August eBook Top 5 Collection OCM BOCES Instructional Support would highlight these selections from our eBook Professional Library. View Professional eBook Library.

The Principal 50: Critical Leadership Questions for Inspiring Schoolwide Excellence Guides school leaders through 50 self-reflection exercises designed to yield a deeper understanding of the meaning behind the work that they do. Read more

5 Myths About Classroom Technology: How Do We Integrate Digital Tools to Truly Enhance Learning? Explains how you can assess and answer your students' technology needs in terms of access, purpose, and audience. Read more

Differentiation in Middle & High School: Strategies to Engage All Learners Explores how to use differentiated instruction to help students be more successful learners--regardless of background, native language, learning style, motivation, or school savvy. Read more

How to Make Decisions with Different Kinds of Student Assessment Data Identifies the critical elements and nuances of assessment data and how that information can best be used to inform improvement efforts in the school or district. Read more

Real-World Projects: How Do I Design Relevant & Engaging Learning Experiences? Describes how to connect with real-world experts, allies, and audiences; and what practical, field-tested strategies are essential for planning, assessing, and using technology to support successful projects. Read more

August 5, 2016

There are many digital tools that can help with the Makerspaces and creative outlets you plan for your students. Take a look at this visual summary from PBLNY 2016. In case you are wondering how these images are created, read this post from Shannon Miller. Pretty cool!

It’s a shared purpose that drives true and effective collaboration.

The Atlantic makes a case for character education in schools. In fact, the argument is made that we teach character regardless of our intentions, so it is far better to be deliberate and intentional.

This video does a good job expressing the preparation for a band concert. It’s a chance to get a glimpse of the music education at the elementary level.

This interesting post suggests that the best way to take control of a conversation is through listening, rather than speaking.

Is departmentalization the answer for elementary schools? Maybe not. Read more.

Start the year with a clear message about attendance. September is, after all, Attendance Awareness Month. Here are some resources to assist you.

Whether or not you think lectures are boring, they simply don’t work. Check out the research.

Image: CC Jimmy_Joe

The New Teacher Welcome Project is a great way to welcome your newer teachers to the profession and the area. On September 15th, the CNY/Oswego Teacher Center, in coordination with CiTi and OCM BOCES, will provide a nice, free, evening event including dinner. Please encourage your new teachers to come!

We’re buying many Chromebooks in our schools. Here are some tips to get you started if you are new to this particular type of device.

Here’s advice for getting your hesitant teachers to use more technology. Take it slow and seek early wins, but maintain the expectation that this is not optional (and least on our flat planet).

A rural school district took on the issue of Internet access. They made a difference. Read about it, here.

There’s no shortage of advice for starting a new school year. Here are three common sense suggestions for leaders as a New Year approaches.

And here’s advice about facilitating change.