Frontline Education

1. Book Study: Stolen Focus by Johann Hari

Program: School Library System

Audience: School librarians, classroom teachers, technology coaches

Dates: 10/9/2025 to 10/30/2025

Wait List

Stolen Focus by Johann Hari
Join school librarian colleagues in a discussion of Johann Hari's thought-provoking book. This book explores human attention, and the crisis of diminishing attention spans in today's society.
From the book's cover: "We think our inability to focus is a personal failure to summon enough willpower to ignore our devices. The truth is even more disturbing: Our focus has been stolen by powerful external foces that have left us uniquely vulnerable to corporations determined to raid our attention for profit." Our book study will focus on how that affects student learning in our schools.

This book study will be virtual, with a blend of both synchronous & asynchronous discussion and activities. More details will follow.
Each participant will receive a copy of the book. Please register by September 25 so you can receive your book by the start date.

Meeting #1 10/9/25
Meeting #2 10/23/25
Meeting #3 10/30/25

2. Book Buzz High School 2025-26 Edition

Program: School Library System

Audience: School librarians and other educators

Dates: 10/9/2025 to 4/2/2026

Book Buzz - If you love books, but don't have time to read them all, then please join us for some rigorous discussion about great new books. All that's required is your latest read and your thoughts. Books should be appropriate for secondary students and published within the last 2 years. It's an awesome way to find out what books are out there and if they might work in your library or classroom.
We meet once a month, three times in the fall and three times in the spring. That's it! Hope to see you there.

Participants will receive credit at the end of the course, credit will not be given to participants who miss 3 or more sessions. All meetings will be held online.

Access information will be sent out the day before the event.

3. Fall Workshop - Utica

Program: State Aid Planning

Dates: 10/10/2025

CTLE

CPE

Our presentation will provide a recap of the 2025-26 Enacted Budget, Notable Changes to Aid in 2025-26, NYS Financial Outlook and How to conduct a Self-Assessment of Your State Aid Claims

4. Fall Workshop - Oneonta

Program: State Aid Planning

Dates: 10/14/2025

CTLE

CPE

Our presentation will provide a recap of the 2025-26 Enacted Budget, Notable Changes to Aid in 2025-26, NYS Financial Outlook and How to conduct a Self-Assessment of Your State Aid Claims

5. Book Buzz Elementary 2025-26 Edition

Program: School Library System

Audience: School librarians, classroom teachers, reading specialists

Dates: 10/15/2025 to 3/11/2026

Book Buzz - If you love books, but don't have time to read them all, then please join us for some rigorous discussion about great new books. All that's required is your latest read and your thoughts. Books should be appropriate for students in grades PK-5 and published within the last 2 years. It's an awesome way to find out what books are out there and if they might work in your library or classroom.
We meet once a month, three times in the fall and three times in the spring. That's it! Hope to see you there.
Participants must attend all meetings to receive full credit, participants who miss more than 3 meetings will not receive credit. All meetings will be held online. Access information will be sent out the day before the event.

Facilitated by Peggy O'Connor

6. Fall Workshop - Watertown

Program: State Aid Planning

Dates: 10/17/2025

CTLE

CPE

Our presentation will provide a recap of the 2025-26 Enacted Budget, Notable Changes to Aid in 2025-26, NYS Financial Outlook and How to conduct a Self-Assessment of Your State Aid Claims

7. Fall Workshop - Long Island

Program: State Aid Planning

Dates: 10/17/2025

CTLE

CPE

Our presentation will provide a recap of the 2025-26 Enacted Budget, Notable Changes to Aid in 2025-26, NYS Financial Outlook and How to conduct a Self-Assessment of Your State Aid Claims

8. Fall Workshop - Webinar

Program: State Aid Planning

Dates: 10/22/2025

CTLE

CPE

Our presentation will provide a recap of the 2025-26 Enacted Budget, Notable Changes to Aid in 2025-26, NYS Financial Outlook and How to conduct a Self-Assessment of Your State Aid Claims

9. Library Automation Review

Program: School Library System

Audience: School librarians from Questar III SLS member districts

Dates: 11/10/2025

QUESTAR III School Library System is conducting a library automation review. During this workshop we will have discussion as to priorities in a library automation solution. Two vendors will present potential library automation solutions. We will see presentations by Alexandria and TLC. After the presentations we will review the pros and cons of each system. Then, we will develop next step plans.

10. TeaTime with State Aid Planning

Program: State Aid Planning

Dates: 12/2/2025

CPE

CTLE

Topics: TBA Webinar series that focuses on assisting school district treasurers with accounting issues that affect maximizing state aid.

11. SAP Non-Resident Billing Training

Program: State Aid Planning

Dates: 12/3/2025

CTLE

CPE

General overview of Non-Resident Tuition Billing with some additional focus on billing procedures/methodologies, especially between districts.

12. Strengthening Our Core: School Library Values in Practice

Program: School Library System

Audience: School librarians

Dates: 12/10/2025

Closed

Join school librarians across the state to see the ALA Core Values in action in school libraries. Keynote speaker K.C. Boyd will kick off the day, and school librarians from across the state will present on how their work is rooted in the core values of Access, Equity, Intellectual Freedom & Privacy, Public Good, and Sustainability.

13. School Library System Council Meeting #2

Program: School Library System

Audience: Questar III SLS Council Members

Dates: 1/13/2026

One of four required meetings of the SLS Council. Council assists the SLS in its mission as outlined in Commissioner's Regulations 90.18 including creating and monitoring the Plan of Service, and recommending approval of the annual budget and the annual report. Updates are also provided to Council members at each meeting.

14. State Aid Planning Winter Workshop - Webinar

Program: State Aid Planning

Dates: 2/24/2026

CTLE

CPE

Topics: Governor's Budget Analysis: Understanding Projections, including the Universal Prekindergarten Expansion and Other Changes proposed that may affect your district. In addition, we will discuss Tips for Claiming, Budgeting, and Paying for Charter School children.

15. Instruction for ALL Learners: Strategies that Work- Session 1: Different, Not Double: Differentiation that Works for Everyone

Program: School Improvement

Audience: K-8 general education and special education teachers

Dates: 3/2/2026

The goal of this workshop series is to equip educators with high-impact, inclusive instructional practices that meet the needs of diverse learners while fostering collaboration between general and special education staff. This session will focus on tiered assignments, flexible grouping, choice boards, and differentiating content, process, and product without doubling the workload. We will also discuss strategies like modeling, think-alouds, sentence frames, and guided practice, as well as how scaffolds can support students with IEPs and extend learning for other students. Teachers should bring devices with them so they can access lessons or curricular materials to adapt to include differentiation for readiness, interest, or learning profiles.

16. TeaTime with State Aid Planning

Program: State Aid Planning

Dates: 3/3/2026

CPE

CTLE

Topics include: Linking account codes to the ST-3 codes to Maximize State Aid Accounting for grants for EV buses and infrastructure Accounting for Section 4201 placements and Accounting for Refunds/Reimbursements Properly

17. School Library System Council Meeting #3

Program: School Library System

Audience: Questar III SLS Council Members

Dates: 3/26/2026

One of four required meetings of the SLS Council. Council assists the SLS in its mission as outlined in Commissioner's Regulations 90.18 including creating and monitoring the Plan of Service, and recommending approval of the annual budget and the annual report. Updates are also provided to Council members at each meeting.

