Western Suffolk Boces

BOCES Board Meeting
2024-12-10 18:00 - 21:00, 2025-01-14 18:00 - 21:00, 2025-02-11 18:00 - 21:00, 2025-03-11 18:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York)
The Regular meeting of the Board of Western Suffolk BOCES will be held at the Western Suffolk BOCES Administrative Offices, 507 Deer Park Road, Dix Hills, NY 11746. This meeting is open to the public. The Regular meeting convenes at 6:00 pm. There is a proposed Executive Session, subject to Board approval. The public portion will resume, beginning with Item Number 1 on the Agenda, at 7:00 pm.

Understanding Dyslexia: Research Supported Screeners, Strategies and Methods that Work **IN PERSON** presented by The Living Literacy Network - 8:30-2:30pm
2025-01-15 13:30 - 19:30
In this workshop, teachers will learn the most current research on how to best work with our dyslexic learners. We’ll look at the most commonly used screeners and what they offer, as well as signs at each grade level that students may need specific support. Teachers will walk away with research-based strategies they can use to identify and effectively teach dyslexic learners. Teachers will learn: -What dyslexia is (and is not) -Signs of dyslexia at different age/grade levels from preschool to 4th grade and beyond -What to look for in screeners -How to give and interpret data from screeners to drive interventions -Critical elements of teaching dyslexic learners -Orthographic mapping routines that work for dyslexic learners -How explicit instruction supports all-and specifically dyslexic-learners -Strategies and instructional methods that work for the dyslexic brain Audience: K-12 EducatorsEligible for 6 hours CTLE credit. Can use 1-1/2 Consortium seats. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session.Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XFcAJkqSr93XcdF7MMDCKcOarmqxfMM9/view?usp=sharingRegistration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=4890484

Explore the New NYSED Earth and Space Sciences Investigations **IN PERSON** Facilitated by Brian Vorwald - 8:30-2:30pm
2025-01-15 13:30 - 19:30
Audience: Regents Earth Science teachers and science leaders This workshop will provide participants with an opportunity to explore the three required Earth and Space Sciences Investigations. These are new performance tasks that provide authentic, hands-on scientific and engineering experiences that allow students to demonstrate the knowledge and skills from the Learning Standards. Science teachers and administrators will deepen their knowledge of New York State Science Learning Standards (NYSSLS) with their expectations for three-dimensional student learning and how the investigations will prepare students for the 3-D scientific reasoning they will need to perform on the Earth and Spaces Sciences regents examination.Included will be:
• Demonstration of how the investigations align with the NYSSLS;
• Suggested guidance for embedding each investigation in a NYSSLS aligned curriculum;
• How the investigations are an assessment of student learning;
• A hands-on experience with the investigations;
• An opportunity to collaborate on strategies for successful implementation.***Participants must bring paper copies of each ESS Investigation’s documents. These cannot be provided.*****B.Y.O.D. (Bring Your Own Device) – Participants should bring a fully charged laptop, Ipad, or tablet to download resources and access websites throughout the workshop.****Accepting ONLY 28 participants per workshop****Eligible for 6 hours CTLE credit. Can use 1 consortium seat. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session.Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ma_P-TBQ9-dnXc_HBBnG8wXGAq1n2zcN/view?usp=sharingRegistration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=4927241

Project Based Learning for Social Studies **IN PERSON** presented by Wendy Braxton - 8:30-2:30pm
2025-01-16 13:30 - 19:30
Project Based Learning can assist in helping students attain the necessary critical skills outlined in the Social Studies Framework. Project Based Learning is a teaching method in which students learn by actively engaging in real world, authentic and personally meaningful projects. Learning Outcomes: -Comprehend the what and why of PBL -Understand how PBL can assist in providing students with critical thinking skills -Understand the inquiry process in planning Eligible for 6 hours CTLE credit. Can use 1 consortium seat. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session.Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ee2hqHqozh7t95VKhl0HtcZeGjj9kEwA/view?usp=sharingRegistration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=4767549

