About Core Plus

Our approach to building multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) has proven effective over and over again in schools across New York State. By partnering with district and school leaders, we use a gradual release model where those we coach become experts in strategic planning, initiative alignment, and instructional improvement. We rely on research supported MTSS frameworks and practices, along with the science of implementation to translate plans into action for real results. The results speak for themselves - students meeting grade level academic expectations have increased as much as 7 fold, and teachers and families feel more engaged and devoted to their school community. Rather than adding more to what you do, let’s work together to make your jobs easier, and your school community more vibrant.

At Core Plus, we believe in building the capacity of the districts we serve to lead their own school transformation. Our coaches are here to learn from and lead with you, not replace or abandon you with one-and-done recommendations or trainings. Step into a partnership that helps you pave the way to the future you and your teams imagine.

Testimonials

"Kirra has been a game-changer for our MTSS work. She has a great way of taking big, research-based ideas and turning them into clear, doable next steps that actually move the needle, and we’re already seeing that growth show up in our data.

As a principal, I appreciate that she understands the day-to-day realities of building leadership. I especially value her flexibility - she meets us where we are on any given day without losing momentum. At the same time, she’s incredibly organized and goal-oriented; she sees the end game and keeps us moving toward it.

Our team genuinely values our time with her. She’s built strong relationships, created clarity, and helped us move forward with greater confidence and purpose. I recommend her without hesitation to any district looking to do this work the right way."

-Michael Foust, Watervliet Jr/Sr High School Principal

Kirra Guard, PhD, NCSP

Founder & Systems Coach

Dr. Kirra Guard is a teacher, school psychologist, researcher, and professor who has spent more than 15 years working directly with students, families, and school staff to improve educational outcomes. She earned her BA and MA in Teaching from Hobart and William Smith Colleges, obtaining teacher certification in elementary education and special education before earning a PhD in School Psychology from Lehigh University. She has worked as a school psychologist in both Pennsylvania and New York, providing comprehensive assessments, intensive academic and behavioral interventions, and counseling supports, as well as running data-based decision making teams and Committee on Special Education (CSE) meetings.

Before founding Core Plus, Dr. Guard worked for a New York State Education Department project managed by the Office of Special Education. In her role, she trained and coached other school coaches across the state responsible for improving outcomes for students with disabilities. Dr. Guard loves working with school teams to leverage data-driven problem solving and each school's individual strengths and contexts to make lasting change for students, staff, and families. She lives in Upstate New York with her husband, four young children and their dog, Cayu.

Philosophy

Guided by a profound understanding of transformative learning, Core Plus provides evidence-based coaching, systems alignment, and ongoing implementation support grounded in the belief that each school has the talent and potential for greatness.

Approach

We strengthen MTSS frameworks across academic, behavioral, and social-emotional systems, improve fidelity of implementation at all levels, align leadership practices, routines, and decision-making, and build systems that support students and staff over time.

Integration

We know that the answer is likely not a new initiative, but support to organize, streamline, and integrate the initiatives already in place to make the work more efficient an effective.