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School Climate/MLSS Supports

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Welcome to the NMPED School Climate & MLSS Supports Page

This hub provides tools and guidance to help New Mexico schools create safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environments. Here you will find resources to strengthen school climate, promote whole-child wellbeing, and implement MLSS effectively so every student receives the support they need to succeed.

Social and Emotional Learning

School Climate

A strong school climate is the foundation of Layer I within MLSS. Positive relationships, consistent routines, and supportive environments enable students to engage fully in learning. These resources help educators build systems that foster belonging, cultural responsiveness, and whole‑child wellbeing across all school settings.

School Climate Improvement Toolkit

The School Climate Improvement Toolkit, produced by the School Climate Alliance at REL West, is designed to help schools, districts, and other education agencies develop a detailed and focused plan for carrying out and monitoring school climate improvement efforts.

The National Center on Safe Supportive Learning

The National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments provides evidence‑based guidance for strengthening climate, developing staff capacity, and implementing systems that support safe, supportive learning environments.

CASEL

CASEL offers frameworks and tools for embedding social‑emotional learning into instruction, supporting Layer I and Layer II interventions by enhancing student engagement, relationships, and emotional regulation.

MLSS / MTSS Supports

MLSS (New Mexico’s Multi‑Layered System of Supports) provides a comprehensive structure for meeting the academic, behavioral, and social‑emotional needs of every student. These resources support educators in implementing strong Layer I universal instruction, identifying student needs early, and delivering targeted and intensive supports when appropriate.

MLSS

NMPED’s MLSS guidance outlines expectations, tools, and processes that help schools build responsive, data‑informed systems. Educators will find implementation resources, professional learning supports, and guidance for strengthening collaboration across school teams

The MTSS Center

The MTSS Center provides evidence‑based practices, implementation rubrics, and professional development materials that support high-quality layered instruction, progress monitoring, and systems alignment.

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)

PBIS is a proactive, structured approach that strengthens Layer I systems within MLSS by teaching, modeling, and reinforcing positive behaviors across all school settings. Consistent PBIS implementation supports predictable routines, fosters inclusive learning environments, and improves overall school climate. These resources help educators align behavioral expectations, use data for decision-making, and build collaborative structures that sustain positive outcomes for students.

The Center on PBIS

The Center on PBIS provides evidence‑based tools, implementation guides, and training resources to help schools establish and refine Layer I, Layer II, and Layer III behavioral supports. Educators will find strategies for improving consistency, teaming structures, and data‑driven problem‑solving.

Restorative Practices

Restorative practices strengthen school climate by centering relationships, accountability, and community-building. Key elements of effective Layer I supports. Integrating restorative approaches helps educators address conflict, repair harm, and maintain connected, supportive learning environments. These resources guide schools in implementing circles, restorative conversations, and community agreements that promote healing, belonging, and positive behavioral outcomes.

The International Institute for Restorative Practices

The International Institute for Restorative Practices offers training, frameworks, and research to help schools embed restorative practices into daily routines and discipline systems. Educators can use these tools to enhance relational capacity, reduce exclusionary practices, and promote student agency.

Self‑Advocacy

Self-advocacy education supports the MLSS vision by equipping students with foundational knowledge and skills that promote healthy decision making, self‑awareness, and self-advocacy. These resources help educators strengthen Layer I instruction by integrating social, emotional, and physical wellbeing into the learning environment.

Peer Health Exchange

Peer Health Exchange provides a skills‑based curriculum designed to enhance student agency and wellness. Their model supports educators in building inclusive classrooms where students develop the competencies needed to advocate for themselves and make informed decisions.

The Teen Dating Violence Awareness initiative

The Teen Dating Violence Awareness initiative offers educators tools to address healthy relationships, safety, and early intervention. These resources reinforce MLSS efforts by helping schools create learning environments that prioritize student safety and social‑emotional development.