Burrell’s transformational approach to education is multi-faceted but is largely focused on a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) and Social-Emotional Competency. These concepts provide a framework that helps educators identify each individual student’s academic, behavioral, and social-emotional strengths and challenges and provide differentiated support for students based on their needs. The overarching premise behind MTSS and Social-Emotional Competency is that they help form an integrated, data-informed strategy that tailors instruction and support to meet the needs of ALL students and the WHOLE child.
Academic Tier 1 revolves around core universal curriculum/instruction involving all students, staff members, and families. It incorporates data-driven analysis of PSSA, Keystone, and other standardized assessments and promotes targeted intervention for all students. It emphasizes project-based learning, career readiness, differentiated instruction, and discovery-based, personalized learning experiences. Tier 2 incorporates strategic small-group instruction with an expanded team, including personalized learning and career readiness coaches and various other specialists. It includes both research- and skills-based interventions and extensions. Tier 3 is a more intensive approach that can involve small groups or even 1:1 intervention, adapted curriculum, modified assignments, and specially designed instruction.
Social-emotional competency is a core component of MTSS. Determining a student’s emotional competency is also a data-driven process that leans into why a need is occurring and identifies and implements what evidence-based practices are available to support interventions. Social-emotional competency impacts relationships, school culture, and skill-building in general for students and serves to re-engage students with learning and effectively connects them to the educational journey. Burrell educators are trained in this area as part of their professional development.
As it relates to work skills, social-emotional competency advances communication abilities, promotes empathy and adaptability, improves the ability to learn/grow continuously, and enhances the ability to interact and manage others.