Effective MTSS programs are both complex and challenging. Instructional leaders must be able to work with teachers, interventionists, administrators, and support staff to ensure that MTSS systems are coherent, aligned and meeting the needs of all students. This requires deep knowledge of high leverage instructional practice, the ability to analyze multiple kinds of data to shape instruction and the ability to collaborate across multiple stakeholder groups. CASDA's MTSS Roundtable will provide participants with research, strategies, and a supportive community to share ideas, best practices, and reflections with colleagues from across the region.

The School Counselors Roundtable, a collaborative offering from CASDA and the Capital District Counselors Association (CDCA), is a professional learning community that will focus on strategies for developing and sustaining engagement with students and families during this uncertain period. We will build upon themes identified in the fall meetings and continue to provide a space for counselors to share effective practices that meet the academic and social emotional needs of their students. These sessions will also seek to integrate the expertise and perspective of higher education counselors in order to build bridges to ensure support across the P-20 Continuum. Additionally, the roundtable will address the topic of coordination of support services for students in relation to the following needs: academic, social/emotional, and mental health.

Join us for a dynamic professional development day designed to empower educators in advancing literacy through the Science of Reading. In this workshop, we will delve into the fundamentals of the Science of Reading instructional best practices, equipping you with the knowledge and strategies needed to plan for literacy instruction in ALL content areas. Focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and how these live within our Literacy instruction. ​Key Highlights: Understanding the Science of Reading: Explore the core principles and research-backed strategies that form the foundation of the Science of Reading. Gain insights into how these principles can transform literacy outcomes for students. Inventorying Your Current Practices: Learn practical approaches for assessing your district's current literacy curriculum and instructional methods. Identify strengths and areas for growth, laying the groundwork for informed decision-making. Strategic Planning for Curriculum Changes: Develop a roadmap for implementing Science of Reading-based on your literacy curriculum. Collaborate with fellow educators to create action plans tailored to your district's unique needs. Integrating DEI in Literacy Education: Explore ways to infuse Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) principles into your literacy instruction. Discuss strategies for creating an inclusive and culturally responsive literacy environment. Collaborate on integrating diverse perspectives and voices in reading materials. Who Should Attend: K-12 educators of all subject areas, Literacy coaches and specialists, Curriculum coordinators, School administrators, district and building level

Growth Mindset enables a person to change what they think about themselves and what is happening in their lives. Changing what one thinks changes one's feelings. Thoughts and feelings affect choices. It is about shifting from negative to positive thinking, feeling and doing. It is about "YET.”   Attendees will leave this workshop with activities they can use in their classrooms the next day. In addition, there will be time for questions and to find out more about the PeaceAble Approach and the many different SEL workshops and ongoing, customized consultation available for interested schools.

Researchers have found that English language/multilingual learners are increasingly over- or under-identified for special education services. This full-day professional learning opportunity will build educators' knowledge about the differences between language acquisition and possible disabilities, and help educators develop or refine the processes their districts use to properly identify Twice-Exceptional multilingual learners. The program will highlight the increasing diversity in student populations across New York State, the growing percentage of ELLs/MLLs, and the challenges they face in the classification process for special education. In the first half of the day, we will cover relevant laws and regulations. Participants will explore the diversity within ELL/MLL subpopulations, the stages of language acquisition, and the distinction between social and academic language. The process of identifying ELLs needing additional support, and the role of the Committee on Special Education (CSE) will also be addressed. The second half of the day will allow participants the opportunity to create a district-wide process for identifying ELLs/MLLs with a potential disability, or review and improve their current process, with the assistance of the facilitators.

Building on our previous session, this professional development day will provide educators with a deeper understanding of how to use data-driven tools to improve student attendance, with a strong emphasis on equity. In this session, we will revisit three key tools introduced earlier to help schools reflect on attendance patterns, analyze the root causes previously identified, and develop both macro and micro action plans that address both attendance and equity gaps. Additionally, we will explore the New York State Education Department's Equity Toolkit, which helps schools reflect on how their attendance practices may disproportionately impact certain student groups. This tool guides educators in evaluating whether their efforts are inclusive and equitable, ensuring that all students, regardless of background, have the support they need to succeed. Through equity reflection, group discussions, and case study analysis, participants will learn how to develop action plans that not only aim to improve attendance rates but also promote an inclusive school environment. By the end of the session, educators will have concrete strategies to address attendance disparities along with action steps.

