April 2016

Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment:
Regional Sessions

We are pleased to offer the following regional professional development opportunities for summer 2016. Please note that decisions regarding adequate enrollment are made June 10. Please register early to avoid a program of interest cancelled due to lack of enrollment.

Standards Based Planning

This is a comprehensive professional development opportunity whether you are in your first five years of teaching (develop and hone your skills) or more years (refresh and hone your skills)! During the week you will work to develop a unit as the basis of instruction to include standards, solid classroom engagement strategies and instructional approaches.

• What makes planning for teaching and learning in a standards-based environment different from planning for teaching and learning in a non-standards based environment? Why are these differences significant?
• How can we Frame the Learning so that the what, why, and how of the learning are clear to learners?
• What are the ways that we can engage our learners in active, meaningful learning?
• How can we structure learning experiences so that instruction, learning, and assessment are integrated?
• How do we ensure balance and appropriateness in the design, selection, and use of a wide range of classroom assessment tools?

The summer session is scheduled for July 11-15.  Instruction for All as a resource book is provided. Enrollment is a minimum of 10.

Social Studies Curriculum Work- there are two strands scheduled.

For Social Studies teachers grades 9-12 the week will center ona guiding approach that is standards based design. We will begin with identification and close reading of the standards and practices. This will include examining the vertical progressions and alignment of skills. Included in the work will be creation of compelling questions that get at the broad conceptual understandings of the content. Recognizing that teachers have a need to identify potential instructional resources, there will be a structure in place to collect and hold suggestions. We will begin the week with whole group instruction and an explanation of the approach, available resources, and overall expectations. Throughout the week, there will be multiple opportunities for collaborative work time.

For teachers of Social Studies grades K-4, the approach will be also be standards based and include emphasis on integration of skills and practices. We will begin with identification and close reading of the Social Studies Framework. This will include examining the vertical progressions of the Social Studies Practices and their correlation to the Common Core Learning Standards. The focus of the work will be on how to integrate Social Studies content and skills in the elementary classroom and the use of inquiry and compelling questions that get at broad conceptual understandings. Recognizing that teachers have a need to identify potential instructional resources, there will be a structure in place to collect and hold suggestions. We will begin the week with whole group instruction and an explanation of the approach, available resources, and overall expectations. Throughout the week, there will be multiple opportunities for collaborative work time.

Both sessions are scheduled for July 18-21. Participating groups will have the option to continue their work at facilitated work sessions throughout the coming year.

Student centered learning and deeper learning is integral to our regional vision. Project Based Learning is strong vehicle to engage students and increase learning. There are several avenues to explore PBL and Deeper Learning or to refresh or enhance your skills as an educator.

Specially for leadership teams there are two sessions:

PBL 401 will provide a foundation of why PBL and essential components. This will provide an opportunity for each leadership team to begin to develop an action plan to sustain student centered learning. This one day session is facilitated by Joanne Keim and is scheduled for July 19. Register here for PBL 401 for Leadership Teams: Bringing PBL to Scale

On July 20, PBL 402 for Leadership Teams: Creating a Supportive PBL School Culture will be held. The focus of this day is to take the concepts from PBL 401 further to:

• evaluate projects, using a rubric, to determine if they are Gold Standard PBL in order to identify the principles and practices of high-quality PBL experiences. 
• describe Gold Standard PBL teaching practices and how to assess them while making connections between the NYS Teaching Standards and PBL. 
• analyze tools and resources for building a culture for PBL with all stakeholders in their school community. 
  
• collaboratively create a PBL action plan to transform learning for students by
• promoting success skills for students
• creating outcomes to support student learning through PBL principles and practices
• establishing regular, ongoing cycles of inquiry around PBL practices and their effect on student learning
• using protocols to revise and reflect

PBL 101 is the foundational course to develop an understanding of what project based learning is, how this approach is different and why it is a strong approach for deeper learning. The regional session is July 25-28. If this week doesn’t fit your schedule, consider attending Making Learning Happen @ PBLNY 2106 August 2-5 and registering for the PBL 101 strand at the conference (there is a cost).

