About the Conference

We're excited to join school leaders from across Massachusetts at the MSAA Summer Institute, an annual professional learning conference that brings together principals and administrators for workshops, keynote speakers, and collaboration to strengthen leadership and improve student outcomes.

Education & Wellbeing experts Richard Fournier and Shai Fuxman will be presenting. Follow the links below to schedule a meeting:

Richard Fournier

Shai Fuxman

Sessions

"Phone-Free, AI-Ready, and Student-Support Aligned: Using MTSS to Build a Coherent Digital Wellbeing Strategy" | Shai Fuxman
Wednesday July 22, 2026 | 1:40PM | Regency C

As Massachusetts schools adopt stronger phone policies and respond to AI-driven changes in learning, leaders are seeking approaches that balance clarity, consistency, and student wellbeing. This session presents an MTSS-based framework for implementing phone policies and digital wellbeing practices that extend beyond enforcement. 

Drawing on guidance from MA DESE and case examples from partner schools, we will examine how to align Tier 1 policy and instruction with Tier 2/3 supports for students affected by distraction, anxiety, cyberbullying, or academic integrity concerns. Participants will leave with a draft implementation roadmap for fall 2026.

"Multi-Tiered Suicide Prevention in Schools: A Framework and Assessment for Prevention" |  Richard Fournier

This workshop addresses the urgent need for comprehensive school-based suicide prevention strategies to respond to rising rates of hopelessness and suicidal thoughts among youth. Participants will explore the Multi-Tiered Suicide Prevention (MTSP) framework, developed by Education Development Center (EDC), which offers six key components for effective school-based suicide prevention. 

This session will include data insights on the framework's effectiveness, two school district case studies, and practical tools to address youth suicide. Attendees will have the opportunity to complete a portion of the MTSP framework's environmental assessment and engage in discussions on current strategies to enhance school prevention efforts. We also will discuss SEL and other aspects of upstream prevention in tiers 1-3.

Support

Multi-Tiered Systems of Support & Digital Wellness

EDC's Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) for Digital Wellness helps state education agencies and school districts build sustainable systems that promote healthy technology use and support student mental health.

Through expert technical assistance aligned with Project AWARE's three-tiered public health framework, EDC helps districts:

• Assess needs and develop strategic action plans
• Strengthen policies and practices for healthy technology use
• Identify and support students experiencing technology-related mental health concerns
• Implement Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions
• Improve data systems to monitor progress and outcomes

EDC also offers Digital Wellbeing Professional Development and a free MTSS Digital Wellness Needs Assessment to help districts strengthen their approach.

Multi-Tiered Suicide Prevention for Schools

Unlike one-time trainings, MTSP for Schools builds local ownership and long-term capacity. Along with the free MTSP Environmental Assessment, districts can access services from EDC’s Education & Wellbeing experts to support effective implementation, continuous improvement, and lasting impact. EDC’s professional development and coaching services align with Title II and Title IV funding priorities, helping districts strengthen educator effectiveness while creating safer, healthier schools.

• Virtual Professional Development and Coaching: Four virtual sessions combining suicide prevention best practices with hands-on team planning.
• Intensive Consultation: Monthly virtual meetings, ongoing review of district needs, and customized guidance and resources for implementation.