What are Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs) for educators and why are they seen as local solutions to educator workforce capacity? What is the federally-funded NYS Educator Workforce HUB and how can it support New York's schools to develop and implement RAPs? After this session, participants will be able to 1) identify the educator workforce capacity challenges they face and the strategies being employed by school districts; 2) recognize the components and value-add of educator Registered Apprenticeship Programs for educators; and 3) access the technical assistance available through the NYS Educator Workforce Development HUB to establish a fiscally-responsible and sustainable Registered Apprenticeship Program.

How can RAP programs create career ladder opportunities for high school seniors and underemployed school community members, or teachers pursuing their admin credentials? What are the components of a school administrator RAP, and how can all three educator titles (teaching assistant, teacher, school administrator) be part of a regionalization initiative around educator workforce capacity? After this session, participants will be able to 1) articulate the potential for a career pathway starting with high school seniors in an early college career or CTE program or underemployed school community members; 2) understand the components of teacher, teacher assistant and school administrator RAPs; and 3) describe how RAPs can be a successful tool to recruit and retain educators.

Young adulthood can be a time of significant change and challenges. Learn what you as an administrator, educator, parent or student can do to reduce risk and prevent suicide. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among youth ages 10-14 and 15-24. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 31.4% of New York State high school students reported feeling sad or hopeless, 17.2% seriously considered attempting suicide, and 7.4% reported a suicide attempt in the 12 months prior to the 2017 survey. Because youth spend a large proportion of their time in school, schools play a central role in New York State's effort to prevent suicide. SPCNY offers a full range of trainings and professional development options for school personnel.

Establishing school-based literacy teams facilitates shared literacy leadership between teachers and principals resulting in significant improvements in student achievement, student outcomes, school performance, as well as building local capacity. The NYS Literacy Initiative is requesting administrators and teachers to examine their literacy instruction, materials, assessments, and professional development to improve literacy achievement and student outcomes for all children. To achieve this goal, teachers and schools need a system to analyze literacy instruction and achievement issues, using assessment data and other sources of evidence to make informed decision about effective instructional strategies, interventions, instructional materials, and professional development. Schools will receive guidance and support in conducting an inventory of literacy assessments, instructional strategies, instructional materials and professional development needs. We will utilize NYS Literacy Initiative documents including NYS Literacy Briefs and NYS P-3 Instructional Best Practices Guide to support school efforts in completing the required verification of alignment with the NYS Literacy Initiative. Please join us in a free one-hour information session to learn more about forming literacy teams, who should participate, and the process we will use for literacy team training.

The built environment of our schools is made to be accessible for people with disabilities. But our digital environments often fall short of this standard, leaving your school district vulnerable to complaints and lawsuits. A key federal accessibility compliance deadline is coming in 2026 that will impact how K-12 school districts communicate. This workshop will: -Summarize the federal rule and its implications for school districts; -Outline strategies for managing accessibility at the leadership level; and -Highlight best practices for accessible school communications.

Help your students capitalize on their creativity and curiosity at a time when it matters most. In this 1-hour workshop, you'll explore the next evolution in project-based learning that provides the foundation to tap into the rising use of invention as a tool for teaching in the classroom. You can expect to: -Learn about the power of innovation and entrepreneurship to engage all learners while addressing a variety of K-5 science and ELA standards. -Create and apply innovation prompts as a tool to foster student engagement. -Gain access to a variety of free innovation-based instructional resources, including a library of ready-made innovation prompts and the digital student invention journal called The Book of Ideas. The tools & techniques presented in the workshop are specifically designed for the K-5 classroom and can be implemented within your existing curriculum without the need for additional instructional materials or supplies.

Take a deep dive into your curriculum with a critical lens on Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking, and Thinking. Using NYSED's Curricular Review Tools and the Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Framework (CRSF), this session will guide educators through a structured process to audit their current curriculum, assess alignment with the Science of Reading, and develop an action plan for meaningful next steps. Walk away with concrete strategies to refine instruction and ensure all students receive high-quality, research-based literacy experiences.