Explore the New NYSED Biology Investigations **IN PERSON** Presented by Glen Cochrane - 8:30-2:30pm
2025-01-16 13:30 - 19:30
Audience: Regents Biology teachers and science leaders This workshop will provide the participants with an opportunity to explore the three required Biology Investigations. These are new performance tasks that provide authentic, hands-on scientific and engineering experiences that allow students to demonstrate the knowledge and skills from the Learning Standards. Science teachers and administrators will deepen their knowledge of the New York State Science Learning Standards (NYSSLS) with their expectations for three-dimensional student learning and how the investigations will prepare students for the 3-D scientific reasoning they will need to perform on the Life Science Biology regents examination.Included will be:• Demonstration of how the investigations align with the NYSSLS;• How the investigations are an assessment of student learning;• A hands-on experience with the investigations;• An opportunity to collaborate on strategies for successful implementation**Participants must bring paper copies of each Biology Investigation’s documents. These cannot be provided.**B.Y.O.D. (Bring Your Own Device) – Participants should bring a fully charged laptop, Ipad, or tablet to download resources and access websites throughout the workshop.Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kiQSO4WVcQl38tVsEtqSPn7AoUt3-Mx3/view?usp=sharingRegistration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=4899508

Program the Mind for High School Programming: A Sandbox Activity **ONLINE** presented by Anthony Rizzo - 4:30-7:30pm
2025-01-16 21:30 - 2025-01-17 00:30
School programming is so crucial to a school and has a transformational impact since it is linked to all stakeholders in the building. The school schedule can be considered the soul” of the building and influences the culture for each particular school. With that being said, many administrations are not well versed in this area or may not have the time needed to dedicate to programming. The goal of this professional development session will be to cover the various aspects of school scheduling creation along with weighing the advantages and considerations of different models. During this current scheduling professional learning session, we will take the approach of delivering a workshop style session in the form of a Socratic Seminar. Various topics and concerns on schedule creation will be posed to participants. These questions will then be tested” using mock school data. Throughout the High School session, the following ideas will be discussed:
• Strategically use the articulation process for future class creation
• What are resources, constraints, and challenges to creating a schedule?
• What is the difference between the traditional and block schedules? o What are the various models/types?
• What is the difference between Individualized and HR programming?
• Explore student electives/choice
• Service ENL students efficiently and effectively
• Deliver special education services efficiently and effectively
• What is the difference between Intervention vs Enrichment periods? Purpose?
• Examine mock sandbox school data for grades 9-12 Eligible for 3 hours CTLE credit. Can use 1/2 Consortium seat. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session.Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Odq0WH1xW1eZS6HbRvh-Qj8pEzOR1n0D/view?usp=sharingRegistration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=4835343

Writing for Mastery **IN PERSON** presented by Maureen Martin - 8:30-2:30pm
2025-01-17 13:30 - 19:30
Join us for a Professional Development Opportunity based on the book The Writing Revolution by Judith Hochman. Participants will leave with strategies from the book such as Sentences Summaries, Sentences Frames and Outlines. A focus on the writing instruction and how to embed the writing into content. Students can become better writers and thinkers when the two are linked. Explicit direct instruction activities in writing will be shared and demonstrated throughout the professional development opportunity. Audience: Grades 1-12 Educators Eligible for 6 hours CTLE credit. Can use 1 Consortium seat. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session.Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PvsnWmctVuyVGYbSPQWXum5VJaKcdxk0/view?usp=sharingRegistration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=4903180

Stepping into NYSSLS **IN PERSON** presented by Alyssa Weisenstein - 8:30-2:30pm
2025-01-23 13:30 - 19:30
Feeling overwhelmed with a switch to NYSSLS? If you said yes, then you need this training designed for NY teachers. In this training we will… -Overview 3-dimensional teaching & learning (for teachers & students) -Identify and locate good phenomena -Follow the path from phenomena to driving questions to investigations -Revamp an existing lab so it is student-driven -Observe and experience scaffolding strategies for the SEPs -Create 3-dimensional assessment questions This is not a sit-and-get” training. Be ready to experience and create resources. Audience: science teachers, grades 6-12 (all science disciplines) Eligible for 6 hours CTLE credit. Can use 1-1/2 Consortium seats. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session.Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZZW28CAW8hBOIbrEXpL3ckDWt3GxYq0U/view?usp=sharingRegistration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=4942205

