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OCM BOCES Instructional Support (IS) Weekly Dispatch. Our intention is to provide a composite of current news and regulatory information rather than an unwieldy stream of forwarded messages. In addition to the Weekly Dispatch, we now offer a number of specialized E-Newsletters centered around our different departments. Sign up for as many as you like, you may unsubscribe at any time. April 22, 2016McKinney-Vento training for the region will be held at OCM BOCES on May 16th. On the agenda: Review of definitions, rights, and responsibilities; transportation strategies for schools and service providers; and incorporating trauma-sensitive practices. There is no cost for this training. The National School Reform Faculty website is a great source of many protocols to use in different situations, from book talks to data analysis.
This article includes suggestions for a better teacher-coach relationship. It outlines both the teacher and coach responsibilities. As part of the 2016 Annual NYS Middle School Association Conference (located this year in Watkins Glen), one-hour middle level education and program focused practitioner workshops will be scheduled throughout the day for Friday, October 21, 2016. Individuals or groups are invited to submit a Call for Presenters application. Please note that if your presentation is accepted you MUST register for the conference. Applications are due by August 15, 2016.
This column will explain the “maker movement” and some of the implications and challenges that accompany the effort to create opportunities for creativity and problem-solving in our schools. Some of the early research is identified. If you really want to learn more about it, make sure you attend the summer conference: Making Learning Happen. It’s here, in Syracuse, in August. NPR did a story about financial literacy and financial education, and reported that all programs are not equally effective. The story has some suggestions. The final 2015-2016 meeting of CNY NYS ASCD will be the Annual Meeting. We'll elect the board for next year, kick around some ideas for topics for next year, and enjoy good food and good company. It's a good time! The meeting is at Laci's Tapas Bar, May 11th, 4:45p - 6p.
A Problem Based Learning (PrBL) is scheduled for May 2nd. At the training, participants 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.
Hear about the best summer PBL learning opportunity from Education Talk Radio (EduTalk). The last gathering of the year for the PBL Regional Network is May 23rd. It’s a great opportunity to network with other PBLers! Details about this summer’s Middle-Level Institute have just been announced! As usual, there’s a great line-up of workshops to choose from: EdTech & Literacy, math, social studies, and RTI. A free training session about the Essential Elements: Schools to Watch (EE:STW) program will occur in Syracuse on July 27 & 28. The training will include an overview of the program for schools that may be thinking of an application or want to begin using the tools to guide their school improvement process. The data about on-line credit recovery aren’t great. A report has been recently released that digs into the increasing practice. Registration is now open for the next round of summer social studies, July 18th – 21st, facilitated curriculum work. Examples that integrate ELA and social studies will be used, especially at the elementary level. There are two threads: grades 9-12 and grades K-4. The state will now require both fire evacuation and emergency drills. More specifically, districts will be required to conduct a total of 12 fire and emergency drills during the school year. Eight drills must take place between September 1st and December 31st, a change from the former date of December 1st. Four of the required drills must be lockdown drills. The drills should take place at different times during the school day. The required number of lockdown drills is included within the twelve drills, effectively reducing the number of fire drills to eight. Read the summary. A special day for math is planned: Weaving Math Practices into Practice. The morning will include a review of the practices with small groups working in the afternoon to plan units of instruction that emphasize the practices. It all happens on May 24th! Get help for students who need access to instructional materials in a different manner from a standard textbook or worksheet. During this AIM 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 (physical disabilities, learning disabilities or neurological impairments as well as students who are at risk for Special Education services). The latest edition of Learning leadership is all about the next generation of New York State Science Learning Standards. It provides a succinct description of the standards and the changes to science education we will soon begin to implement. The Instructional Coaches Network will have their last gathering for the year on May 12th. The Literacy Leadership Network has a meeting on May 25th. The final meeting for the year for the Social Studies Network is May 26th. Please consider nominating your superintendent, educational administrators, collaborative teaching partners, or community members who promote and support the school library as the center for student learning, innovation, creativity and instructional partnerships. The School Library System is collecting submissions until April 29th. National Grid sponsors an Engineering Pipeline Program. It’s an opportunity for high school students to explore a career in engineering. |
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© 2016 OCM BOCES Instructional Support |
This is the weekly blast from OCM BOCES Instructional Support Services. The intention is to provide a composite of current news and regulatory information rather than an unwieldy stream of forwarded messages. The inclusion of any item in this weekly blast should not be construed as an endorsement of any idea or product; rather, it’s just a collection of timely information to help you sift through all the information you receive in your busy job. Feel free to contact Jeff Craig with any questions. |