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St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES Weekly e-Blast 02.03.17
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March 17 Staff Development Day
  1. Please click here to indicate the plans of your district for the March 17 Staff Day.
  2. Access the full staff day flyer here. If you are releasing staff to attend regional offerings please share accordingly.
Book of the Week:

Align the Design: A Blueprint for School Improvement

This book presents the core processes that are essential for all school improvement efforts, from establishing a mission to differentiating supervision based on measures of success. The text also includes a nine-step curriculum planning and development process and the 5 phases of a practical cycle for data analysis.

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Please contact your librarian or Kelly Wilson (kelly.wilson@sllboces.org) for the password, and find more useful online books at INFOTRAC.

View the complete catalog of e-books here.

Are you looking to find information from multiple books? Download our guide to making your search more efficient.

NY State Education News You Can Use:

E-Rate – Maximize Your Funding

  • On July 23, 2014, the FCC adopted a broad overhaul of the e-rate program.
  • This change included funding for Wi-Fi and a gradual reduction to remove funding for telephony.
  • The allocation of funding for Category 2 changed which makes it likely that our districts will all receive their allocated funding.
  • E-Rate Partners has created a document to simplify the Category 2 funding.
    • Contact Dr. Jennifer French if you need assistance with E-Rate.


Assessment Dates Released

  • The dates for 2017-2018 Elementary-and Intermediate-level Tests have been  posted here.
  • The dates for the 2018 Regents Examination Periods have been posted here


Technology Plan Submissions UPDATE

  • In 2017, districts will not be required to provide an updated Technology Plan but may do so if they wish, such as to ensure alignment with Smart Schools Investment Plans.
    • The window to submit optional updates to the district’s Instructional Technology Plan will be February 6 – October 15, 2017.
  • In 2018, a new three-year plan will be required, and annual updates for years 2 and 3 will be optional.
    • More information may be found here.

Opportunity for Middle Schools
  • NYSED is seeking “Applications of Interest” from public middle schools that are interested in participating in a three-year RtI Middle School Demonstration Project designed to provide technical assistance to assist middle schools to implement high-quality frameworks for RtI.
  • The “Application of Interest” is available here and is due Friday, February 10, 2017.
  • The Question and Answer document for the Response to Intervention (RtI) Middle School Demonstration Project will provide more information.
 
Survey on Student and Teacher Technology Literacy
  • NYSED has released a survey to gather information from the field around the issue of student and teacher technology literacy. Please help us to understand how we can support your needs on this topic by responding to this brief survey and sharing the link with colleagues, teachers, and others interested in technology literacy.
    • The survey will close on Friday, March 24, 2017.
 
Presidential Awards for Excellence In Mathematics and Science Teaching  (PAEMST) 
  • The PAEMST program is now accepting nominations for eligible exemplary Mathematics and Science teachers at the 7th – 12th grade level (including Computer Science).
    • The nomination period is now open and will close April 1, 2017.
    • The deadline to submit an application is May 1, 2017.
  • For more information about the PAEMST program visit the New York State’s Education Department’s website.
 

Trauma-Sensitive Resources

Resources for Schools on Trauma Care  

  • REMINDER: Click here for resources for school and district staff providing support to students and families in the aftermath of a tragedy, including resources on how to recognize, respond, and appropriately refer youth who may be experiencing trauma.

Financial Literacy Resources

Webinar Demo of the New SUNY Smart TrackTM High School Financial Literacy Website

  • REMINDER: NYSED invites you to participate in an upcoming webinar to introduce a new financial literacy tool for students and families at Thursday, February 9 at 9:00 am.
  • Last month, Commissioner Elia and SUNY Chancellor Zimpher launched the SUNY Smart TrackTM High School Financial Literacy Website for high school students. The website offers free online courses and tools that help students and their families plan for the costs of college.
    • Questions may be directed to the SUNY System Office of Student Financial Aid Services, at (518) 445-4058, or finaid@suny.edu.

Pay for Success Competition

  • REMINDER:On Tuesday, January 17, Jobs for the Future (JFF) and Social Finance announced the nation’s first-ever Pay for Success competition in K-12 education, which will spur the implementation and expansion of high-quality career and technical education (CTE) programs for underserved, high-need youth.
  • Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Social Finance and JFF will award select applicants technical support to create and launch Pay for Success CTE projects in their communities. Applicants can include local education agencies, postsecondary institutions, and consortia.
 

Opportunities for Students

2017 National Youth Science Camp
  • The National Youth Science Camp is a residential science education program for young STEM enthusiasts the summer after they graduate from high school.
  • Two graduating high school students will be selected to represent New York at the all-expenses paid honors program which will be held from June 14 through July 8, 2017.
  • The online application to attend the 2017 National Youth Science Camp (NYSC) is now available here.
    • All applications and all supporting documents/forms must be submitted online no later than 6:00 PM EST March 1, 2017.
 