18. Instruction for ALL Learners: Strategies that Work- Session 2: Clear Roles, Shared Goals: Using Data in Co-Taught Classrooms

Program: School Improvement

Audience: K-8 general education and special education teachers

Dates: 4/20/2026

The goal of this workshop series is to equip educators with high-impact, inclusive instructional practices that meet the needs of diverse learners while fostering collaboration between general and special education staff. In this session, we will explore different co-teaching models, identify when and how to use each one effectively, and discuss role clarity and communication tools for co-teaching pairs. We will also focus on how to use formative assessment and progress data to adjust instruction, simple, teacher-friendly tools for monitoring both general and special education student progress, and how to build a feedback loop between teachers and specialists. Participants will leave with explicit instruction checklists, sample data trackers, and intervention planning templates. Teachers should bring devices.

19. School Library System Council Meeting #4

Program: School Library System

Audience: Questar III SLS Council Members

Dates: 6/3/2026

One of four required meetings of the SLS Council. Council assists the SLS in its mission as outlined in Commissioner's Regulations 90.18 including creating and monitoring the Plan of Service, and recommending approval of the annual budget and the annual report. Updates are also provided to Council members at each meeting.

20. TeaTime with State Aid Planning

Program: State Aid Planning

Dates: 6/16/2026

CPE

CTLE

Topics: TBA Webinar series that focuses on assisting school district treasurers with accounting issues that affect maximizing state aid.

21. Dignity for All Students Act Training (DASA) - Asynchronous

Program: School Improvement

Audience: Individuals seeking educator certification in New York State

Dates: 7/1/2026

The amended Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) took effect on July 1, 2013, under this amended legislation beginning January 1, 2014, all persons applying to the NYS Education Department for an administrative or supervisory service, classroom teaching service or school service certificate or coaching license must complete six (6) hours of coursework or training in harassment, bullying and discrimination prevention and intervention. The training proactively addresses the social patterns of harassment, bullying and discrimination and is designed to provide participants with the knowledge and skills needed to create an affirming school environment for all students. Participants must complete all of the required coursework at a satisfactory level in order to receive credit for course completion. Payment of $80.00 must be received before a participant is marked as COMPLETED. Please make the check payable to Questar III BOCES and send to Claire Carangelo at 10 Empire State Boulevard, Castleton, NY 12033. The web link to the training materials will be sent out to registrants once registration is complete and paid in full.

22. The Asset-Based IEP Writing Series: Beyond Compliance (Part 1) The Profile

Program: School Improvement

Audience: All teachers responsible for writing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), drafting Performance Levels, Evaluating IEP Goals, and more.

Dates: 7/2/2026

This session focuses on present levels, strengths, and assessments. In an era defined by NY Inspires, the Individualized Education Program (IEP) must be more than a record of disability. In this four-part series, participants will learn how to create a "Portrait of a Graduate" and move beyond a checkbox mentality of compliance. Participants will engage in a deep dive into Part 200 Regulations, reframing the IEP process through the lens of the Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education Framework. We will explore how to draft performance levels that affirm a student's cultural and linguistic identity, create measurable annual goals that foster high expectations, and design transition plans that ensure every student-regardless of ability-graduates as a communicator, collaborator, and empowered learner. Through collaborative workshops, participants will dismantle deficit-based writing and replace it with a "Strengths First" methodology, ensuring every student has an equitable seat at the table of their own future.

23. Questar III Book Study: Teach Students How to Learn... by Saundra Yancy McGuire with Stephanie McGuire Facilitated by Nichole Bruins and Kristen Phillips

Program: School Improvement

Audience: Questar III BOCES staff

Dates: 7/9/2026 to 8/20/2026

Many students arrive in our classrooms relying on passive rote memorization-habits that worked in high school but fail them under the rigor of college-level coursework. When students study hard but still perform poorly, they often become demoralized and disengaged, mistakenly believing they "just aren't good at the subject." In Teach Students How to Learn, pioneering educator Dr. Saundra Yancy McGuire demonstrates that the issue isn't a lack of ability, but a lack of effective learning strategies. This book offers a practical blueprint for faculty to teach students how to learn. By implementing brief, high-impact metacognitive interventions, instructors can empower students to take control of their own academic success. The Core Premise: We don't need to lower our standards; we need to raise our students' learning skills. Key Concepts We Will Explore: Metacognition- Moving students from passive consumers of information to active, self-monitoring learners. Bloom's Taxonomy as a Mirror- Teaching students to recognize the gap between high school expectations (Remembering/Understanding) and college demands (Applying/Analyzing). The Growth Mindset- Shifting students from a fixed mindset ("I'm bad at math") to a growth mindset ("I need better strategies"). The Study Cycle Framework- A 5-step framework faculty can share with students to revolutionize their study habits.

24. Building a Strong Foundation in CR-SE and NY Inspires: Empowering All Staff to Support All Students

Program: School Improvement

Audience: Any and all interested participants.

Dates: 7/10/2026

Join us for an empowering session focused on building a strong foundation in CRSE and NY Inspires. This interactive session will equip staff with practical Tier 1 strategies to create inclusive, engaging, and student-centered learning environments.
Through collaborative activities and real-world connections, participants will strengthen their ability to support diverse learners, build meaningful relationships, and align their practice with state-initiatives and priorities. Walk away with ready-to-use strategies, shared language, and clear next steps to ensure all students feel seen, valued, and supported.

25. Coffee Talk

Program: State Aid Planning

Dates: 7/15/2026

CTLE

CPE

Preparing the State Aid Claim Forms: A Closer Look at Form A, Why RWADA Matters, Attendance Data, and How Information Affects Aid Ratios.

26. Teacher Lead Evaluator Training - Initial Certification

Program: School Improvement

Audience: Building and district leaders

Dates: 7/15/2026

This workshop is designed with collaboration in mind. For initial training, we will dive into the details of the current APPR Law and your individual district plans. In the afternoon for recertification participants, we will dive deeper into performance levels and hands on practice, with emphasis on: inter-rater reliability, impact of your role as an administrator, and how the APPR process can be used to strengthen your school's goals. We will practice scoring examples using video clips and your district rubric. Participants will hone their evaluation skills and fulfill the certification and / or re-certification requirements and use the rubrics determined in their own district APPR plan. Lunch will be provided for full-day INITIAL certification training attendees.

27. Teacher Lead Evaluator Training - Re-Certification

Program: School Improvement

Audience: Building and district leaders

Dates: 7/15/2026

This workshop is designed with collaboration in mind. For initial training, we will dive into the details of the current APPR Law and your individual district plans. In the afternoon for recertification participants, we will dive deeper into performance levels and hands on practice, with emphasis on: inter-rater reliability, impact of your role as an administrator, and how the APPR process can be used to strengthen your school's goals. We will practice scoring examples using video clips and your district rubric. Participants will hone their evaluation skills and fulfill the certification and / or re-certification requirements and use the rubrics determined in their own district APPR plan. Lunch will be provided for full-day INITIAL certification training attendees.

28. Questar III Book Study: Verified; How to Think Straight... by Mike Caulfield and Sam Wineburg Facilitated by Brittany Trela

Program: Capital District RBE-RN

Audience: Questar III BOCES staff

Dates: 7/15/2026 to 8/12/2026

In Verified: How to Think Straight, Get Duped Less, and Make Better Decisions About What to Believe Online, digital literacy expert Mike Caulfield and veteran fact-checker Sam Wineburg examine the growing challenge of navigating misinformation in an age of endless content, algorithms, and viral claims. The authors argue that traditional approaches to evaluating information are no longer enough in a digital world designed to overwhelm attention and blur the line between truth and manipulation. Through real-world examples and practical strategies, they reveal how easily even thoughtful people can be misled online-and how developing stronger verification habits is essential for informed decision-making. This book study will explore the authors' practical framework for evaluating online information with greater confidence and clarity. Participants will examine strategies for identifying credible sources, recognizing manipulation tactics, and slowing down reactive thinking in digital spaces. Together, we will discuss how these skills can strengthen critical thinking, support responsible digital citizenship, and help students and educators become more thoughtful, informed consumers of information in an increasingly complex online world.

