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Washington-Saratoga-Warren-Hamilton-Essex BOCES
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The School Improvement Service is designed to support local school district efforts in the areas of professional development, curriculum development, instructional design, and school planning/organization. Using these four areas as vehicles for school improvement, the current focus of the service is on the NYS Standards and Assessments as well as supporting the federal No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) by providing evidence-based staff development programs. Each participating district is part of a base service that provides coordination of regional and district specific activities to support:
Shared Curriculum CoordinatorShared Curriculum Coordinator provides leadership as an Itinerant Administrator serving as an advisor and resource to component school districts on matters pertaining to K-12 curriculum. This service assists and advises teachers on the teaching-learning process, particularly as it relates to curriculum, instruction and assessments. On-Line Professional Development CoursesInternet-based professional learning for teachers, administrators and para-professionals is provided by this service. Educators can participate in a variety of professional development opportunities including Project AccelerateU and Education On-Line, that support their needs in subject matter/content, instructional methodology and classroom management. Regional Assessment Scoring Support Grades 4,6, and 8 ELA This service provides for the coordination and implementation of the regional scoring process for grades 4,6,and /or 8 ELA exam including collection/return of exams, table leaders, clerical support, and distribution of score sheets to the Regional Information Center (RIC). Outdoor Education Students participate in outdoor learning activities designed to promote an awareness of the environment while emphasizing the importance of group cooperation. Activities include nature treasure hunts, stream and lake studies, and hiking. Students can also participate in adventure activities such as a high ropes course, rock climbing, and wilderness expeditions. Activities take place at either an outdoor camp (e.g., Camp Chingachook), a school or a combination thereof. BOCES coordinates and assists with the designing of customized programs that meet the needs of the districts. Portable Planetarium The Starlab Portable Planetarium Service provides an alternative to a large planetarium. It invites discussion and commentary whereby the classroom teacher acts as the planetarium instructor. The teacher can talk students through the experience, adapt to the needs of particular students and/or wonder with them about the universe. Consisting of an inflatable dome, projector, projection cylinders, and optional accessories, the Starlab System packs down into traveling cases and a duffel bag. Transportation of the Starlab is provided by BOCES for those district participating in the courier service. Training is also provided. Employee Assistance Program (EAP) EAP is a confidential service for employees seeking help with behavioral or medical problems that may impact their job performance. Employees may receive up to three sessions with an EAP counselor for such issues as marital and family related stress, financial strain, alcohol or drug abuse, legal uncertainty or health difficulties. Services will be provided by the Capital Region EAP, an independent service provider. BOCES will coordinate the provision of workshops to participating districts on such topics as managing stress, smoking cessation, etc. A BOCES-led regional advisory council will monitor program implementation. The program cost covers up to three sessions per employee and workshop delivery. If additional employee services and support are necessary, the cost of services provided by other agencies is borne by the employee. |
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