Teaching with Intention: Using Data to Inform Literacy Instruction and Get Powerful Results! K-8 (Part 2) Transform Your Literacy Instruction with Data-Driven Strategies! **IN PERSON** Facilitated by Kristina Seeley-8:30-2:30pm
2025-01-24 13:30 - 19:30
Are you ready to harness the full power of your student assessment data?In this results-focused workshop, you’ll discover how data can be the key to unlocking confident readers and driving lasting improvements in your classroom. Whether you’re using the Fountas & Pinnell system or another curriculum, this workshop will give you the practical tools and strategies to make data work for you!What You’ll Learn: -Organize & Analyze with Ease: Learn practical methods for analyzing your student data, transforming numbers into meaningful insights. -Strategic Action Steps: Discover a series of targeted goals and action plans that create incremental shifts in student reading behaviors and elevate their critical thinking skills. -Link Data to Instruction: Explore powerful, ready-to-use resources that seamlessly connect your data to instructional practices, allowing you to shift your students’ reading levels and foster a deeper understanding of texts.Why Attend? By the end of this workshop, you’ll be ready to turn assessment data into actionable instruction that lifts students to new reading heights. Gain the confidence to make informed instructional decisions that will not only improve student outcomes but also ignite a love for reading.Empower your teaching with data-driven insights-reserve your spot today and elevate your literacy instruction!Eligible for 6 hours CTLE credit. Can use 1-1/2 consortium seats. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session.Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1U6NSKFDF0cmztIQmPre9TCkvJl3dRYkU/view?usp=sharingRegistration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=4930613

Digging Deeper into Phonological Awareness, Beginning Reading and Writing Instruction **IN PERSON** presented by Lauren Kolbeck - 8:30-2:30pm
2025-01-24 13:30 - 19:30
The science of reading emphasizes the importance of phonological awareness. We know that students who have lower levels of phonological awareness have an increased risk for reading difficulties. On this day, we will dive into the teaching of phonological awareness, phonics, beginning reading and writing instruction. We will explore the use of both sound walls and word walls. We will compare early leveled readers and decodable texts and discuss the rationale for both. We know that writing is a window to study the students phonological awareness and we will assess student writing samples to make plans for instruction. You will leave this day with practical tips and strategies to implement immediately in your classroom. Audience: Pre-K-2, reading teachers, ENL, literacy coaches and administrators Eligible for 6 hours CTLE credit. Can use 1-1/2 Consortium seats. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session.Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MBYkKKONJO622YSQuA1kkQAvDUg5L9N0/view?usp=sharingRegistration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=4870362

Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics K-12 **for ADMIN** VIRTUAL Workshop presented by Stacey Mooney - 8:30-11:30am
2025-01-31 13:30 - 16:30
*A thinking student is an engaged student* Peter Liljedahl’s book, Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics, Grades K-12, focuses on how to move toward a thinking classroom, providing teachers 14 optimal practices for thinking that create an ideal setting for deep mathematics learning to occur. The practices suggested in Building Thinking Classrooms are designed to heighten thinking and learning in every math classroom, as well as to (re)inspire math educators to support innovative math practices to enhance learning for ALL students. This half-day virtual workshop will provide a brief overview of the BTC practices, resources to help support your teachers with implementation, and relevant look-fors and recommendations to provide teachers during walk-throughs and observations. Eligible for 3 hours CTLE credit. Can use 1/2 Consortium seat. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session.Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hTsk4dff3xpdEowszS8x0vB_gh8qy0GE/view?usp=sharingRegistration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=4929012

