Blog Archives

Enhancing Student Success: A Workshop on Executive Functioning and Cognitive Learning Approaches for Teachers

5/22/2024

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Classroom Management for School Librarians

5/15/2024

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From October 2023 to April 2024, school librarians in our region had the opportunity to participate in a book study focusing on classroom management. Utilizing a dedicated Google Classroom platform, participants engaged in discussions, shared insights, and responded to thought-provoking questions.

On April 29, participants of the book study convened in person to extend their discussions, explore best practices, apply newfound knowledge to real-life scenarios, and enjoy the opportunity to interact with a surprise guest and renowned ALA author Hilda Weisberg

Acknowledging the distinctive environment of libraries, which often provide students with ample space and the freedom to choose their reading materials, the study delved into the behavioral challenges that can arise in a school setting characterized by a less structured atmosphere than traditional classrooms. Small group discussions, self-reflection, and a gallery walk deepened learning.

The selected readings included Classroom Management for School Librarians by Hilda Weisberg and We Belong: 50 Strategies to Create Community and Revolutionize Classroom Management by Laurie Barron and Patti Kinney.
Both texts emphasized the importance of cultivating meaningful relationships with students and recognizing each individual beyond their attention-seeking behaviors.

Please visit https://register.caboces.org/seminar/admin to view upcoming workshops related to student behavior including August's Capturing Kids Hearts.

By: Cece Fuoco, CA BOCES Learning Resources

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Moving the Needle: Teacher Rounds Improve Tier 1 Instruction

5/13/2024

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Many school districts in our region are having conversations on improving tier 1 instruction. If you have attended our Curriculum Forum this year, you probably participated in round table discussions that involved classroom core instruction. Friendship Central School began the year looking to provide teachers with professional development centered on data-driven instructional practices. Martin Pizur, Friendship Central School Building Principal, created a structure for teachers to collaborate vertically and learn from each other. The structure is called “Teacher Rounds”, and it was implemented in Pre-K through 8th grade.

Teacher Rounds is one solution to meet the needs of teachers as well as students. Taking the stance that schools are places of learning for all, Teacher Rounds provide teachers and students a safe environment to explore new learning strategies. Mr. Pizur creates a welcoming environment within the structure by ensuring the rounds are non-evaluative. He believes that teachers should have opportunities to take risks in their teaching and that students should have safety in taking risks in their learning. Teachers adhere to the structure so that the integrity of the round is honored. Students are intrinsically motivated to participate with multiple teachers providing support.

The teacher round structure has 6 steps in the framework and each step consists of essential components:

Step 1 – Identify a problem of practice.
Essential Components:

Teachers gather and review data.
Caboces coordinator proposes focus questions for discussion.
Collaboratively, the group identifies areas of student need.

Step 2 – Discuss student strengths and needs.
Essential Components:

Review priority standards.
Identify student strengths and areas of need within the priority standards.
Caboces coordinator facilitates decision-making through adult learning theory.

Step 3 -Identify evidence-based, explicit, and differentiated instructional strategies.
Essential Components:

Review current practices.
Teachers and caboces coordinator collaboratively explore instructional strategies.

Teachers choose a strategy to implement.

Step 4 -Design a lesson.
Essential Components:

Teachers design a lesson incorporating chosen instructional strategy.
The lesson is written with a student-centered focus.
Teachers decide if the lesson will be modeled by an expert in the room or a collaborative lesson with coaching support.

Step 5 – Teach the lesson.
Essential Components:

Students participate in learning with all teachers involved in the round.

Step 6 -Debrief the lesson.
Essential Components:

Teachers review student work to evaluate student learning.
Teachers evaluate instructional strategy through the lens of student achievement.
Teachers and CA BOCES coordinator determine the next steps.

Friendship Central School found success with this structure. They hope to continue the model next year and are excited to collaborate with the region on this endeavor. If you are considering implementing Teacher Rounds in your district and would like to talk further, please contact me at: [email protected]

By: Michelle Rickicki, CA BOCES Professional Development

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Duncan Kirkwood Inspires Students and Staff at Pioneer Central School

5/1/2024

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Students and staff at Pioneer Central School were recently treated to an inspiring talk by Duncan Kirkwood, renowned resilience coach and motivational speaker. Kirkwood's visit provided a powerful opportunity for the school community to delve into the crucial topic of resilience, a skillset essential for navigating life's challenges.

Drawing from his own life experiences, Kirkwood captivated his audience with personal anecdotes and insights, highlighting the importance of resilience in overcoming adversity. His journey from facing setbacks to achieving success served as a testament to the transformative power of resilience.

Throughout his presentation, Kirkwood emphasized practical strategies for building resilience, encouraging attendees to adopt a growth mindset and embrace failure as a steppingstone to growth. He stressed the significance of perseverance, adaptability, and self-belief in cultivating resilience, empowering students and staff to face challenges with confidence and resilience.

The interactive nature of Kirkwood's session fostered meaningful dialogue and reflection among attendees, sparking discussions on resilience-building techniques and sharing of personal experiences. Staff also had the optional opportunity to meet with Duncan during a Question-and-Answer session which allowed Duncan to personally respond to questions that teachers had. This Q&A session also allowed for staff to individually interact with Duncan and let him know just how inspiring his sessions were!

Kirkwood's visit left a lasting impact on the Pioneer Central School community, equipping students and staff with the tools and mindset necessary to navigate life's inevitable ups and downs with resilience and determination.

By: Jenna Tost, CA BOCES Professional Development

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Innovative Teaching

Enhancing Student Success: A Workshop on Executive Functioning and Cognitive Learning Approaches for Teachers

Classroom Management for School Librarians

Moving the Needle: Teacher Rounds Improve Tier 1 Instruction

Duncan Kirkwood Inspires Students and Staff at Pioneer Central School

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Innovative Teaching

Enhancing Student Success: A Workshop on Executive Functioning and Cognitive Learning Approaches for Teachers

Classroom Management for School Librarians

Moving the Needle: Teacher Rounds Improve Tier 1 Instruction

Duncan Kirkwood Inspires Students and Staff at Pioneer Central School

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