Supporting K-12 Multilingual Learners with Dr. Sarah Cioffi - in partnership with Capital District Region RBERN

Thursdays – October 2, 16, & 30  4:00-5:30 PM

This partnership is designed to promote positive educational experiences and academic outcomes for English language learners (ELLs)/multilingual learners (MLLs) in New York State school districts through a series of 90-minute virtual workshops. The workshops will cover a number of important topics, including but not limited to:

• State of the State: Current NYS data on ELL/MLL demographics and achievement data

• NYS Regulations and Guidance: Identification, programming, and assessment requirements for ELLs/MLLs in K - 12 schools

• Fundamentals of Second Language Acquisition

• Creating a Welcoming and Affirming Environment: Culturally responsive practices and ELLs/MLLs

• Making Content Accessible: Best practices and strategies for teaching ELLs/MLLs in gen ed classes and content areas

• Technology and ELLs/MLLs: Helpful tools for instruction and communication.

All components of this project will be aligned with:

1. Current research in best practices in multilingual education, and

2. The policies, procedures, and regulations of the New York State Education Department, as detailed in the following NYSED documents:

   1. The Blueprint for MLL/ELL Success (2014 )

   2. Commissioner’s Regulations Part 154- 2 ( CR Part 154 ) (2014 )

   3. Dignity for All Students Act (2010, amended 2013)

Registration

Back to top

Ensuring Reading Success: Strengthening RTI/MTSS Systems Through Deeper Understanding

Tuesdays - October 7, 21 & November 4  - 4:00 - 5:30

Join Dr. Heidi Beverine-Curry for a dynamic three-part learning series designed to deepen educators’ understanding of the intersection of RTI/MTSS and the Science of Reading, including what it takes to design systems that are informed by valid, reliable data to ensure that students achieve reading success through effective core instruction and intentional intervention.

Session 1: Universal Screening, Data Meetings, and Core Instruction

This opening session will clarify why we need a strong universal screener in our RTI/MTSS framework, examine the pros and cons of different types of universal screening tools, and offer practical tips for collecting universal screening data. We will discuss how to best use universal screening results in grade-level data meetings (spoiler alert – it is NOT to assign intervention tiers), and the implications for analysis of core instruction.

Session 2: Spotlight on Oral Reading Fluency (ORF) Data, Diagnostic Assessments, and Progress Monitoring

Dive into understanding how ORF data is an absolute goldmine and what it tells us about reading comprehension when we know how to interpret it. Learn about (and walk away with samples of) some basic diagnostic assessments that help us know where to target instruction in both core and intervention settings. How can we use a universal screening suite as a frequent progress monitoring tool for some students? Should we progress monitor on or off grade level? Let’s get into it!

Session 3: Building Systems that Sustain Literacy Growth

The final session focuses on the system-level shifts needed to inform our RTI/MTSS frameworks with the Science of Reading for lasting impact. Dr. Beverine-Curry will discuss how reshaping staff mindsets (especially administrators) about assessment and using data intentionally can drive continuous improvement. Participants will explore strategies to align personnel, scheduling, and leadership structures around literacy priorities—building the foundations for durable, schoolwide literacy success.

Registration

Back to top

Training for Teacher Assistants and Paraeducators - in partnership with Educations Elements

Thursdays - October 9, 23, & November 6  from 4:00 - 5:30 PM

Recognizing the essential role these professionals play in supporting instruction and student success, this series provides foundational training that builds confidence, skill, and clarity around their contribution to the classroom and school environments.

Session 1: Strengthen Behavior and Classroom Management Capacity

Equipping teacher assistants and paraeducators with practical strategies to de-escalate student behaviors, foster calm environments, and support positive student interactions through mindful, trauma-informed practices.

Session 2: Enhance Classroom Teamwork and Collaboration

Clarifying the roles of TAs and paraeducators within instructional teams and providing tools to build strong partnerships with teachers, promote proactive engagement, and increase instructional support.

Session 3: Build Confidence in Supporting Diverse Learners

Developing knowledge and skills related to IEP/504 implementation, data collection, and differentiated strategies that enable TAs and paraeducators to contribute meaningfully to the success of students with special needs.