29. Questar III Book Study: Speak, Memorably... by Bill McGowan and Juliana Silva Facilitated by Helena Maguffin

Program: School Improvement

Audience: Questar III BOCES staff

Dates: 7/15/2026 to 8/12/2026

Public speaking is famously cited as the top fear in America, often ranking higher than death, yet it remains an unavoidable requirement for professional and personal success. In the second edition of Speak With No Fear, communications coach Mike Acker offers a transformative guide to moving past the sweaty palms and racing heart of performance anxiety. This book isn't about complex theory; it is a practical manual designed to get you "in the game” through seven actionable strategies. By shifting your perspective and focusing on preparation rather than perfection, Acker helps you dismantle the costly comparison trap that occurs when we measure ourselves against TED Talk stars. Written with relatable anecdotes and a dose of humor, the book encourages readers to trade skepticism for self-belief. Whether you are prepping for a boardroom presentation or a wedding toast, these strategies provide the tools to calm your nerves and speak with genuine confidence.

30. The Asset-Based IEP Writing Series: Beyond Compliance (Part 2) The Roadmap

Program: School Improvement

Audience: All teachers responsible for writing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), drafting Performance Levels, Evaluating IEP Goals, and more.

Dates: 7/16/2026

This session focuses on measurable annual goals and progress monitoring. In an era defined by NY Inspires, the Individualized Education Program (IEP) must be more than a record of disability. In this four-part series, participants will learn how to create a "Portrait of a Graduate" and move beyond a checkbox mentality of compliance. Participants will engage in a deep dive into Part 200 Regulations, reframing the IEP process through the lens of the Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education Framework. We will explore how to draft performance levels that affirm a student's cultural and linguistic identity, create measurable annual goals that foster high expectations, and design transition plans that ensure every student-regardless of ability-graduates as a communicator, collaborator, and empowered learner. Through collaborative workshops, participants will dismantle deficit-based writing and replace it with a "Strengths First" methodology, ensuring every student has an equitable seat at the table of their own future.

31. Knowledge Café

Program: State Aid Planning

Dates: 7/29/2026

CPE

CTLE

Review of the School Business Official (SBO) Calendar for the following month and other related topics

32. Questar III Book Study: Hidden Potential... by Adam Grant Facilitated by Mike Burns

Program: School Improvement

Audience: Questar III BOCES staff

Dates: 7/29/2026 to 8/11/2026

Hidden Potential by Adam Grant is an engaging and thought-provoking read that challenges the idea that success is determined by natural talent alone. Instead, Grant explores how growth, resilience, character, and opportunity shape achievement over time. Through powerful stories and research-backed insights, he shows how people often exceed expectations when they are supported, and encouraged to develop their strengths. The book invites educators to reflect on how we recognize potential in students-and in ourselves. What makes this book especially meaningful for educators is its practical connection to the work happening in classrooms and schools every day. Grant offers fresh perspectives on motivation, learning, confidence, and creating environments where all students can thrive, not just those who stand out immediately. Hidden Potential is both inspiring and actionable, leaving readers with ideas that can influence teaching, leadership, and school culture in lasting ways.

33. Dignity for All Students Act Training (DASA) - Asynchronous

Program: School Improvement

Audience: Individuals seeking educator certification in New York State

Dates: 8/1/2026

The amended Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) took effect on July 1, 2013, under this amended legislation beginning January 1, 2014, all persons applying to the NYS Education Department for an administrative or supervisory service, classroom teaching service or school service certificate or coaching license must complete six (6) hours of coursework or training in harassment, bullying and discrimination prevention and intervention. The training proactively addresses the social patterns of harassment, bullying and discrimination and is designed to provide participants with the knowledge and skills needed to create an affirming school environment for all students. Participants must complete all of the required coursework at a satisfactory level in order to receive credit for course completion. Payment of $80.00 must be received before a participant is marked as COMPLETED. Please make the check payable to Questar III BOCES and send to Claire Carangelo at 10 Empire State Boulevard, Castleton, NY 12033. The web link to the training materials will be sent out to registrants once registration is complete and paid in full.

34. Coffee Talk

Program: State Aid Planning

Dates: 8/5/2026

CTLE

CPE

Preparing the State Aid Claim Forms: A Closer Look at Form FT and Transportation Aid

35. P-Based Learning & Assessment Design Camp - Documenting The Journey to NY-Inspires Aligned Teaching

Program: School Improvement

Audience: All teachers ready to learn about NY-Inspires, take a risk, and flip traditional teaching into highly engaging PBLA. Must also be willing to participate in the documentary film.

Dates: 8/6/2026 to 2/8/2027

Participants will engage in a dynamic, year-long professional learning experience focused on designing, implementing, and refining authentic learning through project-based, portfolio-based, and performance-based approaches. Grounded in the vision of NY-Inspires, this experience emphasizes alignment to deeper learning, meaningful assessment, and student-centered practice-while intentionally capturing and reflecting on the evolution of teaching and learning along the way. The journey begins with two in-person kickoff days, where educators build strong professional connections, explore core principles of PBLA, and critically examine their current practices. From there, participants will engage in cycles of design, implementation, reflection, and documentation-making their instructional shifts visible and shareable. This PBLA In Action Design Camp culminates in a one-of-a-kind celebration: a Red-Carpet Debut of the documentary film PBLA IN ACTION! Starring YOU!-highlighting participants' growth, classroom impact, and their collective journey toward NY-Inspires aligned teaching.

36. Teacher Lead Evaluator Training - Re-Certification

Program: School Improvement

Audience: Building and district leaders

Dates: 8/10/2026

This workshop is designed with collaboration in mind. We will deep dive into performance levels and hands on practice, with emphasis on: inter-rater reliability, impact of your role as an administrator, and how the APPR process can be used to strengthen your school's goals. We will practice scoring examples using video clips and your district rubric. Participants will hone their evaluation skills and fulfill re-certification requirements and use the rubrics determined in their own district APPR plan.

37. The Asset-Based IEP Writing Series: Beyond Compliance (Part 3) The Toolkit

Program: School Improvement

Audience: All teachers responsible for writing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), drafting Performance Levels, Evaluating IEP Goals, and more.

Dates: 8/10/2026

This session focuses on services, accommodations, and management needs. In an era defined by NY Inspires, the Individualized Education Program (IEP) must be more than a record of disability. In this four-part series, participants will learn how to create a "Portrait of a Graduate" and move beyond a checkbox mentality of compliance. Participants will engage in a deep dive into Part 200 Regulations, reframing the IEP process through the lens of the Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education Framework. We will explore how to draft performance levels that affirm a student's cultural and linguistic identity, create measurable annual goals that foster high expectations, and design transition plans that ensure every student-regardless of ability-graduates as a communicator, collaborator, and empowered learner. Through collaborative workshops, participants will dismantle deficit-based writing and replace it with a "Strengths First" methodology, ensuring every student has an equitable seat at the table of their own future.