Optimal learning starts with the recognition that educators, like students and their families, are multifaceted. Internal Restorative Practices (IRP) appreciates this complexity. Offered at no-cost through the New York State Office of Mental Health, training in this paradigm and associated set of practices supports the foundation upon which effective learning and teaching take place. In this introductory online presentation, we'll explore research which shows how well-implemented traditional restorative practices (some results below) augmented by other internationally recognized, empirically based and explicit approaches can enhance professional, personal, and communal well-being. Improving Student Outcomes Through Restorative Practices (October 18, 2023) -improve student behavior -decrease fighting and bullying -reduce office referrals and classroom removals -reduce suspensions and expulsions -decrease disciplinary disparities -improve school climate, including relationships between students and teachers and student feelings of connectedness to school

ENL 101 for Administrators: Foundations for Supporting English Language Learners is a comprehensive, research-based 5-hour workshop designed specifically for school and district administrators who support English Language Learners (ELLs). This interactive session provides a foundational understanding of the principles of English as a New Language (ENL) education, including key terminology, legal requirements, program models, the process of second language acquisition, and best practices for inclusive leadership. Administrators will explore strategies for effective collaboration with ENL teachers, equitable scheduling, culturally responsive practices, and data-informed decision-making to support multilingual learners. Participants will leave with actionable tools and a clearer vision for creating a supportive school environment that meets the linguistic and academic needs of ELLs.

This book study invites math educators and leaders to explore Peter Liljedahl's Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics, a research-based guide to transforming classrooms into spaces of authentic problem-solving, collaboration, and student ownership. Each session will focus on one cluster of the 14 Thinking Classroom practices, blending theory with application and giving participants opportunities to reimagine how math is taught, learned, and experienced.

Join us to communicate, collaborate and share your practice with other Athletic Directors.

The Principal Collaborative is a unique, responsive professional development opportunity for principals and assistant principals to develop their leadership practice with colleagues in a mutually beneficial space. Each of the six seminars will be facilitated by members of the Greater Capital Region Principals' Center in partnership with the Capital Area School Development Association. Topics for 2025-26 will be developed to meet participants' stated priorities with programs designed to help educators respond to emerging needs and bring research to practice. 

The Innovation-Based Instruction webinar series consists of five one-hour sessions, each exploring a distinct aspect of innovation-based teaching methodology. Although this 5-part series on innovation-based instruction is created specifically for elementary teachers and science coordinators, middle school teachers also can benefit from one or all of the sessions. Each of the sessions explores a distinct aspect of innovation-based teaching methodology. While the sessions are designed to build upon one another, participants can join at any point in the series and still gain practical insights and effective lesson strategies from each standalone webinar. All sessions are delivered live online, with active participation and engagement encouraged throughout. Session One on October 15: Stay Curious: Using Innovation Prompts to Engage Your K-5 Classroom in STEM Learning Session Two on November 5: STEMtastic Careers: Using Everyday Innovators and Entrepreneurs to Effortlessly Integrate Early Career Exploration into Your K-5 Classroom Session Three on January 7: Using Innovation and Entrepreneurship to Personalize Reading and Writing in Your K-5 Classroom Session Four on February 4: Science and Community: Connecting science and social studies using real-world challenges Session Five on March 4: Being Both Teacher and Student: Becoming comfortable learning alongside your students

Help your students harness their creativity and curiosity at a time when it matters most. In this 1-hour workshop, you'll begin your journey into innovation-based instruction-the next evolution of project-based learning-by exploring how to use innovation prompts in your classroom. This simple yet powerful tool lays the foundation for using invention as a dynamic and effective approach to teaching in today's learning environment. You can expect to:
• Learn about the power of innovation and entrepreneurship to engage all learners while addressing a variety of K-5 science and ELA standards.
• Create and apply innovation prompts as a tool to foster student engagement.
• Gain access to a variety of free innovation-based instructional resources, including a library of readymade innovation prompts and the digital student invention journal called The Book of Ideas. The tools & techniques presented in the workshop are specifically designed for the K-5 classroom and can be implemented within your existing curriculum without the need for additional instructional materials or supplies. This workshop qualifies for CTLE credit.  ​

The Technology Supporting Diverse Learners Roundtable brings together educators and technology specialists each month to explore how technology can better serve students with a wide range of learning needs. Agendas are shaped by the interests and challenges brought forward by members, making every session relevant and focused on real-world needs. Discussions typically focus on tools and strategies that support students with reading and writing disabilities, communication challenges, executive function differences, and more. We highlight both universal tools that benefit all learners in Tier 1 settings, and targeted technologies that provide additional support for students with more specialized needs. Our sessions may include tool demos, practical tips, and presentations from Roundtable members, guest experts, and vendors. We discuss the latest assistive technology trends, exploring how tools like AI and built-in accessibility features are impacting the educational setting and the way students learn and engage. Beyond exploring tools, we dive into topics like building capacity, improving assistive technology practices, and actively engaging the entire learning community from students and families to teachers, support staff, and administrators. The Roundtable provides a space for connection, collaboration, and keeping up with evolving tools and trends that support all learners.