Registration

Back to top

High Impact Engagement Strategies

Tuesdays – November 18, December 2, & December 16 from 4:00 - 5:30 PM

Session 1: Let’s Really Engage Our Students: Dynamic Strategies That Work

What is engagement? What does it look and sound like? How do you truly engage your students? During this session, we focus on what student engagement is and is not and why engaging all students during a lesson will increase student retention and achievement. Participants will learn to effectively design lessons to engage all students in learning that lasts using protocols that promote deeper learning as well as other engagement strategies that can be easily implemented into your daily practice.

Session 2: I Know I Taught It But: Checking for Understanding

You may have taught it but did the students learn it? How do you know if all the students got it? Do they know they got it? In this session, participants learn not only what it means to think like an assessor but how to apply student engaged assessment strategies into daily instruction to position students as leaders of their own learning. After the session is over, both participants and their students will be able to apply checking for understanding strategies throughout a lesson to gather evidence of student learning against the learning target to see if what was taught was what they learned.

Session 3: Differentiation Does Not Mean Watered-Down: Differentiated Instruction Done Right

“How do I truly differentiate my instruction to meet the needs of all my students without watering down the rigor?” During this session, participants will learn the principles of differentiated instruction and distinguish between differentiation and scaffolding. Additionally, the session will focus on a variety of effective content scaffolds that maintain the rigor of the grade-level standards as well as a variety of effective differentiated strategies that provides support for all learners throughout the 'process' portion of a lesson.

Registration

Back to top

Better Boundaries: Building Trusted Relationships with Students Without Blurring Lines or Burning Out

with Dr. Brooklyn Raney, Founder of One Trusted Adult

Thursdays - November 20 and December 11  from 4:00 - 5:30 PM

Building meaningful, trusting relationships with students is essential for their growth and success but how can educators do this while maintaining professional boundaries and personal well-being? This webinar series provides practical strategies, self-assessment tools, and collaborative approaches to ensure that student-educator relationships are both impactful and sustainable. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of student needs, personal boundary-setting skills, and actionable strategies for maintaining healthy, professional connections.

Session 1: The ABCs of Educator-Student Relationships - Synchronous Webinar -11/20

Understanding students is the first step to building relationships that foster trust and growth. In this session, we'll explore key concepts such as the ABC's of trust, universal youth needs, and the role of advisory programs. Educators will also learn how to gather and interpret student data to create environments where all students feel seen, heard, and supported-without compromising professional boundaries.

Session 2: Assess and Aspire - Asynchronous assignment between live sessions

Effective boundaries start with self-awareness. This session will provide educators with a tool for assessing their own wellness, stress levels, and personal boundary-setting tendencies. Following the completion of the assessment, participants will be invited to begin the creation of a Better Boundaries plan. By the 26th of November participants will receive: a 30-minute video, a 30-minute reading assignment, and a 30-minute personal assessment/reflection.

Each participant will need to view the video, read the assignment, and complete the assessment/reflection at a time of their choosing before the final session on 12/11/25.

Session 3: Strengths, Strategies, and Support - Synchronous Webinar (4:00-5:30) - 12/11

Maintaining boundaries isn't a solo effort—it requires practical strategies and a strong support system. In this final session, we'll focus on real-world techniques for upholding boundaries while fostering strong student connections. Participants will walk away with specific strategies, communication tools, and team-based approaches to ensure they can sustain their work without burning out.

Registration

Back to top

EdTech Essentials: 12 Strategies for Every Classroom in the Age of AI by Monica Burns (2nd Edition; ASCD July 2024)

Thursdays - January 8, 22 and February 5  from 4:00 - 5:30 PM

Apps that leverage AI, the easy access we all have to chatbots, and the clear need for educators and students to understand the implications of AI. Readers will gain practical advice on

* Navigating online spaces effectively

* Curating resources to support every student

* Generating ideas and resources with AI (includes over 75 Chatbot prompts)

* Evaluating digital content with an AI mindset

* Exploring the world with students

* Collaborating across digital spaces

* Creating multimodal artifacts of learning

* Assessing to check for understanding and pivot instruction

* Sharing student creations in big and small ways

* Connecting students to authentic audiences

* Transferring skills across digital spaces

* Planning for tech-rich learning experiences

Timely, accessible, and informed by the author's experience and expertise, EdTech Essentials, 2nd Edition, is a must for educators who want proven ways to prepare their students to be productive, responsible users of technology both within and outside the classroom.

