Inclusive Practices

Team-based problem solving is a structured process in which school teams use data to identify concerns, analyze contributing factors, develop action plans, and monitor outcomes. Effective Tier 1 teams collaborate regularly to make informed decisions that strengthen schoolwide systems and supports.

This process promotes shared ownership, efficient meetings, and consistent implementation of prevention-focused practices.

When problem-solving is unstructured or inconsistent, schools may struggle to move from identifying problems to implementing effective solutions. Team-based problem solving creates systems for collaborative decision-making and ensures actions are linked directly to data and outcomes.

Effective team-based problem solving supports:

• More efficient and productive meetings
• Improved consistency in decision-making
• Stronger alignment between identified needs and action plans
• Increased staff collaboration and shared ownership
• Better implementation and monitoring of schoolwide practices

• Representative team membership: Teams include individuals with varied roles and perspectives
• Defined meeting structures and roles: Teams use agendas, facilitators, data analysts, and action planning processes
• Data-based decision-making: Discussions and solutions are guided by data rather than opinions alone
• Clear problem identification: Teams define concerns specifically and objectively
• Action-oriented planning: Meetings result in clear next steps, responsibilities, and timelines
• Ongoing monitoring: Teams review progress and adjust plans based on outcomes

• Establish regular meeting schedules and consistent routines
• Use a structured problem-solving model such as TIPS (Team-Initiated Problem Solving)
• Define meeting roles clearly to improve efficiency and participation
• Focus on solvable problems and measurable goals
• Document decisions and action steps consistently
• Build time for reviewing implementation and outcomes—not just identifying concerns