Explore the New NYSED Earth and Space Sciences Investigations **IN PERSON** Facilitated by Brian Vorwald - 8:30-2:30pm
2025-02-04 13:30 - 19:30
Audience: Regents Earth Science teachers and science leaders This workshop will provide participants with an opportunity to explore the three required Earth and Space Sciences Investigations. These are new performance tasks that provide authentic, hands-on scientific and engineering experiences that allow students to demonstrate the knowledge and skills from the Learning Standards. Science teachers and administrators will deepen their knowledge of New York State Science Learning Standards (NYSSLS) with their expectations for three-dimensional student learning and how the investigations will prepare students for the 3-D scientific reasoning they will need to perform on the Earth and Spaces Sciences regents examination.Included will be:
• Demonstration of how the investigations align with the NYSSLS;
• Suggested guidance for embedding each investigation in a NYSSLS aligned curriculum;
• How the investigations are an assessment of student learning;
• A hands-on experience with the investigations;
• An opportunity to collaborate on strategies for successful implementation.***Participants must bring paper copies of each ESS Investigation’s documents. These cannot be provided.*****B.Y.O.D. (Bring Your Own Device) – Participants should bring a fully charged laptop, Ipad, or tablet to download resources and access websites throughout the workshop.****Accepting ONLY 28 participants per workshop****Eligible for 6 hours CTLE credit. Can use 1 consortium seat. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session.Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ma_P-TBQ9-dnXc_HBBnG8wXGAq1n2zcN/view?usp=sharingRegistration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=4927243

Science Coordinator Network Meeting **IN PERSON** facilitated by Mary Loesing & Joyce Barry - 8:30-11:30am
2025-02-06 13:30 - 16:30
Science Coordinator Network Meeting **IN PERSON** facilitated by Mary Loesing & Joyce Barry – 8:30-11:30am
PLEASE REGISTER INDIVIDUALLY PER MEETING!These meetings are designed for coordinators, directors and administrators who have the responsibility of science supervision in their buildings or school districts. The latest information from Albany will be discussed, local vendors will do brief presentations and information will be shared. A full breakfast will be provided. This is a great opportunity to network with fellow supervisors.CONSORTIUM MEMBERSHIP AVAILABLE FOR ALL DISTRICTS
• participation for up to 25 district teachers to attend science related workshops
• 1 customized professional development workshop held in district
• Includes all Science Coordinator Meetings Please contact rallen@wsboces.org or mmartin@wsboces.org for further information. Eligible for 3 hours CTLE per meetingFlyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-vBgQObciAxy7j3D26eyjVCOwn_OvCL6/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=4728824

Social Studies Coordinator Network Meeting **IN PERSON** facilitated by Lorraine Lupinskie - 8:30-11:30am
2025-02-12 13:30 - 16:30
These meetings are designed for coordinators, directors and administrators who have the responsibility of math supervision in their buildings or school districts. The latest information from Albany will be discussed, local vendors will do brief presentations and information will be shared. A full breakfast will be provided. This is a great opportunity to network with fellow supervisors. Consortium Membership Available For ALL Districts -participation for up to 25 district teachers to attend social studies related workshops -1 customized professional development workshop held in district -Includes all Social Studies Coordinator Meetings Please contact rallen@wsboces.org or mmartin@wsboces.org for further information.Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_mapvy0kHU_BGD_OiAXpROStadMho2XG/view?usp=sharingRegistration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=4763827

Functional Behavior Assessment and Behavior Intervention Planning 3-Day Workshop **IN PERSON** presented by Michelle Levy - 8:30-2:30pm
2025-02-12 13:30 - 2025-03-11 18:30
When there is a child with academic, social or behavioral challenges, the goal is to provide them with the best supports available. Functional Behavioral Assessment and Behavior Intervention Plans are formal ways for parents, teachers and other school professionals to work collaboratively to determine the best way to help a student behaviorally. This workshop will help participants: -Identify the essential systems needed for an effective FBA/BIP team process -Identify the steps for conducting an effective FBA, including development of clear and effective operational definitions of the behaviors in question and use of data to determine the maintaining function of the behavior -Understand the critical components of function based BIPs including replacement strategies, antecedent strategies and consequence strategies for staff to implement -Develop evaluation plans that are efficient and effective. Emphasis will be placed on including all components of the FBA/BIP process as dictated by NYS Commissioners Regulations Part 200. Audience: School Psychologists, social workers, guidance counselors, CSE Chairs, Sp Ed/PPS Dept Chairs. Eligible for 18 hours CTLE credit. Can use 3 Consortium seats. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session.Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/171zsL8F-teQEGFC9MSrPG6Qn9o34GTI2/view?usp=sharingRegistration; https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=4937741

