Fairport board hears MTSS rollout emphasizing function-based thinking to curb problem behaviors
Summary
District leaders described a multi-year implementation plan to expand function-based thinking across MTSS tiers, training mental-health staff and teachers to use behavior-focused problem-solving and low-lift data collection to reduce escalations into intensive interventions.
Fairport Central School District officials presented an update on the district'9s multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS), outlining plans to scale "function-based thinking" as a preventive approach to student behavior.
"Function based thinking is a proactive approach to understanding student behavior by identifying the function of the student's behavior," Lisa Benson, director of MTSS, told the board. The district described a phased rollout: exploration, installation (training and awareness), initial implementation and eventual full implementation, a process leaders said typically takes three to four years.
Staff said the goal is to move problem-solving earlier in the MTSS pyramid so behaviors are addressed before they require intensive functional behavioral assessments. "When our system can engage in this type of problem solving, it really helps us to get in front of student behaviors before they become problematic and ingrained," Benson said.
The presentation described training steps: in-house mental health staff training last year, administrator sessions over the summer, faculty meeting rollouts in October, and plans to add the approach to new-teacher orientation. Kathleen (behavior specialist) described using staff polling to tailor secondary sessions and reported positive reception in joint faculty meetings.
District leaders said the approach emphasizes using data that staff already collect (attendance, referrals, grades) rather than new, intensive measures for every case, and that lower-intensity tier-2 plans would be documented in the district'9s Panorama system when implemented. Board members asked whether the approach adds administrative burden; presenters said it is intended as an efficient tool and not a new paperwork-heavy requirement.
Next steps: staff will support teams to try three function-based plans per building this year, continue professional development opportunities, and monitor fidelity and outcomes via departmental meetings.
