2026 Retreat Mini Sessions

Portrait of a Graduate Rubrics or Overview

As we look at NYS Portrait of a Graduate helping students become Academically Prepared, Creative Innovators, Critical Thinkers, Effective Communicators, and Global Citizens who are Reflective and Future-Focused, this session will look at how these competencies fit into NY Inspires. We will review definitions and how they are interconnected and discuss what has been done thus far to build fluency and buy-in. We look to support current needs, and help guide next steps in working these attributes into district initiatives. This session also includes any guidance, updates, rubrics, and general documents from NYS regarding Portrait of a Graduate implementation Phase 1. BONUS: If the Portrait of a Graduate rubrics have been released, we’ll look at those too!

CA BOCES Data Heat Maps

This session highlights 3-8 Math and ELA data based on NYS assessment results, drilling down into grade bands and a multi-year comparison/trend data for each district. As we look at regional and district data over the course of a decade, we discuss NYS standards, alignment to curriculum and engage in conversation around overall needs, changes, and glows/grows. While student performance is a key component, often there is discussion about best practices in instruction and streamlining curriculum and assessment.

Project-Based/Inquiry-Based Learning

From Vision to Classroom Reality: PBL & IBL as a District Lever

This session highlights how Project and Inquiry Based Learning can serve as a strategic lever for advancing district instructional priorities. Leadership teams will gain an overview of how this approach translates district vision into authentic classroom practice, key considerations for system level implementation, and how districts can begin aligning existing curriculum and programming to create coherent, engaging, and deeper learning experiences for students.

Technology Tools for Administrators

This session helps create a vision by streamlining operations, strengthening communication, and turning data into informed, strategic action. When aligned to district priorities, these tools empower leaders to focus less on managing systems and more on leading people, improving outcomes, and advancing their instructional vision with clarity and confidence.

NYSED Mental Health Literacy Briefs

The Office of Student Supports Services is responsible for intentionally focusing on critically important areas of school and student development. The Mental Health Literacy Briefs are anticipated to be Board of Regents approved in May and released this summer. If released, this session would focus on the guide posts offered by the briefs and an overview of best practices recommended.

ISS Program Updates for 2026-2027

What’s in? What’s out? What’s new? We will take a look at the updated components of all things ISS. If there is a question about what ISS offers this is the opportunity to get clarity. This is a chance for your leadership team to get an inside look at CA BOCES instructional support services and to consider how to best leverage them to support your district’s vision and needs.

Personal Finance/Climate Education

This session highlights recent developments and anticipated guidance around personal finance and climate education in New York State. Participants will gain an overview of what’s on the horizon, considerations for implementation, and how districts can begin preparing to integrate these topics into existing curriculum and programming.

Developing a District Assessment Strategy

This session provides a high-level overview of building a cohesive, balanced assessment system at the district level. Grounded in guidance from the New York State Education Department, participants will explore how to design a comprehensive, coherent, and continuous system of assessments. The session will highlight how multiple sources of evidence—ranging from daily classroom interactions to state assessments—work together to inform decision-making, and how NYSED tools can support districts in mapping, evaluating, and strengthening their local assessment strategy.

The Dignity Index

“Each of us is born with inherent worth, so we treat everyone with dignity–no matter what.”
This session provides a brief overview of the Dignity Index as well as discussion on how it could support your district’s goals with regard to ensuring students, families, and staff feel a part of a respectful community.

NYS STEPS

What’s your next step with STEPS? An overview and update of STEPS resources including released examples, frequently asked questions, helpful tips for starting the plan, introduction to the platform/portal, outline of how to complete the process. and information from the field.