38. Teacher Lead Evaluator Training - Re-Certification-Catskill CSD ONLY

Program: School Improvement

Audience: Building and district leaders

Dates: 8/13/2026

This workshop is designed with collaboration in mind. We will deep dive into performance levels and hands on practice, with emphasis on: inter-rater reliability, impact of your role as an administrator, and how the APPR process can be used to strengthen your school's goals. We will practice scoring examples using video clips and your district rubric. Participants will hone their evaluation skills and fulfill re-certification requirements and use the rubrics determined in their own district APPR plan.

39. Teacher Lead Evaluator Training - Initial Certification

Program: School Improvement

Audience: Building and district leaders

Dates: 8/14/2026

This workshop is designed with collaboration in mind. For initial training, we will dive into the details of the current APPR Law and your individual district plans. In the afternoon for recertification participants, we will dive deeper into performance levels and hands on practice, with emphasis on: inter-rater reliability, impact of your role as an administrator, and how the APPR process can be used to strengthen your school's goals. We will practice scoring examples using video clips and your district rubric. Participants will hone their evaluation skills and fulfill the certification and / or re-certification requirements and use the rubrics determined in their own district APPR plan. Lunch will be provided for full-day INITIAL certification training attendees.

40. Teacher Lead Evaluator Training - Re-Certification

Program: School Improvement

Audience: Building and district leaders

Dates: 8/14/2026

This workshop is designed with collaboration in mind. For initial training, we will dive into the details of the current APPR Law and your individual district plans. In the afternoon for recertification participants, we will dive deeper into performance levels and hands on practice, with emphasis on: inter-rater reliability, impact of your role as an administrator, and how the APPR process can be used to strengthen your school's goals. We will practice scoring examples using video clips and your district rubric. Participants will hone their evaluation skills and fulfill the certification and / or re-certification requirements and use the rubrics determined in their own district APPR plan. Lunch will be provided for full-day INITIAL certification training attendees.

41. Spotlight on New Books with Alicia & Stacey

Program: School Library System

Dates: 8/18/2026

Join us for a full day highlighting the best new books! Presenters Alicia Abdul (Albany High School) and Stacey Rattner (Castleton Elementary School) will help prepare you for the year to come! All levels of books will be covered in this active and engaging workshop. Date: August 18, 2026 Time: 9:00am - 3:00pm, registration starts at 8:30am Location: Capital Region BOCES, 900 Watervliet Shaker Road, Albany NY 12205

42. Knowledge Café

Program: State Aid Planning

Dates: 8/19/2026

CPE

CTLE

Review of the School Business Official (SBO) Calendar for the following month and other related topics

43. STEM Summer Symposium

Program: School Improvement

Audience: All interested participants.

Dates: 8/19/2026

The STEM Summer Symposium is a professional development opportunity, open to all STEM educators, building and district leaders, and research/industry professionals. During the symposium, the STEM Research Institute Fellows share their experience and demonstrate instructional strategies and student learning experiences based on the lessons they developed during the program.

44. The Asset-Based IEP Writing Series: Beyond Compliance (Part 4) The Future

Program: School Improvement

Audience: All teachers responsible for writing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), drafting Performance Levels, Evaluating IEP Goals, and more.

Dates: 8/24/2026

This session focuses on transition planning and the CSE / CPSE meeting. In an era defined by NY Inspires, the Individualized Education Program (IEP) must be more than a record of disability. In this four-part series, participants will learn how to create a "Portrait of a Graduate" and move beyond a checkbox mentality of compliance. Participants will engage in a deep dive into Part 200 Regulations, reframing the IEP process through the lens of the Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education Framework. We will explore how to draft performance levels that affirm a student's cultural and linguistic identity, create measurable annual goals that foster high expectations, and design transition plans that ensure every student-regardless of ability-graduates as a communicator, collaborator, and empowered learner. Through collaborative workshops, participants will dismantle deficit-based writing and replace it with a "Strengths First" methodology, ensuring every student has an equitable seat at the table of their own future.

45. TeaTime with State Aid Planning

Program: State Aid Planning

Dates: 8/25/2026

CPE

CTLE

Topics: TBA Webinar series that focuses on assisting school district treasurers with accounting issues that affect maximizing state aid.

46. ENL New Teacher Collaborative: A Mentoring & Professional Learning Community of Practice for Teachers New to ENL

Program: Capital District RBE-RN

Audience: ENL teachers in their first 3 years of teaching ENL, including educators who are new to the profession as well as experienced teachers transitioning into English as a New Language from another certification area.

Dates: 8/31/2026 to 5/24/2027

Beginning your career as an English as a New Language (ENL) teacher is both exciting and challenging. Whether you are new to teaching or an experienced educator transitioning into ENL, the first few years are filled with opportunities to learn, grow, and refine your practice. The ENL New Teacher Collaborative is a year-long professional learning community (PLC) designed specifically for ENL teachers in their first 3 years of practice. Through monthly collaborative sessions, participants will connect with colleagues across the Capital Region and state, receive guidance from an experienced ENL teacher mentor, and engage in meaningful conversations centered on effective instructional practices and the unique experiences of multilingual learners. Each session combines professional learning, collaborative problem-solving, reflection, and practical strategies that participants can immediately implement in their classrooms. Launch (August - September): Establishing your role and classroom Strengthen (October - December): Refining instruction and collaboration Deepen (January - March): Using data, literacy, and differentiation to improve practice Lead Forward (April - May): Advocacy, reflection, celebration, and future growth Participants will: -Build a supportive professional network with fellow early-career ENL educators -Learn research-based instructional practices that promote multilingual learner success -Explore current topics in ENL education through discussion and collaborative inquiry -Reflect on instructional practice and professional growth -Receive mentoring from an experienced ENL educator -Earn CTLE credit for each session attended *An optional end-of-year in-person networking and celebration event may be offered, depending on participant interest, to recognize participants' accomplishments and strengthen professional connections.

47. Dignity for All Students Act Training (DASA) - Asynchronous

Program: School Improvement

Audience: Individuals seeking educator certification in New York State

Dates: 9/1/2026

The amended Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) took effect on July 1, 2013, under this amended legislation beginning January 1, 2014, all persons applying to the NYS Education Department for an administrative or supervisory service, classroom teaching service or school service certificate or coaching license must complete six (6) hours of coursework or training in harassment, bullying and discrimination prevention and intervention. The training proactively addresses the social patterns of harassment, bullying and discrimination and is designed to provide participants with the knowledge and skills needed to create an affirming school environment for all students. Participants must complete all of the required coursework at a satisfactory level in order to receive credit for course completion. Payment of $80.00 must be received before a participant is marked as COMPLETED. Please make the check payable to Questar III BOCES and send to Claire Carangelo at 10 Empire State Boulevard, Castleton, NY 12033. The web link to the training materials will be sent out to registrants once registration is complete and paid in full.

48. State Aid Planning ST-3 Training

Program: State Aid Planning

Dates: 9/1/2026

CPE

CTLE

An overview of the ST-3 filing and reporting process.

49. Teacher Lead Evaluator Training - Initial Certification

Program: School Improvement

Audience: Building and district leaders

Dates: 9/8/2026

This workshop is designed with collaboration in mind. For initial training, we will dive into the details of the current APPR Law and your individual district plans. In the afternoon for recertification participants, we will dive deeper into performance levels and hands on practice, with emphasis on: inter-rater reliability, impact of your role as an administrator, and how the APPR process can be used to strengthen your school's goals. We will practice scoring examples using video clips and your district rubric. Participants will hone their evaluation skills and fulfill the certification and / or re-certification requirements and use the rubrics determined in their own district APPR plan. Lunch will be provided for full-day INITIAL certification training attendees.

