatives, classroom regulation strategies, and collaborative staff supports) work together to create a proactive system that benefits all learners.

The presentation will outline how these structures are embedded into everyday classroom practices and supported through professional learning, district leadership, and collaboration among general education teachers, special educators, and related service providers. Examples of tools, routines, and schoolwide practices will be shared to illustrate how Tier 1 systems can reduce barriers to learning while strengthening student engagement, resilience, and academic success.