Scholarships for Academic Excellence
  • The 2017 series Scholarships for Academic Excellence are now available. It’s purpose is to provide the top ranked graduating high school students a scholarship to attend a New York State College or University. 
    • A packet of information was mailed to each high school principal on September 14, 2016
  • Please note, every year over 1,000 scholarships go unused due to a lack of nominations being submitted or nomination paperwork received after the allowable date for inclusion for these awards.
    • So, we ask for your assistance in identifying students who are eligible (i.e., via top Regent’s examination results, class rank, or local examination results) and submitting the completed nomination packet by the deadline of Wednesday, February 15, 2017.
    • The nomination paperwork for this scholarship takes less than one hour per student nominated.
    • For more information please visit our website.

 
Standards Update

NYS P-12 Science Learning Standards
  • The  New York State P-12 Science Learning Standards (NYSP-12SLS) by the Board of Regents at their December 2016 meeting, effective beginning July 1, 2017.
  • To access additional information about the science standards has been updated on the Department’s Curriculum and Instruction website.
  • Over the next several months, NYSED program staff will continue to work in collaboration with stakeholders across the state to address the goals, objectives, and activities of the Statewide Strategic Plan for Science across six major areas: Standards, Curriculum and Instruction, Professional Development to Enhance Instruction, Materials and Resource Support, and Administrative and Community Support.

 


What Does the Research Say?

For over a decade, much research has focused on what are the commonalities of successful schools. Marzano repeatedly speaks to the importance of a “Guaranteed and Viable Curriculum” (Marzano, 2003, p. 22–25). Schmoker’s Leading with Focus makes the claim that curriculum, literacy and instruction are the three areas for focus that will have the strongest effect on School Improvement. This article explores the importance of a common curriculum.

Further reading:

  • Marzano, R. (2003). What works in schools: Translating research into action. Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.
  • Schmoker, M. (2016). Leading with Focus: Elevating the Essentials for School and District Improvement. Alexandria, VA: Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development.
Professional Development:

Upcoming PD Sessions:


February
  • Substitute Teacher Training (2/4)
    • The six-hour training is designed for individuals who are interested in becoming or wish to better their role as a substitute teacher. Topics include application process, expectations, classroom management, navigating the classroom and lesson plans, effective communication with students and teachers, etc
  • The School District Negotiator (2/6)
    • This is a professional workshop and unique learning opportunity for any and all members of district negotiating teams. The session will cover the foundation of negotiations, legal knowledge, preparation, table strategies, use of and defense against tactics, and practical tips on organization.
  • School Library System Day (2/7)
    • The School Library System will hold a full day of professional activities. All school librarians, library assistants and library aides are encouraged to attend. The Fall 2016 Book Review Session will be held in the morning. The CC/Liaison session will take up the rest of the afternoon.
  • One Computer, One Smartboard, One Mobile Device Workshop w/ Hybrid Extension (2/8)
    • At this one day in-person workshop, we will be finding ways to use technology in the classroom, even if all you have is your teacher computer, a Smart board, and one mobile device (probably your own.) There is also an online extension to this session that must be completed to get credit for 12 hours. You will earn 6 hours from the in-person session. 
  • Counselor's Workshop: Mindfullness Seminar (2/8)
    • 8:30 Registration * Breakfast will be served, compliments of Clarkson's Admissions Office
  • CSE Chairpersons' Meeting (2/9)
    • Monthly Chairpersons' meeting @ ESC in Canton.
  • UPK-Module 1: Promoting Children's Success: Building Relationships and Creating Supportive Environments (2/9)
    • The foundation of the Pyramid Model is grounded in the context of positive, supportive relationships between teachers and children, as well as with families and other professionals. These relationships are essential to implementing effective practices to support children's social emotional development. 
  • Secondary Principals' Network Meeting (2/16)
    • Agenda TBD
  • Student Projects for the 1:1 Classroom (2/16)
    • The increasing availability of devices in the classroom along with Google Apps for Education and Chrome Extensions provide a creative and collaborative learning opportunities. In this workshop we will explore uses of Google Drive, the Chrome Browser, and select Google Apps in ways that facilitate creative student demonstrations of learning.
  • Primary Principals' Network Meeting (2/17)
    • Agenda TBD
  • K-2 Guided Reading, Strategy Lessons, and Small Groups (2/21-2/22)
    • Learn about setting the foundation in K-2 for this important work. Who doesn't need a refresher on Guided Reading? Do you want to make your small groups more effective? Are 3-6 teachers in your building implementing Instructional Independent Reading, the Independent Reading Assessment, and/or strategies for instruction from The Reading Strategies book?
  • Mathematical Mindsets Book Study For 3-6 TEACHERS (2/27)
    • About the book: Mathematical Mindsets provides practical strategies and activities to help teachers and parents show all children, even those who are convinced that they are bad at math, that they can enjoy and succeed in math. Jo Boaler-Stanford researcher, professor of math education, and expert on math learning-has studied why students don't like math and often fail in math classes. 
  • Mathematical Mindsets Book Study For PK-2 TEACHERS (2/27)
    • About the book: Mathematical Mindsets provides practical strategies and activities to help teachers and parents show all children, even those who are convinced that they are bad at math, that they can enjoy and succeed in math. Jo Boaler-Stanford researcher, professor of math education, and expert on math learning-has studied why students don't like math and often fail in math classes. 
  • BOOK STUDY: Teach Like A Pirate (2/27)
    • Ahoy! The Teach Like A PIRATE Book Study is all about how to become a better, more energetic, more joyful, more passionate educator. Join us as we set sail and explore over 30 hooks for instruction and student engagement. This book study will inspire your creativity, prepare you for creating engaging lessons and ignite your passion for learning.
  • 1:1 Chromebooks in the 4-6 Grade Classroom (2/28)
    • Devices in the classroom provide incredible opportunities for students to create, collaborate, and connect. In this hands-on workshop, we will explore ways in which Chromebooks, the Chrome Browser, G-Suite, Web Tools and a number of other tools are being used in the classroom. Participants in this workshop will explore and experience first hand purposeful ways to use technology and also to design student-centered, collaborative learning experiences.
  • BOOK STUDY - Mindsets & Moves: Strategies That Help Readers Take Charge by Gravity Goldberg (2/28)
    • Do you ever feel as if you are working harder than your students? Would you like your students to become proactive, fully engaged readers? In her book, Mindsets & Moves, Gravity Goldberg provides a framework that helps educators and their students shift their thinking from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset; giving students the opportunity to monitor and ultimately take ownership of their reading lives.
  • UPK-Module 2: Social Emotional Teaching Strategies (3/3)
    • Would you like to better understand the importance of children's social emotional competence in terms of school readiness and the prevention of challenging behavior? The Pyramid Model is a framework to guide preschool professionals in developing strategies to use in promoting children's development and preventing challenging behaviors.
Save the Date:

 Administrators’ Leadership Conference 
July 12 - 14, 2017
"Cognitive Student Engagement" With Dr. Todd Whitaker

Looking Ahead

March 2017 Staff Development Day

Note: Registration for all sessions will put into MLP and will open on Monday morning.  As some sessions are limited in numbers participants will be accepted on a first come basis.
 
Staff Day Planning:
The full planning document and links for registration are now available.  Please note the planning is in a Google Doc that anyone with the link may view so please feel free to share this link with your teachers. (Copy and paste this paragraph into an email)

Effective Teaching
DATE: 5/17/2017
PRESENTER: APL Associates

Effective Teaching Refresher
 After attending the Effective Teaching session teachers return their classrooms and implement a number of strategies but as time passes we often forget about some strategies we learned. Effective Teaching strategies strive to:
  • Increase student time on task.
  • Improve student behavior.
  • Improve student performance.
  • Provide insights Into and options for classroom organization.
  • Motivate students.
  • Improve classroom management through techniques that work.
Effective Teaching refreshers are aimed at teachers who attended the Days 1-5 session previously.  It is highly recommended that teachers complete the ET refresher every 7-10 years.

Effective Teaching refreshers are scheduled for January 12 and May 17.  Be sure to register your teachers while seats are still available!
 
PD in Other Areas
SUNY Potsdam presents: HOCUS FOCUS, PD for related service providers, elementary, middle and special education classroom teachers
 
Technical Assistance Center on Disproportionality (TAC-D)
  • Addressing and Understanding Disproportionality FLYER (Spring 2017)
  • Technical Assistance Center on Disproportionality (TAC-D) at New York University, in partnership with the Regional Special Education Technical Assistance Support Center (RSE-TASC).
  • The target audience for these sessions are District and Building Administrators, K-12 Regular/Special Education Teachers, PBIS Teams, Social Workers, Psychologists, School Counselors.
    • Please contact Dr. Patrick Jean-Pierre, TAC-D Director pjp4@nyu.edu for more information.

SLL BOCES Instructional Resources is here to meet your needs.

Not sure who to contact? The attached chart identifies who to contact for your specific needs.

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The St. Lawrence-Lewis Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The BOCES is an equal opportunity employer. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

Rafael A. Olazagasti III
Director of Human Resources and General Counsel
40 West Main Street, Canton, NY 13617
315 386-4504
rolazagasti@sllboces.org.
 
Inquiries concerning the application of the St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES non-discrimination policies may also be referred to the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR), 32 Old Slip, 26th Floor, New York, NY 10005, telephone (646) 428-3800 (voice) or (800) 877-8339 (TTY).
Copyright © 2017 St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES, All rights reserved.


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