Multiple Choice and Short Response Test Preparation for 2025 Gr 3-5 ELA **IN PERSON** presented by Deborah Linscott-Feinstein Literacy Consulting Inc. - 8:30-2:30pm
2025-02-26 08:30 - 14:30
How can we teach a unit on testing that does not detract from solid reading instruction? Brain-friendly strategies for organizing and implementing ELA multiple choice and short response testing units will be shared. These include the use of mentor released-test passages in fiction, narrative nonfiction, and expository nonfiction to use as jumping boards for close reading. Scoring criteria will be examined using actual scored tests to evaluate scoring. ‘How and Why’ and ‘Part-to-Whole’ short response strategies will be revealed. Criteria for state-approved text evidence will be shared. Solid and creative instruction for tier 2 academic vocabulary, the use of anchor charts, and ways to capitalize on videos will provide teachers with effective ways to engage students. The presentation of small group and center activities will help teachers respond to students’ diverse needs as readers. New ways to organize existing test practice materials will benefit students. Audience: teachers of grades 3-5, or teachers of struggling 6th graders, reading teachers, ENL teachers, literacy coaches, elementary administrators and K-12 ELA directors Eligible for 6 hours CTLE credit. Can use 1 Consortium seat. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session. Flyer:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/115f8iBB0qbj4DcLFF61KLn_kuwg-M798/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=4846152

Multiple Choice and Short Response Test Preparation for 2025 Gr 5-8 ELA **IN PERSON** presented by Deborah Linscott-Feinstein Literacy Coaching Inc. - 8:30-2:30pm
2025-02-27 08:30 - 14:30
How can we teach a unit on testing that does not detract from solid reading instruction? Brain-friendly strategies for organizing and implementing ELA multiple choice and short response testing units will be shared. These include the use of on-grade-level fifth through eighth grade mentor released-test passages in fiction, narrative nonfiction, and expository nonfiction to use as jumping boards for close reading. Scoring criteria will be examined using actual scored tests to evaluate scoring. ‘How and Why’ and ‘Part-to-Whole’ short response strategies will be revealed. Criteria for state-approved text evidence will be shared. Solid and creative instruction for tier 2 academic vocabulary, the use of anchor charts, and ways to capitalize on videos will provide teachers with effective ways to engage students. The presentation of small group and center activities will help teachers respond to students’ diverse needs as readers. New ways to organize existing test practice materials will benefit students. Audience: teachers of grades 5-8, reading teachers, ENL teachers, literacy coaches, elementary administrators and K-12 ELA directors Eligible for 6 hours CTLE credit. Can use 1 Consortium seat. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session.
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PbitVzUCIyO5gOnAOuPfncEwtAGhSCCt/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=4847268

Culturally Responsive Leadership **IN PERSON** presented by Gina Faust - 8:30-2:30pm
2025-02-27 13:30 - 19:30
Audience: District and School Leaders The session aims to provide educational leaders and equity team members with tools and guidance for implementing the NYSED Board of Regents DEI Policy, ensuring lasting impact and progress in fostering inclusive school environments. We will focus on reflecting on the past year’s progress and challenges, exploring best practices for stakeholder engagement, and setting strategic goals for the upcoming year using the NYSED Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education (CRSE) Implementation Roadmap. Eligible for 6 hours CTLE credit. Can use 1 Consortium seat. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session.Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/17hrJ7jnPtBn90WORc1EbuPEkzR7WxJu3/view?usp=sharingRegistration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=4948964

