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Liven up your science and other curricular areas with our inflatable planetarium. We offer on-site programs for students and workshops for teachers on interdisciplinary instruction with Starlab.

Districts can implement innovative internet/school yard science programs through staff development and support.

STC, an inquiry-based science program, meets the New York State Standards and provides a scope and sequence for grades 1-6 for science in the elementary grades, along with links to other subject areas. Through a new staff development initiative, we offer workshops for teachers and science kits to complement the program,

Through a cross-contract with Monroe II BOCES, we can arrange for you to lease or purchase science kits for the Elementary Science Program (ESP)

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The Literacy Center can assist district efforts to improve literacy achievement through high-quality, research-based professional development and consulting services, and serves as a vehicle for sharing local expertise. Services include:

• Aligning curriculum and assessment development with NYS ELA Standards and best practices.

• Evaluating instructional programs, utilizing data-driven needs assessments and instructional planning to meet those needs.

• Evaluating instructional practices, resources, and materials for alignment with NYS ELS Standards

• Developing Academic Intervention Strategies (AIS) and intervention programs.

• Facilitating leadership groups

• Supporting teacher inquiry/research.

ALPHA provides a half-day or full day per week program for academically advanced upper elementary students that have been identified by the School and College Ability Test (SCAT) developed by Johns Hopkins University. ALPHA offers an interdisciplinary approach to instruction that is aligned with the NYS Learning Standards by providing activities and experiences that enhance and develop high-level thinking skills. The program also provides periodic written and direct contact with parents and school staff regarding the activities of the program and the progress of the children. To visit the ALPHA homepage, click here.

Wilson Language Training is a direct multi-sensory structured language teaching program designed to address dyslexia and other language-based learning difficulties. The Wilson reading system teaches students the structure of words and language through a sequenced, 12-step program. This program can be used with elementary, middle and high school students. It is based on the Orton-Gillingham philosophy and principles, as well as phonological coding research. Three levels of sequential training are offered to participants.

Pyramid provides training and consultation services for educators of children and adults with autism and related disabilities. They present a blend of broad-spectrum applied behavior analysis in conjunction with the development of functional communication skills, emphasizing the individual needs of each child. Five options of training and consultation are offered to participants

Planning an implementing staff, curriculum and organizational development takes time and effort. We can provide technical consultation, as well as develop and facilitate workshops.

We have responsibility for all itinerant services connected with regular education and are expanding them to offer districts a chance to share administrative, operational, as well as instructional personnel. Some examples might include:

• Teachers in selected subjects

• English as a Second Language Teachers

• (The Special Education Division will continue to offer itinerant services to students with disabilities)

We offer the following courses:

• 30-Hour Basic Course

• 10-Hour Advanced Course

Effective skills in data analysis and interpretation are essential to the development of school improvement plans leading to improved student achievement. This new service is aimed at supporting school districts in collecting and analyzing various types of data to identify strengths and weaknesses at either the program or student level. This service targets all educators with a desire to enhance their skills and/or resources for data-driven decision-making. A continuum of services is available to assist districts at all levels of proficiency in data analysis. The continuum ranges from the provision of comprehensive analyses of district data to general support and training as districts analyze their own data. Some potential services include:

• Analysis of State Assessments and other test data

• Workshops on how to analyze and interpret assessment data

• Survey development

• Program evaluation, and

• Assistance in using data to determine root causes.

Link to Data Analysis page

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Upstate New York Teaching of American History Project
Contact: Henry Mueller
464-3981

The Upstate New York Teaching of American History Project was funded in 2002 by a three-year U.S. Department of Education's grant.  The goal of the project is to raise student achievement by improving teachers' knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of American history.  The project is a collaborative effort of the Capital Region BOCES, HFM BOCES, Questar III, WSWHE BOCES, Union College, the Mohawk Valley Heritage Corridor Commission, the Greater Capital Region Teacher Center, and the New York State Historical Association.  Nearly 1800 teachers of American history at grades 4,5,6,7,8, and 11 in the four partner BOCES districts are eligible to participate in all project activities.  Major activities sponsored by the project include:

• School Year Workshops and Presentations

• Annual American History Day Conference in May

• History Teacher and Master Teacher Summer Institutes in July

• Project Website including Teacher Resources

To visit the project website, click here.

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Turnkey Training
Contact: Cheryl Marcella
464-3982

This service provides districts with up-to-date information from the State Education Department regarding regulations, policies and assessments. Turnkey workshops are free to three staff members per district and are held throughout the year. Reimbursement is available for substitute teacher costs.

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