50. Teacher Lead Evaluator Training - Re-Certification

Program: School Improvement

Audience: Building and district leaders

Dates: 9/8/2026

This workshop is designed with collaboration in mind. For initial training, we will dive into the details of the current APPR Law and your individual district plans. In the afternoon for recertification participants, we will dive deeper into performance levels and hands on practice, with emphasis on: inter-rater reliability, impact of your role as an administrator, and how the APPR process can be used to strengthen your school's goals. We will practice scoring examples using video clips and your district rubric. Participants will hone their evaluation skills and fulfill the certification and / or re-certification requirements and use the rubrics determined in their own district APPR plan. Lunch will be provided for full-day INITIAL certification training attendees.

51. Coffee Talk

Program: State Aid Planning

Dates: 9/9/2026

CTLE

CPE

4408 data, Review of Excess Cost Aid Submissions and Tips for Maximizing Aid.

52. Teacher Lead Evaluator Training - Initial Certification

Program: School Improvement

Audience: Building and district leaders

Dates: 9/9/2026

This workshop is designed with collaboration in mind. For initial training, we will dive into the details of the current APPR Law and your individual district plans. In the afternoon for recertification participants, we will dive deeper into performance levels and hands on practice, with emphasis on: inter-rater reliability, impact of your role as an administrator, and how the APPR process can be used to strengthen your school's goals. We will practice scoring examples using video clips and your district rubric. Participants will hone their evaluation skills and fulfill the certification and / or re-certification requirements and use the rubrics determined in their own district APPR plan. Lunch will be provided for full-day INITIAL certification training attendees.

53. Teacher Lead Evaluator Training - Re-Certification

Program: School Improvement

Audience: Building and district leaders

Dates: 9/9/2026

This workshop is designed with collaboration in mind. For initial training, we will dive into the details of the current APPR Law and your individual district plans. In the afternoon for recertification participants, we will dive deeper into performance levels and hands on practice, with emphasis on: inter-rater reliability, impact of your role as an administrator, and how the APPR process can be used to strengthen your school's goals. We will practice scoring examples using video clips and your district rubric. Participants will hone their evaluation skills and fulfill the certification and / or re-certification requirements and use the rubrics determined in their own district APPR plan. Lunch will be provided for full-day INITIAL certification training attendees.

54. Open forum for educators who work with Multilingual learners/English learners

Program: Capital District RBE-RN

Audience: Any teacher, leader, administrator who works with English language learners or potentially has them in their classroom

Dates: 9/15/2026 to 5/20/2027

This virtual professional development session provides an open forum for teachers, TA's, school counselors, BOCES employees, and school/district administrators to ask questions and discuss challenges related to supporting multilingual learners. A majority of our focus will be on the WIDA changes coming to NY. Participants are invited to drop in with specific questions, scenarios, or concerns from their classrooms or schools. Dr. Ranieri will provide guidance, resources, and practical strategies in response. The session is designed to be flexible and responsive to participants' needs, creating a space for collaborative problem-solving and professional learning. We will all learn from each other in this space.

55. Knowledge Café

Program: State Aid Planning

Dates: 9/16/2026

CPE

CTLE

Review of the School Business Official (SBO) Calendar for the following month and other related topics

56. Fall Workshop - Syracuse

Program: State Aid Planning

Dates: 9/24/2026

CTLE

CPE

Registration 11:30. The State Aid Planning 2026 Fall Workshop will focus on what you can do to help yourself as far as district reporting and communicating with the board, managing finances throughout the year, and ideas to help plan for district finances in the future.

57. Fall Workshop - Watertown

Program: State Aid Planning

Dates: 9/25/2026

CTLE

CPE

Registration 8:30. The State Aid Planning 2026 Fall Workshop will focus on what you can do to help yourself as far as district reporting and communicating with the board, managing finances throughout the year, and ideas to help plan for district finances in the future.

58. Fall Workshop - Long Island

Program: State Aid Planning

Dates: 9/28/2026

CTLE

CPE

Registration 12:30. The State Aid Planning 2026 Fall Workshop will focus on what you can do to help yourself as far as district reporting and communicating with the board, managing finances throughout the year, and ideas to help plan for district finances in the future.

59. Fall Workshop - Putnam-Westchester

Program: State Aid Planning

Dates: 9/29/2026

CTLE

CPE

Registration 8:30. The State Aid Planning 2026 Fall Workshop will focus on what you can do to help yourself as far as district reporting and communicating with the board, managing finances throughout the year, and ideas to help plan for district finances in the future.

60. Fall Workshop - Oneonta

Program: State Aid Planning

Dates: 9/30/2026

CTLE

CPE

Registration 8:30. The State Aid Planning 2026 Fall Workshop will focus on what you can do to help yourself as far as district reporting and communicating with the board, managing finances throughout the year, and ideas to help plan for district finances in the future.

61. Dignity for All Students Act Training (DASA) - Asynchronous

Program: School Improvement

Audience: Individuals seeking educator certification in New York State

Dates: 10/1/2026

The amended Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) took effect on July 1, 2013, under this amended legislation beginning January 1, 2014, all persons applying to the NYS Education Department for an administrative or supervisory service, classroom teaching service or school service certificate or coaching license must complete six (6) hours of coursework or training in harassment, bullying and discrimination prevention and intervention. The training proactively addresses the social patterns of harassment, bullying and discrimination and is designed to provide participants with the knowledge and skills needed to create an affirming school environment for all students. Participants must complete all of the required coursework at a satisfactory level in order to receive credit for course completion. Payment of $80.00 must be received before a participant is marked as COMPLETED. Please make the check payable to Questar III BOCES and send to Claire Carangelo at 10 Empire State Boulevard, Castleton, NY 12033. The web link to the training materials will be sent out to registrants once registration is complete and paid in full.

62. Fall Workshop - Utica

Program: State Aid Planning

Dates: 10/1/2026

CTLE

CPE

The State Aid Planning 2026 Fall Workshop will focus on what you can do to help yourself as far as district reporting and communicating with the board, managing finances throughout the year, and ideas to help plan for district finances in the future.

63. Questar III / Capital Region / WSWHE BOCES JMT Meeting

Program: State Aid Planning

Dates: 10/2/2026

CTLE

CPE

The State Aid Planning 2026 Fall Workshop will focus on what you can do to help yourself as far as district reporting and communicating with the board, managing finances throughout the year, and ideas to help plan for district finances in the future.

64. Fall Workshop - Buffalo

Program: State Aid Planning

Dates: 10/5/2026

CTLE

CPE

Registration: 12:30 The State Aid Planning 2026 Fall Workshop will focus on what you can do to help yourself as far as district reporting and communicating with the board, managing finances throughout the year, and ideas to help plan for district finances in the future.

65. Fall Workshop - Rochester

Program: State Aid Planning

Dates: 10/6/2026

CTLE

CPE

Registration: 8:30 The State Aid Planning 2026 Fall Workshop will focus on what you can do to help yourself as far as district reporting and communicating with the board, managing finances throughout the year, and ideas to help plan for district finances in the future.

66. Book Buzz Middle Grade 2026-27 Edition

Program: School Library System

Audience: School librarians, classroom teachers, reading specialists

Dates: 10/7/2026 to 3/24/2027

Closed

Book Buzz - If you love books, but don't have time to read them all, then please join us for some rigorous discussion about great new books. All that's required is your latest read and your thoughts. Books should be appropriate for students in grades 5-8 and published within the last 2 years. It's an awesome way to find out what books are out there and if they might work in your library or classroom.
Join our facilitator Rebecca Ekstrom from Algonquin Middle School each month to talk books. We meet once a month, three times in the fall and three times in the spring. That's it! Hope to see you there.
Participants must attend all meetings to receive full credit, participants who miss more than 3 meetings will not receive credit. All meetings will be held online. Access information will be sent out the day before the event.

