School belonging is an important factor that contributes to numerous positive outcomes for students. For Latine students in particular, a sense of belonging can serve as a protective factor against the various challenges they may encounter in school settings. School belonging has been closely linked to academic success as well as positive social-emotional development (Franco, 2018). Research also suggests that for many immigrant and migrant communities, schools may serve as one of the only consistent sources of mental health and social support (Torres & DeCarlo Santiago, 2017). Latine middle and high school students hold diverse experiences and intersectional identities that shape how they perceive and experience school, as well as the types of supports that may best serve them (Kuttner, 2023).

This showcase will highlight a range of Latine students’ perspectives on school belonging and present practical strategies for educators to deepen their understanding and enhance support for Latine youth in educational settings. Participants will learn about how to create and implement Tier 1 Trauma-Informed supports for middle and high school students with emotionally-driven behaviors, executive functioning challenges and complex multi-need profiles.

This presentation will include case examples as well as opportunities for consulting on current cases. Research demonstrates that: Positive psychology interventions (PPIs) based on the PERMA framework implemented with fidelity can improve adolescent well-being and resilience (Zheng, Chen, & Wan, 2025). Comprehensive Tier 1 MTSS implementation at the secondary level leads to improved behavioral, academic, and attendance outcomes across student subgroups (Vetter et al., 2024). Trauma-informed care approaches can positively support student wellness and success (Perfect et al., 2016). Supporting young students with complex behaviors requires a comprehensive, proactive framework that integrates both academic and behavioral supports. This presentation explores how a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) can effectively address the social, emotional, and behavioral needs of early childhood and elementary students, including those with disabilities and trauma histories.

Participants will examine current trends in challenging behaviors such as emotional dysregulation, aggression, and task refusal, as well as underlying contributing factors like developmental differences, adverse childhood experiences, and environmental stressors. Grounded in evidence-based practices, this session will highlight Tier 1 preventive strategies (e.g., classroom routines, positive praise, relationship-based practices, trauma-informed care practices), Tier 2 targeted supports (e.g., social-emotional skill groups, Check-In/Check-Out), and Tier 3 individualized interventions (e.g., functional behavior assessment, collaborative problem-solving approaches).

Through case vignettes and interactive discussion, attendees will learn how to apply MTSS principles to create responsive, inclusive, and supportive environments for students demonstrating complex behaviors. Research demonstrates that: Classwide behaviors can be more effectively managed through more frequent, appropriate teacher responses (Owens et al., 2018). Complex behaviors are best managed when implemented within a whole-school system of support for students and staff (Simonsen, 2021). Multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) incorporating behavioral modification strategies effectively reduce challenging behaviors and promote positive behavioral outcomes in elementary school settings (Nitz et al., 2023).

Presented by César D. Villalobos, MA, Karina Mojica, MSEd, Lucia C. Sun, MEd, Emily Jasinski, MA, Meredith Spraggon, MS, Erica Long, MEd, and Alexandra Scekic, MA, MEd, BCBA

---------------------------

This program, when attended in its entirety, offers 3.0 CEs for Psychologists, 3.0 IL CEUs for Counselors and Social Workers, 3.0 BBS California CEUs for LPCCs, LPSWs, and LMFTs, 3.0 NASP CPDs for School Psychologists, or 3.0 ISBE CPDUs for Illinois Educators.

---------------------------

TO VIEW MORE INFORMATION AND REGISTER, PLEASE VISIT: 

https://tcsppofficeofce.com/march_20_2025/