CASDA is collaborating with the New York State Office of Mental Health to bring back the School Mental Health Providers Roundtable for the 2025-26 school year. We will explore multiple topics including benefits and challenges of working collaboratively in a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS), restorative practices, student behavior support, relationship building with students and families, and working to support the mental well-being of yourself, your students, and your colleagues. This roundtable will continue to bring together educators in various support roles in their districts including social workers, school psychologists, school counselors, student assistance counselors, MTSS Coordinators, building administrators, and special education leaders to share effective, affirming practices that support a culture of sustainable wellbeing and belonging in your district.

CASDA is collaborating with the New York State Office of Mental Health to bring back the School Mental Health Providers Roundtable for the 2025-26 school year. We will explore multiple topics including benefits and challenges of working collaboratively in a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS), restorative practices, student behavior support, relationship building with students and families, and working to support the mental well-being of yourself, your students, and your colleagues. This roundtable will continue to bring together educators in various support roles in their districts including social workers, school psychologists, school counselors, student assistance counselors, MTSS Coordinators, building administrators, and special education leaders to share effective, affirming practices that support a culture of sustainable wellbeing and belonging in your district.

This virtual roundtable for speech language educators is a monthly gathering where participating SLPs from districts in the Capital Region, North Country, and beyond come together to collaborate, brainstorm, share resources, and build our knowledge of best practices. Each session focuses on specific topics determined by the participants. Members often share their expertise through open discussions, demonstrations, or by leading a monthly session on a topic. We leave each meeting with resources or actionable items that can be implemented immediately. In addition to our monthly meetings, participants will gain access to our shared drive filled with resources from previous years' roundtables.

The Capital District Regional Music Educators Symposium will return October 30th with a full slate of workshops covering topics in general music, band, chorus and string ensemble. Educators from local districts will join representatives from Empire State Youth Orchestra, SUNY Schenectady, and the Albany Symphony Orchestra to share their vast knowledge, expertise and experience with Capital Region's music instructors. This conference also represents a unique opportunity for music educators with different specialties to network and exchange ideas across district to build connection and professional practice.

Join fellow educators at The Special Education Roundtable, a collaborative forum for directors, administrators and special education teachers where participants have opportunities for connecting and sharing experiences and innovative practices.  The virtual roundtable is designed to foster open dialogue among educators who are navigating similar challenges and opportunities in the field. This event offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with peers, build professional networks, exchange innovative solutions, explore strategies that strengthen programs, and enhance student outcomes. By connecting and exchanging best practices, participants will leave with fresh perspectives, practical tools, and stronger professional networks to drive positive changes in their districts committed to advancing excellence in special education. Agendas are shaped by interests and challenges brought forward by members, making every session relevant and focused on real-world application. Guest speakers may be invited based on relevant topics and participant interest.

Effective MTSS programs are both complex and challenging. Instructional leaders must be able to work with teachers, interventionists, administrators, and support staff to ensure that MTSS systems are coherent, aligned and meeting the needs of all students. This requires deep knowledge of high leverage instructional practice, the ability to analyze multiple kinds of data to shape instruction and the ability to collaborate across multiple stakeholder groups. CASDA's MTSS Roundtable will provide participants with research, strategies, and a supportive community to share ideas, best practices, and reflections with colleagues from across the region.

"Early Career Exploration" is a hot topic, but what does it actually look like in a K-5 classroom, and how can you fit it into an already full curriculum? Join us for a 1-hour workshop where we'll explore how to integrate biographical vignettes of everyday innovators and entrepreneurs into activities you're already doing in your classroom, making early career exploration both practical and impactful. You can expect to:
• Gain a clear understanding of innovation-based instruction-what it is and how it can be a powerful strategy to increase student engagement.
• Discover how stories of innovators and entrepreneurs can inspire career exploration and spark meaningful STEM discussions.
• Walk away with a ready-to-use lesson plan, built using simple tools and techniques shared during the session. Designed specifically for K-5 classrooms, the tools and strategies shared in this workshop can be seamlessly incorporated into your existing curriculum-no extra materials or supplies required.

The School Counselors Roundtable, a collaborative offering from CASDA and the Capital District Counselors Association (CDCA), is a professional learning community that will focus on strategies for developing and sustaining engagement with students and families during this uncertain period. We will build upon themes identified in the fall meetings and continue to provide a space for counselors to share effective practices that meet the academic and social emotional needs of their students. These sessions will also seek to integrate the expertise and perspective of higher education counselors in order to build bridges to ensure support across the P-20 Continuum. Additionally, the roundtable will address the topic of coordination of support services for students in relation to the following needs: academic, social/emotional, and mental health.