67. Fall Workshop - Webinar

Program: State Aid Planning

Dates: 10/8/2026

CTLE

CPE

The State Aid Planning 2026 Fall Workshop will focus on what you can do to help yourself as far as district reporting and communicating with the board, managing finances throughout the year, and ideas to help plan for district finances in the future.

68. Teacher Lead Evaluator Training - Re-Certification

Program: School Improvement

Audience: Building and district leaders

Dates: 10/8/2026

This workshop is designed with collaboration in mind. For initial training, we will dive into the details of the current APPR Law and your individual district plans. In the afternoon for recertification participants, we will dive deeper into performance levels and hands on practice, with emphasis on: inter-rater reliability, impact of your role as an administrator, and how the APPR process can be used to strengthen your school's goals. We will practice scoring examples using video clips and your district rubric. Participants will hone their evaluation skills and fulfill the certification and / or re-certification requirements and use the rubrics determined in their own district APPR plan. Lunch will be provided for full-day INITIAL certification training attendees.

69. Communication Coordinator Meeting #1

Program: School Library System

Audience: School Librarians in the Questar III Region

Dates: 10/13/2026

Quarterly meetings for SLS Communications Coordinators as mandated in NY State Education Law 90.18. Communications Coordinators are updated on topics such as NY State Education updates, technology, and Information Fluency Skills. Professional development is provided on current issues. Information is brought back to other librarians in their districts. ALL school librarians are welcome.

70. Knowledge Café

Program: State Aid Planning

Dates: 10/14/2026

CPE

CTLE

Review of the School Business Official (SBO) Calendar for the following month and other related topics

71. Teacher Lead Evaluator Training - Initial Certification

Program: School Improvement

Audience: Building and district leaders

Dates: 10/14/2026

This workshop is designed with collaboration in mind. For initial training, we will dive into the details of the current APPR Law and your individual district plans. In the afternoon for recertification participants, we will dive deeper into performance levels and hands on practice, with emphasis on: inter-rater reliability, impact of your role as an administrator, and how the APPR process can be used to strengthen your school's goals. We will practice scoring examples using video clips and your district rubric. Participants will hone their evaluation skills and fulfill the certification and / or re-certification requirements and use the rubrics determined in their own district APPR plan. Lunch will be provided for full-day INITIAL certification training attendees.

72. Teacher Lead Evaluator Training - Re-Certification

Program: School Improvement

Audience: Building and district leaders

Dates: 10/14/2026

This workshop is designed with collaboration in mind. For initial training, we will dive into the details of the current APPR Law and your individual district plans. In the afternoon for recertification participants, we will dive deeper into performance levels and hands on practice, with emphasis on: inter-rater reliability, impact of your role as an administrator, and how the APPR process can be used to strengthen your school's goals. We will practice scoring examples using video clips and your district rubric. Participants will hone their evaluation skills and fulfill the certification and / or re-certification requirements and use the rubrics determined in their own district APPR plan. Lunch will be provided for full-day INITIAL certification training attendees.

73. Teacher Lead Evaluator Training - Re-Certification

Program: School Improvement

Audience: Building and district leaders

Dates: 10/15/2026

This workshop is designed with collaboration in mind. For initial training, we will dive into the details of the current APPR Law and your individual district plans. In the afternoon for recertification participants, we will dive deeper into performance levels and hands on practice, with emphasis on: inter-rater reliability, impact of your role as an administrator, and how the APPR process can be used to strengthen your school's goals. We will practice scoring examples using video clips and your district rubric. Participants will hone their evaluation skills and fulfill the certification and / or re-certification requirements and use the rubrics determined in their own district APPR plan. Lunch will be provided for full-day INITIAL certification training attendees.

74. Book Buzz High School 2026-27 Edition

Program: School Library System

Audience: School librarians and other educators

Dates: 10/15/2026 to 4/8/2027

Wait List

Book Buzz - If you love books, but don't have time to read them all, then please join us for some rigorous discussion about great new books. All that's required is your latest read and your thoughts. Books should be appropriate for secondary students and published within the last 2 years. It's an awesome way to find out what books are out there and if they might work in your library or classroom.

Join our facilitator Britt Buckenroth from New Lebanon Jr/Sr HS each month to talk books. We meet once a month, three times in the fall and three times in the spring. That's it! Hope to see you there.

Participants will receive credit at the end of the course, credit will not be given to participants who miss 3 or more sessions. All meetings will be held online.

Access information will be sent out the day before the event.

75. School Library System Council Meeting #1

Program: School Library System

Audience: Questar III SLS Council Members

Dates: 10/22/2026

One of four required meetings of the SLS Council. Council assists the SLS in its mission as outlined in Commissioner's Regulations 90.18 including creating and monitoring the Plan of Service, and recommending approval of the annual budget and the annual report. Updates are also provided to Council members at each meeting.

76. Book Buzz Elementary 2026-27 Edition

Program: School Library System

Audience: School librarians, classroom teachers, reading specialists

Dates: 10/28/2026 to 3/17/2027

Closed

Book Buzz - If you love books, but don't have time to read them all, then please join us for some rigorous discussion about great new books. All that's required is your latest read and your thoughts. Books should be appropriate for students in grades PK-5 and published within the last 2 years. It's an awesome way to find out what books are out there and if they might work in your library or classroom.
Join our facilitator Peggy O'Connor from Donald P. Sutherland ES to talk books. We meet once a month, three times in the fall and three times in the spring. That's it! Hope to see you there.
Participants must attend all meetings to receive full credit, participants who miss more than 3 meetings will not receive credit. All meetings will be held online. Access information will be sent out the day before the event.

77. Dignity for All Students Act Training (DASA) - Asynchronous

Program: School Improvement

Audience: Individuals seeking educator certification in New York State

Dates: 11/1/2026

The amended Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) took effect on July 1, 2013, under this amended legislation beginning January 1, 2014, all persons applying to the NYS Education Department for an administrative or supervisory service, classroom teaching service or school service certificate or coaching license must complete six (6) hours of coursework or training in harassment, bullying and discrimination prevention and intervention. The training proactively addresses the social patterns of harassment, bullying and discrimination and is designed to provide participants with the knowledge and skills needed to create an affirming school environment for all students. Participants must complete all of the required coursework at a satisfactory level in order to receive credit for course completion. Payment of $80.00 must be received before a participant is marked as COMPLETED. Please make the check payable to Questar III BOCES and send to Claire Carangelo at 10 Empire State Boulevard, Castleton, NY 12033. The web link to the training materials will be sent out to registrants once registration is complete and paid in full.

78. Teacher Lead Evaluator Recertification - Asynchronous

Program: School Improvement

Audience: School Administrators

Dates: 11/1/2026

This fully asynchronous course fulfills the requirement for administrators seeking recertification as lead evaluators. The topics covered include NYS teaching standards, evidence-based observation techniques, APPR & STEPS, the application of best practices, special considerations for ELLs and SWDs, and inter-rater reliability methodologies. Participants must complete all of the required coursework at a satisfactory level in order to receive credit for course completion. Payment must be received before a participant is marked as COMPLETED. Please make checks payable to Questar III BOCES and send to: Attn. Claire Carangelo 10 Empire State Boulevard, Castleton, NY 12033. The web link to the training materials will be sent to registrants once registration is complete and paid in full.