The Science of Reading & Small Group Reading Instruction K-3 **IN PERSON** Presented by Lauren Kolbeck & Debbie Linscott-Feinstein-8:30-2:30pm
2025-02-28 08:30 - 14:30
Now that we have immersed ourselves into the research, we are ready to explore the shifts in small group reading instruction necessary to align with research based practices. On this day, you will explore a variety of ways to bring explicit assessment-based instruction to small groups. We will create small group routines to help students practice both phonemic and phonics skills and apply them to connected texts. As decodable texts are being introduced into our classrooms, we will explore ways to synthesize them with our phonemic and phonics programs. A choice of gradual-release small-group lesson plans will be shared. You will leave this day with a variety of tools to fuel your small group lessons! Audience: K-3 classroom teachers, literacy coaches, reading specialists and administrators Eligible for 6 hours CTLE credit. Can use 1-1/2 Consortium seats. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session.
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Nnkm7YYmd4_6tOidthKG7ewZ_qyaIFPz/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=4969461

NYS Lab Investigations: HS Earth & Space Sciences Exploration Facilitated by Chris Leece / OCM BOCES **IN PERSON** - 8:30-2:30pm
2025-03-04 08:30 - 14:30
This workshop’s focus is for Earth & Space Sciences educators to explore the three required High School Lab Investigations. Instructional coaches and administrators would benefit from attending to deepen their knowledge of the NYSSLS standards and to have an understanding of the shifts to 3 dimensional learning at the high school level. Participants will: -Deepen their knowledge of the New York State Science Learning Standards -Have a hands-on experience with the Lab Investigations -Collaborate on strategies for successful implementation in the classroom ***EACH PARTICIPANT IS REQUIRED TO BRING A COPY OF THEIR INVESTIGATIONS*** Eligible for 7 hours CTLE credit. Can use 1-1/2 Consortium seats. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session.
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WMfo4AiBEqXXy07uHUtkHMJyDcOAXT9O/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=4896585

The Science of Reading & Small Group Reading Instruction K-3 **IN PERSON** Presented by Lauren Kolbeck & Debbie Linscott-Feinstein-8:30-2:30pm
2025-03-05 08:30 - 14:30
Now that we have immersed ourselves into the research, we are ready to explore the shifts in small group reading instruction necessary to align with research based practices. On this day, you will explore a variety of ways to bring explicit assessment-based instruction to small groups. We will create small group routines to help students practice both phonemic and phonics skills and apply them to connected texts. As decodable texts are being introduced into our classrooms, we will explore ways to synthesize them with our phonemic and phonics programs. A choice of gradual-release small-group lesson plans will be shared. You will leave this day with a variety of tools to fuel your small group lessons! Audience: K-3 classroom teachers, literacy coaches, reading specialists and administrators Eligible for 6 hours CTLE credit. Can use 1-1/2 Consortium seats. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session.
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1V9CYy2vjQw3C1ez7sW2pJBd5SKi03ZOQ/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5014757

NYS Lab Investigations: HS Life Science Exploration Facilitated by Chris Leece / OCM BOCES **IN PERSON** - 8:30-3:30pm
2025-03-05 08:30 - 15:30
This workshop’s focus is for Life Science educators to explore the three required High School Lab Investigations. Instructional coaches and administrators would benefit from attending to deepen their knowledge of the NYSSLS standards and to have an understanding of the shifts to 3-dimensional learning at the high school level. Participants will: -Deepen their knowledge of the New York State Science Learning Standards -Have a hands-on experience with the Lab Investigations -Collaborate on strategies for successful implementation in the classroom ***EACH PARTICIPANT IS REQUIRED TO BRING A COPY OF THEIR INVESTIGATIONS*** Eligible for 7 hours CTLE credit. Can use 1-1/2 Consortium seats. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session.
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YqjEyXrlWljedZVnQP0ZWFXx3VMPCs8z/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=4896596