This series could be presented in the form of an EdTech/AI “Boot Camp” for classroom teachers and school leaders. 3, 90-minute sessions.

Registration

Back to top

Beyond Grades: Transforming Assessment to Empower Student Learning with Starr Sackstein

Tuesdays – January 13, 27 and February 10 from 4:00 - 5:30 PM

This three-part series challenges educators to reimagine assessment practices that better support learning and student growth. Led by renowned educator Starr Sackstein, participants will explore the historical and psychological impacts of traditional grading, discover the power of peer and self-assessment, and gain actionable strategies to implement alternative models like standards-based grading, portfolios, and feedback-driven instruction. Through reflection, practical tools, and real-world examples, this series empowers educators to create more equitable, student-centered classrooms where assessment becomes a tool for learning, not just evaluation.

Session 1: Rethinking Assessment: Why Traditional Grading Fails Students

• The historical context of grading
• Research on grading’s impact on motivation and learning
• The case for shifting toward feedback-driven assessment
• Takeaways for Participants:
• • Self-reflection activity: Evaluate current grading practices.
  • Research-based insights on grading’s impact on student motivation.
  • Strategies to initiate discussions with stakeholders (parents, administrators).

Session 2: Empowering Students: The Role of Peer Feedback in Learning

• How to build a culture of constructive peer assessment
• Strategies for training students to give meaningful feedback
• Balancing teacher, peer, and self-assessment
• Takeaways for Participants
• • Step-by-step guide for implementing peer feedback routines.
  • Examples of effective student feedback models.
  • Digital and analog tools for structuring peer review.
  • Techniques for coaching students to give high-quality feedback.

Session 3: Making the Shift: Practical Steps to Transform Assessment in Your Classroom

• Alternative grading models (standards-based, portfolios, contract grading, etc.)
• Overcoming challenges and resistance
• Tools and strategies for implementation
• Takeaways for Participants
• • Overview of alternative grading models (e.g., self-assessment, portfolios, contract grading).
  • Sample templates and rubrics for qualitative feedback.
  • Case studies of schools/teachers successfully implementing these strategies.

Registration

Back to Top

Supporting Struggling Adolescent Readers with Dr. Heidi Beverine-Curry

Tuesdays – January 13, 27 and February 10 from 4:00 - 5:30 PM

Supporting struggling adolescent readers is vital because many older students lack foundational literacy skills, which limits their academic success and future opportunities. This three-part series will explore evidence-aligned strategies rooted in the science of reading, with a focus on vocabulary development, complex texts, and effective instruction within MTSS frameworks. Participants can expect practical tools, research-backed insights, and actionable steps to transform their approach to adolescent literacy.

Session 1: Emphasis on Evidence-Aligned Instruction: Dr. Beverine-Curry advocates for instructional practices grounded in the science of reading. She highlights the importance of phonological awareness, phonics, decoding, vocabulary, and comprehension as foundational elements in reading instruction. She notes that many educators have not been adequately prepared to teach these components, especially at the middle and high school levels.​

Session 2: Importance of Vocabulary and Complex Texts: In addressing older struggling readers, Dr. Beverine-Curry emphasizes the need to focus on vocabulary—not just pronunciation but also meaning. She advocates for engaging students with complex texts and posing text-dependent questions to enhance comprehension skills.

Session 3: Integration of MTSS Frameworks: Dr. Beverine-Curry underscores the significance of MTSS in supporting adolescent literacy. She stresses that effective intervention requires a solid foundation of core instruction. Without quality core instruction, interventions may not yield the desired outcomes.​

Registration

Back to top