Especially for math and science teachers, there is a one day session on Problem Based Learning for Math and Science teachers. This session can either be an introduction for math and science teachers or a refinement on how math teachers might implement deeper learning for their content areas. Key differences between PBL and Problem Based Learning will be explored. Join Joanne Keim July 29!

The BIG EVENT OF THE SUMMER! You will not want to miss Making Learning Happen @PBLNY 2016. This unique opportunity is presented by OCM BOCES Instructional Support in collaboration with the BUCK INSTITUTE FOR EDUCATION

For the first time ever, the nationally acclaimed Buck Institute for Education is teaming up with OCM BOCES to offer a four-day conference August 2-5 on the research-driven success of Project-Based Learning. This one-of-a-kind PBL event embraces the Maker Movement and offers a long list of inspiring speakers and exemplary workshops aimed at one goal: to bolster your understanding and success with student-centered, inquiry-based learning. Don't miss this chance to connect with hundreds of fellow educators, renowned experts and PBL trailblazers for an event that is guaranteed to spark creativity, collaboration and innovation in the classroom. Cost includes keynotes, break-out sessions, lunch and related resources! For more information see below or visit click here!

Responsive Classroom- Did you know that OCM BOCES is the only BOCES with a certified trainer for Responsive Classroom? Patrick will facilitate several opportunities this summer whether you are new to Responsive Classroom or looking to expand your expertise.

For teachers new to Responsive Classroom the place to start is with the class August 23-26. This interactive, highly practical 28-hour course is our new and improved entry-level training. It gives classroom and special area teachers everything needed to start using core Responsive Classroom teaching practices. Further information and registration is found here.

Teachers implementing Responsive Classroom there are 2 mini-sessions. You can take one or both!

• Engaging Academics is August 16 and 17
• Effective Management is August 18 and 19

BUT THIS SCHOOL YEAR IS NOT YET OVER!! There are still opportunities to share, learn and expand skills before the school year concludes.

Networks

Literacy Leadership Network- this group is focused on literacy standards, assessments and instruction to meet literacy needs of students K-12. The final meeting for this school year is May 25.

Instructional Coaches Network is an opportunity for instructional coaches to share practices, collaboratively expand skills and offer support for each other. Topics for the year were identified at the fall meeting. The final meeting for the year will be May 12.

Social Studies Network  will continue to explore resources and instructional approaches and demands pertinent to the NYS Framework .  The last meeting is May 26.

Project Based Regional Network -  Join your colleagues on May 23.  PBL Regional Network participants will engage in collegial dialogue and learning experiences to gain a deeper understanding of Project-Based Learning principles and practices.

Curriculum Development

Social Studies Follow-up for Summer Curriculum Work – Grades 5-8.

These facilitated sessions are for teachers and administrators who participated in the Summer 2015 Social Studies Curriculum Work to continue the process of curriculum mapping, unit design and inquiry writing. The final work session for this school year is May 17.

Instructional Practices

Project Based Learning:

PBL101: Project Based Learning

PBL-101 is a foundational four-day workshop inspired by the work of the Buck Institute for Education, New Tech Network, Edutopia and Expeditionary Learning. It provides attendees with the skills and knowledge needed to design, assess and manage a rigorous, relevant, and standards-based project. The workshop is a balanced blend of direct instruction, video analysis, hands-on work time, resource sharing, and peer collaboration and feedback.

May 11 is the last regional opportunity for this school year.

Especially for Math ( and Science) Teachers: Problem Based Learning for Math Teachers- May 2, 2106

This workshop will guide middle school and high school math and science teachers through a learning process in which they will gain an understanding of the key differences between Project-Based Learning (PBL) and Problem-Based Learning (PrBL). We will analyze different ways to link your curriculum and technology with a PrBL approach to create a rigorous and engaging learning environment for your students. Participants will also utilize workshop time to start planning their first PrBL experience for their students. This session is for middle school and high school math and science educators and administrators who want to learn more about Problem-Based Learning. Participants will be able to: 

• Explain the difference between Project-Based Learning and Problem-Based Learning 
• Use resources to start to create a basic map for a PrBL unit 
• Link their curriculum and technology as they plan their first PrBL unit

Also for teachers of mathematics:

Weaving Math Practices into Practice

May 24 be a day devoted to incorporating Math Practices into K-12 math instruction. Krystal Barber from Syracuse University will share an overview of math practices- what, why and how. In the afternoon, participants will work in facilitated small groups to plan units of instruction that integrate students learning both math content and practices. Participants will identify standards, formative assessments and instructional strategies to fully incorporate math practices. The day will conclude with a critical friends' protocol to learn from colleagues. Participants are requested to bring a unit they will implement either in June or next fall.