79. Coffee Talk

Program: State Aid Planning

Dates: 11/4/2026

CTLE

CPE

Review of Foundation Aid and Key Data Points to Monitor

80. Ways to increase student engagement Session 1-virtual

Program: Capital District RBE-RN

Audience: teachers, paraprofessionals, educators, ENL

Dates: 11/5/2026 to 12/8/2026

Participants will be able to identify factors that increase student engagement and consider how to incorporate those factors into daily instruction through instructional protocols; Participants will be able to apply the Hallmarks of Advanced Literacies to daily lessons by considering authentic connections between the language domains of reading, writing, speaking, and listening; Participants will be able to apply their learning from this session to their practice by creating a full Talk Read Talk Write lesson for their classroom context.

81. Knowledge Café

Program: State Aid Planning

Dates: 11/10/2026

CPE

CTLE

Review of the School Business Official (SBO) Calendar for the following month and other related topics

82. NY Inspires in Action: Expanding Pathways Through Credit Recovery, Career Exploration & Instructional Technology

Program: School Improvement

Dates: 11/17/2026

Starting Soon

With APEX scheduled to sunset in June 2027, districts using this platform will need to explore options for continuing their credit recovery programs. This session will introduce Edmentum Courseware and Edgenuity as additional online learning solutions, both offering opportunities for students to recover previously attempted credits and earn new course credits.
Participating providers will highlight course offerings, instructional models, student supports, progress monitoring, reporting, and implementation options. District representatives will have opportunities to compare solutions, ask questions, and consider how each program could meet local needs.
The session will also explore instructional technology that supports career exploration, real-world learning, and the skills and attributes reflected in the New York State Portrait of a Graduate. These topics connect to NY Inspires, particularly its focus on adopting the Portrait of a Graduate and redefining credits and learning experiences. Participants will consider how these resources could support personalized learning, expand meaningful learning opportunities, and prepare students for college, careers, and civic life.
Join colleagues from across the region to connect with providers, explore available resources, and consider flexible pathways that support student success.

83. Introduction to MLS (Multilingual SIFE screener)

Program: Capital District RBE-RN

Audience: Teachers, ENL Teachers, Content area teachers, Administrators, other related providers

Dates: 11/18/2026

Starting Soon

The Multilingual SIFE Screener (MLS) is an assessment tool developed to support the identification of Students with Interrupted/Inconsistent Formal Education (SIFE) who are newly enrolled in schools in New York State. The screener is designed specifically for multilingual learners and helps educators understand a student's academic skills in their strongest language rather than relying solely on English-language assessments. This distinction is important because a student's limited English proficiency may not accurately reflect their true academic abilities or educational background. The MLS evaluates key literacy and mathematics skills through assessments that are administered in a variety of languages. By measuring reading comprehension, vocabulary, foundational literacy skills, and mathematics knowledge, the screener provides valuable information about a student's prior educational experiences and current academic readiness. The assessment is intended to identify students who may have experienced significant interruptions in their formal schooling due to factors such as migration, displacement, conflict, economic hardship, or limited access to educational opportunities. Results from the MLS are used alongside other components of the SIFE identification process, including interviews, writing assessments, and English language proficiency measures. Together, these tools help educators determine whether a student meets the criteria for SIFE designation and requires specialized instructional supports. The information gathered through the MLS enables schools to make informed decisions about placement, intervention, and program services. By recognizing students' strengths and educational needs, educators can develop targeted instructional plans that promote academic success and language development. Ultimately, the Multilingual SIFE Screener serves as an important tool for ensuring equitable educational opportunities for multilingual learners with interrupted or inconsistent formal education.

84. Mathematics Proficiencies in Practice: Classroom Tools to Support NY Inspires

Program: School Improvement

Dates: 11/30/2026

Designed specifically for classroom teachers, this workshop bridges guidance from NYSED-specifically the K-5 Mathematics Instructional Best Practices Guide-and daily instruction. Explore what each proficiency strand looks like in practice, connect state expectations with the effective strategies already in your toolbox, and gain flexible resources designed to respect your daily instructional time and pacing guides. Participants will examine classroom examples and explore flexible resources that support meaningful, student-centered learning while respecting daily instructional time and pacing guides. Participants will leave with actionable approaches for building on your current practice, responding to diverse learners, and helping students see themselves as capable, engaged mathematical thinkers. Cost is $250 per team of 5.

85. Dignity for All Students Act Training (DASA) - Asynchronous

Program: School Improvement

Audience: Individuals seeking educator certification in New York State

Dates: 12/1/2026

The amended Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) took effect on July 1, 2013, under this amended legislation beginning January 1, 2014, all persons applying to the NYS Education Department for an administrative or supervisory service, classroom teaching service or school service certificate or coaching license must complete six (6) hours of coursework or training in harassment, bullying and discrimination prevention and intervention. The training proactively addresses the social patterns of harassment, bullying and discrimination and is designed to provide participants with the knowledge and skills needed to create an affirming school environment for all students. Participants must complete all of the required coursework at a satisfactory level in order to receive credit for course completion. Payment of $80.00 must be received before a participant is marked as COMPLETED. Please make the check payable to Questar III BOCES and send to Claire Carangelo at 10 Empire State Boulevard, Castleton, NY 12033. The web link to the training materials will be sent out to registrants once registration is complete and paid in full.

86. TeaTime with State Aid Planning

Program: State Aid Planning

Dates: 12/1/2026

CPE

CTLE

Topics: TBA Webinar series that focuses on assisting school district treasurers with accounting issues that affect maximizing state aid.

87. Questar III December SBO Meeting - What to Expect from an OSC Audit

Program: State Aid Planning

Dates: 12/3/2026

CTLE

CPE

New

Presented by Leslie Richard, CPA, Auditor 2, OSC This session will familiarize you with the entire audit process: from its early stages to final report. Learn what the auditors are looking for, the professional standards they follow, and your role in the process. We'll also discuss some common findings and best practice recommendations, in an effort to help you avoid similar circumstances and take corrective action before an audit.

88. Better Together: Making Co-Teaching Work for ALL Learners

Program: Capital District RBE-RN

Audience: Classroom Teachers, co-teachers

Dates: 12/4/2026 to 3/23/2027

Please join is with keynote speaker Dr. Andrea Honigsfeld for each session. We are encouraging co-teachers to come together!! Effective co-teaching is more than having two educators in the same classroom. In this interactive session, participants will explore how intentional co-teaching can strengthen Tier 1 instruction and increase access and engagement for multilingual learners. Participants will examine six research-based co-teaching models, experience practical strategies for co-planning when time is limited, and explore key instructional shifts that move from modifying content to strategically scaffolding language and learning. Participants will leave with practical tools for building a more collaborative, equitable, and language-rich co-teaching classroom.

89. Coffee Talk

Program: State Aid Planning

Dates: 12/9/2026

CTLE

CPE

Reserves and Projecting Fund Balance

90. Supporting Multilingual Students: Practical Strategies for Monolingual Speech Pathologists

Program: Capital District RBE-RN

Audience: SLPs (Speech-Language Pathologists)

Dates: 12/10/2026 to 1/28/2027

How can speech-language pathologists effectively support students whose languages they do not speak? This professional development session equips monolingual, school-based speech-language pathologists with practical strategies for culturally and linguistically responsive assessment and intervention. Participants will explore ways to distinguish language differences from communication disorders, gather meaningful language histories, collaborate with trained interpreters, and use dynamic assessment and multiple sources of information to guide clinical decisions.
Through case examples and collaborative discussion, participants will examine strategies for adapting intervention, partnering with families and multilingual education staff, and supporting students' home languages alongside classroom communication needs. Participants will leave with actionable tools to strengthen collaboration, make informed decisions, and provide services that build on multilingual students' linguistic and cultural strengths.

