The Challenge

More than 60 percent of first-time teachers say they’re not sufficiently prepared to face the challenge of addressing the social and emotional needs of today's students in tandem with achieving academic learning outcomes, according to the U. S. Department of Education.

The Response

A Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework is increasingly implemented and sustained in school systems throughout the United States to promote academic and behavioral success for ALL students. Application of MTSS is an essential element in pre-service and in-service professional development in schools.

The McDowell Institute for Teacher Excellence in Positive Behavior Support

Established to prepare future educators to become fluent in comprehension and application of Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS). The McDowell Institute is focused on cultivating excellence in future educators by strategically infusing a MTSS framework reflecting the principles and associated practices of Positive Behavior Support within pre-service educators’ coursework and practicum experiences.