Effective writing skills are crucial for student success, both in school and throughout their careers. However, addressing diverse writing levels in your classroom, or engaging elementary students in developing their writing abilities, can be a challenge. In this 1hour workshop we'll explore how to use ideation and innovation to meet both ELA and science learning objectives, while easily tailoring the content to suit your students' needs. You can expect to:
• Develop a clear understanding of innovation-based instruction-what it is and how it can serve as a powerful strategy to boost student engagement.
• Explore two simple lesson ideas that integrate innovation and entrepreneurship, helping students make personal connections to what they read and write.
• Leave with a ready-to-use lesson plan, built using practical tools and techniques shared during the session. Designed specifically for K-5 classrooms, the tools and strategies shared in this workshop can be seamlessly incorporated into your existing curriculum-no extra materials or supplies required.

Educators everywhere are noticing a growing challenge: fragmented attention, shortened focus, and restless classrooms-especially in the wake of new phone-free policies. This one-day institute helps participants understand the neuroscience and social-emotional roots of attention fragmentation and explore research-based strategies to rebuild students' capacity for sustained focus, self-regulation, and deep learning. Grounded in the latest work on cognitive load, executive functioning, and adolescent engagement, this session blends science, systems, and strategy. Participants will leave with practical Tier 1 interventions, planning tools, and communication strategies to strengthen focus, belonging, and motivation in their classrooms and schools.

Entrepreneurship is all about developing a product or service to solve a "customer need" (i.e. real-world challenge). Many entrepreneurs (both STEM and non-STEM) are inspired by challenges they see in their own communities - forming a natural connection between innovation, entrepreneurship and social studies. Join us for this 1-hour workshop where we'll discuss how you can use real-world challenges to address science and social studies learning objectives (and standards) in the SAME lesson. You can expect to:
• Gain a clear understanding of innovation-based instruction-what it is and how it can be a powerful tool to boost student engagement.
• Discover how innovation challenges can meet learning objectives across multiple subjects within a single activity.
• Walk away with a ready-to-use lesson plan, created using practical tools and strategies shared during the session. Specifically designed for K-5 classrooms, the tools and strategies shared in this workshop can be easily integrated into your existing curriculum- no additional materials or supplies needed. 

Join us for an engaging professional development workshop designed to strengthen your instructional practice through effective scaffolding techniques that support every student in reaching grade-level learning standards. In this workshop, educators will explore research-based scaffolding strategies aligned with New York State Learning Standards across all content areas. Participants will learn how to design and implement instructional supports that provide temporary assistance while building student independence and mastery of rigorous academic content. Workshop Focus: We'll examine scaffolding through multiple lenses, exploring how thoughtful instructional design can bridge the gap between current student performance and grade-level expectations. Participants will discover practical techniques for differentiating instruction while maintaining high expectations for all learners. These strategies are particularly valuable for supporting striving readers, English Language Learners/Multilingual Learners, students with disabilities, students requiring academic intervention services, and all students working toward mastery of challenging content. Key Takeaways: Educators will leave with concrete strategies for implementing scaffolded instruction, including gradual release of responsibility models, visual supports, sentence frames, graphic organizers, and collaborative learning structures. We'll explore how to assess when scaffolds should be adjusted or removed as students demonstrate increasing independence, ensuring that temporary supports lead to lasting competency aligned with NYSED standards. This workshop is appropriate for K-12 teachers, special educators, ENL/bilingual educators, instructional coaches, and administrators seeking to strengthen inclusive practices that benefit all learners.

By nature, innovation is new-and often not fully understood. To make it a core part of instruction, teachers must be comfortable not having all the answers and be open to learning alongside their students. Join us for this 1-hour workshop, where we'll explore resources, language, and techniques that empower you to navigate unfamiliar topics, field student questions, and confidently guide learning-while embracing the role of a fellow explorer in the classroom. You can expect to:
• Gain a clear understanding of innovation-based instruction-what it is and how it can serve as a powerful tool to boost student engagement.
• Explore a variety of easy-to-use resources to help you and your students investigate new topics and technologies.
• Practice using language and instructional strategies that support collaborative learning while maintaining your authority as the classroom teacher. Specifically designed for K-5 classrooms, the tools and strategies shared in this workshop can be easily integrated into your existing curriculum-no additional materials or supplies needed.