Culture

Responsive Classroom:

Spring Institute: The Responsive Classroom® Course
Become a more effective teacher by learning research-based strategies that lead to: 

• Engaging academic instruction 
• Better classroom management 
• Positive learning communities 
• Developmentally Appropriate Instruction and Discipline

This interactive, highly practical 28-hour course is our new and improved entry-level training. It gives classroom and special area teachers everything needed to start using core Responsive Classroom teaching practices.
This course replaces Responsive Classroom Level I (RC1). Learn specific ways to build classroom community and establish and sustain an optimal learning environment.

Dates for the Spring Institute are: May 25, 26 and June 2,3

Developing Collaborative Groups Using the Adaptive Schools Framework
Schools today are faced with the challenges of increased accountability, effectively using data, and increasing the rigor of curriculum to ensure student success. This workshop will prepare team members to build strong collaborative and caring work cultures focused on continuous school improvement. Explore the research on organizational development and learn practical skills and tools to effectively navigate the currents of change.

May 3,4, 24 and 25 are the dates for this school year.

Special Events

In case you missed some blogs by our team:

• Joanne Keim shared how Problem Based Learning and Project Based Learning are both inquiry based yet they differ in intensity and scope. Read about her experience coaching a teacher to move to problem based learning for her math classroom.
• Denise Pawlewicz offers questions for self-reflection regarding instructional shift for literacy. She also shares one teacher’s experience with shifting practices.
• Jenny Fanelli recapped the day recently spent learning from Sam Wineburg. She provides a summary of several key ideas offered regarding Historical Thinking- what it is, why it is important and how to be deliberate about teaching historical thinking to students of all ages.
  
  

Through Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment component districts have the opportunity to send participants to regional offerings at no additional fees. Other districts may also attend and fees apply. Regional offerings are developed based on district input and expressed interests. Additional focus areas or alternative dates may be arranged especially for a district using included days or at regular daily rates. CI&A facilitates support for instruction through coaching, regional sessions and direct in-district work.

• In-District Days: Districts may contract for specialized work or projects by contacting Lynn Radicello at lradicel@ocmboces.org
• Coaching: OCM BOCES offers direct instructional coaching in the areas of literacy, Project-Based Learning, math and general instructional coaching. Districts may arrange for coaching by contacting Lynn Radicello at lradicel@ocmboces.org
• Regional Sessions: Registration is usually through My Learning Plan. Most sessions are posted by summer for the coming school year. Additional sessions may be added according to emerging requests. Offerings are found on MLP, are highlighted in Jeff Craig’s weekly blast and are described in the monthly PD enews.

Other PD Events From OCM ISS

Instructional Support Services (ISS) is the division within OCM BOCES that provides support through district specific work, regional workshops and networking opportunities and technical assistance. Within ISS there are several departments- please note the departments operate under different cosers and State Education Department Contracts so pricing may differ according to the varied regulations.

Did you know that school districts can obtain instructional materials in alternative formats? 

On May 10, RSE-TASC will offer Accessible Instructional Materials (AIM) - Regional Training @ OCM BOCES. This training is designed to bring an awareness level to educators to help students who need access to instructional materials in a different manner from a standard textbook or worksheet. During this session you will learn about the NYS process of obtaining accessible instructional materials, and learn about technology resources to support your district's plan to assist students who need to have printed materials in an accessible format (large print, audio, electronic, and Braille). Students needing these accessible materials need not only be visually impaired. This workshop benefits students who have physical disabilities, learning disabilities or neurological impairments as well as students who are at risk for Special Education services.