91. Beyond Compliance: Creating FBAs and BIPs That Improve Student Outcomes

Program: School Improvement

Dates: 12/11/2026

This professional development session equips school psychologists with the knowledge, skills, and applied practice necessary to design and implement legally defensible Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) that meet IDEA requirements, withstand due‑process scrutiny, and meaningfully improve student outcomes.
Participants will learn how to conduct comprehensive, data‑driven assessments using multiple sources of direct and indirect data; identify and validate behavioral functions with precision; and translate assessment findings into high‑quality, evidence‑based intervention plans. Emphasis is placed on aligning FBA/BIP practices with federal and state regulations, ensuring procedural fidelity, and documenting decision‑making in a manner that is clear, defensible, and educationally relevant. This professional development workshop will be facilitated by Dr. Kelly Brock, Ph.D., BCBA, LBA.

92. Leading the Process, Supporting the Learner: CPSE/CSE Chairperson and Secretary Training Through the Lens of NY Inspires

Program: School Improvement

Dates: 12/14/2026 to 12/16/2026

New

This 3-day workshop is in partnership with the New York State Department of Education, Office of Special Education Session Description: The goal of this training is to provide CPSE/CSE Chairpersons with information to enhance their knowledge and skills in the following areas: Understanding the special education process as outlined in New York State (NYS) Education Law and Regulations. Fulfilling the specific responsibilities of a Committee Chairperson. Developing practices that encourage parental involvement and foster strong home-school partnerships. Identifying strategies to support high-quality Committee decision-making that results in an individualized education program (IEP) that meets State requirements and provides educational benefit to the student. CPSE/CSE Chairs should attend with their secretaries and the information sharing is crucial to creating a high functioning team!

93. Knowledge Café

Program: State Aid Planning

Dates: 12/16/2026

CPE

CTLE

Review of the School Business Official (SBO) Calendar for the following month and other related topics

94. Supporting Migrant Learners

Program: Capital District RBE-RN

Audience: Teachers working with migrant students or ENL learners

Dates: 12/16/2026

Join us for an engaging professional development Zoom session with the State Education Office focused on empowering educators to better support migrant students. Explore practical strategies, valuable resources, and effective approaches to help migrant students thrive academically, socially, and personally. Come ready to learn, share ideas, and strengthen your support for our migrant student community!

95. Best Practices and Strategies for Teaching American Sign Language to Students

Program: Capital District RBE-RN

Audience: ASL Teachers, Teachers of the Deaf, Classroom teachers, paraprofessionals who work with Deaf students

Dates: 12/18/2026

This four-hour professional development session is designed to equip educators with effective, engaging, and culturally responsive strategies for teaching American Sign Language (ASL) to hearing students. Participants will explore best practices for developing students' receptive and expressive signing skills, building vocabulary, teaching ASL grammar and non-manual signals, and fostering meaningful communication through visual and interactive learning experiences. The session will emphasize instructional approaches that support language acquisition, including visual modeling, comprehensible input, storytelling, interactive activities, games, and immersive signing experiences. Educators will examine strategies for increasing student engagement, differentiating instruction for diverse learning needs, assessing student progress, and creating a classroom environment that prioritizes visual communication and active participation. Participants will also explore the importance of Deaf culture, Deaf history, and the linguistic integrity of ASL as a natural language with its own grammar and structure. The session will highlight culturally respectful teaching practices, authentic resources, and opportunities to connect language learning with Deaf community perspectives. Through collaborative discussions, hands-on activities, lesson planning, and practical demonstrations, educators will develop actionable strategies they can implement immediately in their ASL classrooms. By the end of the session, participants will leave with new instructional tools, ideas for strengthening student language proficiency, and a practical framework for creating an engaging, inclusive, and culturally informed ASL learning experience for students.

96. Coffee Talk

Program: State Aid Planning

Dates: 1/6/2027

CTLE

CPE

Tax Cap, 180-Day Requirement, Capital Levy Exclusion, and Maximizing BOCES/Instructional Materials Aid.

97. Communication Coordinator Meeting #2 - SHOWCASE OF EXCELLENCE

Program: School Library System

Audience: School Librarians in the Questar III Region

Dates: 1/13/2027

Quarterly meetings for SLS Communications Coordinators as mandated in NY State Education Law 90.18. Communications Coordinators are updated on topics such as NY State Education updates, technology, and Information Fluency Skills. Professional development is provided on current issues. Information is brought back to other librarians in their districts. ALL school librarians are welcome. This meeting is our joint SLS Council & Communication Coordinator meeting for 2026-27.

We encourage librarians to submit proposals to present. Please use this link to submit your proposal by November 2 - https://bit.ly/Q3ShowcaseProposal

This meeting will be our 5th Annual Showcase of Excellence, where school librarians share programs, lessons, and projects from their libraries. It will be held at Capital Region BOCES SLS with librarians from HFM BOCES SLS and WSWHE BOCES SLS.

SNOW DATE IS JANUARY 25, 2027

98. Supporting Multilingual Learners with Exceptionalities: From Identification to Instruction

Program: Capital District RBE-RN

Dates: 1/13/2027

This full day, in-person workshop offers educators an opportunity to take a deeper dive into understanding and supporting dually identified / twice-exceptional multilingual learners - MLs with Disabilities. Participants will: Explore complex intersections between language acquisition and special education needs, examine instructional strategies, interventions, and supports for MLs with Disabilities, engage in interactive discussions and problem-solving to address real classroom challenges, reflect on implementation experiences and clarify lingering questions. This session is designed to help educators solidify knowledge, refine practices, and build confidence in supporting ELLs with diverse and overlapping learning profiles.

99. Knowledge Café

Program: State Aid Planning

Dates: 1/20/2027

CPE

CTLE

Review of the School Business Official (SBO) Calendar for the following month and other related topics

100. Portraits of Possibility: Inquiry, School Libraries, and Lifelong Learning (SLSA Statewide Learning Symposium)

Program: School Library System

Audience: School librarians, teachers

Dates: 2/9/2027

Featuring keynote speaker Dr. Barbara Stripling, this hybrid workshop will explore inquiry and the inquiry cycle as a framework for developing students as curious, capable, and independent learners. Participants will delve into inquiry as a way of learning and explore authentic opportunities through project-based learning, alternative forms of assessment, and purposeful use of the school library and its resources. The New York State Portrait of a Graduate will provide a lens for connecting inquiry to the skills and attributes students need as learners. NYSED will provide closing remarks on the role school librarians play in strengthening inquiry in education.

It is encouraged for teacher and librarian teams to register together to further collaboration and creation of inquiry-based opportunities. All members of the school community are welcome to join the 6th annual SLSA Statewide Learning Symposium, sponsored by the School Library Systems Association of NYS.

101. NY Inspires Collaborative Hybrid

Program: School Improvement

Dates: 2/10/2027

Supported by all 37 BOCES District Superintendents and NYSED, the NY Inspires Transformation Coalition was established to support New York school districts in transitioning from the current graduation system to the new measures outlined in NY Inspires. The Coalition is well positioned to help regional leaders and educators understand and prepare for the statewide implementation of these expectations. Component district teams from Rensselaer, Columbia and Greene Counties will participate in regional learning to build shared understanding, establish common definitions, and strengthen alignment around the expectations of NY Inspires. Each team should include selected participants who will support planning and implementation goals within their district.

Professional Development

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Catalog: Questar III BOCES Web Registration

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