Writing for the ELA, Short Response and Essay Test Preparation for 2025 Gr 5-8 ELA **IN PERSON** presented by Deborah Linscott-Feinstein Literacy Consulting Inc. - 8:30-2:30pm
2025-03-06 08:30 - 14:30
How can we teach a unit on the writing demands of the ELA that does not detract from solid writing instruction? How to organize an ELA short response and essay writing unit will be shared. Prewriting strategies include the use of mentor released-test passages in on-grade-level fifth through eighth grade fiction, narrative nonfiction, and expository nonfiction to use for both questions and passages. Two comparison-contrast structures will be presented using mentor texts that can then be shared in the classroom. Scoring criteria will be examined using actual scored tests. ‘How and Why’ and ‘Part-to-Whole’ short response strategies will be revealed. Criteria for state-approved text evidence will be given. Solid and creative instruction for tier 2 academic vocabulary, the use of anchor charts, and ways to capitalize on videos will provide teachers with effective ways to engage students. The presentation of small group and center activities will help teachers respond to students’ diverse needs as writers. An inquiry into possible ways to organize existing writing test practice materials and lessons will benefit students. Audience: teachers of grades 5-8, reading teachers, ENL teachers, literacy coaches, elementary administrators and K-12 ELA directors Eligible for 6 hours CTLE credit. Can use 1 Consortium seat. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session.
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YYPeMtFHq66wP41rMT_fHNAnaOSfbL2f/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=4847640

Making Groupwork the Norm in Mathematics Classrooms **IN PERSON** presented by Phil Dituri, Ph.D. - 8:30-2:30pm
2025-03-06 08:30 - 14:30
Overturn the status quo and create a learning environment where group work is the norm! In this workshop, participants will explore routines, structures, and strategies for using group work to differentiate instruction, set learning goals, increase student independence, promote student accountability and encourage cooperation and communication. Learn about the pros and cons of such an approach and how it affects the culture of your class. We will also talk about common misconceptions regarding groupwork, student accountability, and various models for group assessment. **Open to all MS and HS Mathematics Educators** Eligible for 6 hours CTLE credit. Can use 1 consortium seat. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session.
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/15h1iHKmkj3w18DgXXtC6um52TOuchk3R/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=4946135

Dilemmas, Decisions & Due Diligence in School Threat Assessment **HYBRID** presented by Dr. Deborah Weisbrot & Officer Elisa McVeigh-9-11:30am
2025-03-07 09:00 - 11:30
This presentation will focus on the threat assessment process and related concerns. The presentation will be divided into three components: Part I) Critical Aspects of Psychiatric Threat Assessment: Dr. Weisbrot will highlight essential aspects of psychiatric threat assessment in children and adolescents. She will identify critical warning behaviors and psychological patterns which need to be considered in threat assessment of youth. The complexities encountered in the threat assessment process will be identified, as well as the kinds of psychiatric and educational interventions often needed by students who make school threats. Part 2) Law Enforcement Presentation: Officer McVeigh will discuss the process of behavioral threat assessment from the law enforcement perspective, including the importance of developing and implementing interdisciplinary school threat assessment teams. The process of identifying and evaluating a threat or a concerning behavior within schools in a challenging task for which school resource officers and police play a critical role. Part 3) Case Discussion: Threat assessment concepts and challenges will be exemplified through anonymized, actual case vignettes and discussion with the attendees regarding their own experiences with students who make threats.
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oKyC3dhss1DU5rBx6GB470Du2NA1HBpB/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=4991726

Strategies to Assist Transitioning, Expanding and Commanding ELLs Achieve Academic Success **ONLINE** presented by Pamela Solomon-4-7pm
2025-03-11 16:00 - 19:00
Participants will examine several techniques to help Transitioning and Advanced ELLs understand academic content and concepts. We will explore the importance of teaching academic vocabulary and scaffolding activities to support ELLs in the mainstream classroom. Eligible for 3 hours CTLE credit. Can use ½ consortium seat. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session.
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iXGjA5ivf8LGvpE2ihDV8HMR93Mu2OBd/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=4998018

Word Love: Teaching Vocabulary with Joy and Transfer Grades K-8 **IN PERSON** presented by Mike Ochs - 8:30-2:30pm
2025-03-12 08:30 - 14:30
Explore engaging, practical strategies to build vocabulary knowledge that lasts. This workshop covers word-solving techniques (including morphology), fostering word curiosity & awareness, teaching word banks, and promoting incidental learning. Learn how to ensure vocabulary transfers to reading, writing, speech-and all areas of life. Eligible for 6 hours CTLE credit. Can use 1-1/2 Consortium seats. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session.
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1E-uosAgbDaL13UUF9FpgWjJXYrDy3Jf7/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=4965345
