Meet Ruth Poage-Gaines, Coaching Services Coordinator
Ruth Poage-Gaines has been with the IL-MTSS Network for 11 years as a regional coordinator, lead coach, area wide instructional leader, coaching services coordinator, and network capacity coach. Ruth has worked as a school psychologist, principal, and special education coordinator who has served populations ranging from elementary school to community college age, and from general education to students with autism, emotional and behavioral disorders, and multiple disabilities. With three decades of experience, she lends her expertise to assist district and school teams, staff, and peers. Her driving force in this endeavor is ensuring equitable access to high quality education for all.
We spoke with Ruth to learn more about her and her approach to MTSS.
What would you like our audience to know about your background prior to joining IL MTSS Network?
In my journey of working with mentally ill adults after I earned my bachelor’s degree, I became acutely aware of the critical need for early intervention in the lives of children. Listening to my patients express feelings like “no one was there for me in school” ignited my passion for School Psychology. As I embraced the role of a child advocate in educational settings, I recognized the imperative for reform in the special education system and processes. This realization propelled me toward pursuing advanced degrees.
As I initiated transformative changes within my K-5 school, I found myself presented with larger-scale opportunities. My experience of working part-time with the I-ASPIRE and I-RtI State Personnel Development Grants eventually led me to full-time employment with the IL MTSS Network.
Through this journey, I have witnessed the success of the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) and believe in its efficacy when implemented with fidelity for the benefit of districts and students. Nevertheless, the most challenging aspect lies in fostering consensus on what constitutes effective practices and how to adapt district infrastructures to facilitate this success. Within a district, numerous systems must function as one cohesive entity, and achieving this unity needs to be a concern for administration. It is a system of schools, and building leadership, competence, and organizational coherence within a district demands unwavering commitment, sustained collaboration, and continuous dedication from all educational leaders and professionals involved.
Why did you make the transition into coaching, and why do you enjoy that work?
Coaching is a source of personal satisfaction for me. As a lifelong learner, I find joy in engaging in the support process for administrators and staff, where we work together to craft a system tailored to their specific needs. Witnessing the improvements in outcomes and observing staff engage in reflective practice to better serve the diverse needs of each student is rewarding.
Why is family engagement so important as part of school improvement and MTSS?
While our educational institutions often prioritize the needs of students and staff, it is essential to recognize that families play a pivotal role in student success. By nurturing robust connections and creating avenues for family involvement and decision-making, we can enhance student achievement. The post-COVID era has heightened our awareness of the myriad challenges that families and students may face, encompassing community, environmental, and external factors beyond the school environment.
Promoting and increasing family engagement is of paramount importance for educators and school administrators to cultivate a nurturing and productive learning atmosphere. Here are my key recommendations to accomplish this goal:
- Family Involvement Activities
- Support Parent Leadership
- Flexible Meeting Times
- Celebrate Achievements
- Effective Communication
- Educate Families About the Curriculum and Protocols (such as MTSS or what to do if your child is struggling)
What is your top advice for educators and school administrators to encourage and support family engagement?
Family engagement is a continual journey that thrives on the dedication and joint efforts of educators and families. By nurturing a culture of partnership, open communication, and collaboration, you can cultivate an environment where every student can truly flourish.
At the heart of this journey is creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that forms the foundation for meaningful connections with families and the community. Soliciting input, valuing their perspectives and ideas, actively engaging families, and prioritizing strategies for supporting families within the education system are paramount. Moreover, it is essential to ensure that your policies harmonize with and enhance family engagement, aligning seamlessly with these collective endeavors.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
It is imperative for districts to proactively prioritize professional development and learning within their schools. Providing comprehensive support for staff, including coaching, modeling, collaborative efforts, and goal setting, is vital for ensuring the success of all students. Empowering and instilling confidence in staff, assuring them that their efforts are effective in promoting student learning, is equally essential.
The Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) is essentially a simple framework, but due to our individual beliefs and values in education, achieving consensus becomes necessary. Establishing the required infrastructure and adhering to evidence-based practices are essential for its successful implementation and its positive influence on student outcomes.
