Staff & Curriculum Development
Support and Solutions - Issue 17
About the Newsletter
The Madison-Oneida BOCES Staff and Curriculum Development Newsletter is a platform that we use to provide you with curated resources, things to know, tools to use, and ideas to explore.
If we share them, it's because we have looked at them and we think they might be worthy of your limited time! Click on the things that you think will help you and skip the things that won't. And remember, we are here if you need us!
Let's Focus on YOU!
We keep hearing the same idea...
We hear it from educators across the region. We hear it from colleagues from other parts of the state, and from friends who teach in other states. The words may vary, but the theme is the same:
"I thought this year would be better.
I thought it would make more sense.
I thought it would be easier than last year.
I thought I would be less tired and frustrated."
We can't take your load, but perhaps we can point you toward a few ideas that might help you take care of yourself! Self-care has to be more than a buzz-word. We need to take care of ourselves so we can be at our best for our students and for our families. See the videos below to help you brainstorm a model of self-care that works for you!
*****
CONTENT & PEDAGOGY
Seal of Civic Readiness
One goal of this offering is to ensure that young adults enter society as informed and thoughtful participants. NYSED defines civic readiness as "the ability to make a positive difference in the public life of our communities through the combination of civic knowledge, skills and actions, mindsets, and experiences."
In addition to providing students with a deeper dive into civic readiness and a seal for their diploma, the structure can be used as a 4+1 graduation pathway.
If you are interested in learning more about the program, explore the state's Civic Readiness Initiative website. More information will be shared to districts by Staff Development in the Spring of 2022.
Instructional Minutes
Maria Papa has designed these quick videos for our current reality: when we have limited time but want to keep learning professionally! Enjoy!
*****
The Reading Corner
What is the Science of Reading, and What is It Not?
You may have heard the phrase "science of reading" in the field of education of late. Here it is defined by Dr. Louisa Moats, in a nutshell:
“The body of work referred to as the ‘science of reading’ is not an ideology, a philosophy, a political agenda, a one-size-fits-all approach, a program of instruction, nor a specific component of instruction.
“It is the emerging consensus from many related disciplines, based on literally thousands of studies, supported by hundreds of millions of research dollars, conducted across the world in many languages.”
For more information, explore The Reading League's website.
Help with "b" and "d" -- Understanding Why Kids Get Confused and What to Do About It.
*****
RESOURCES AND IDEAS
Compassion Fatigue and You
You may be looking at "Compassion Fatigue." It's a real thing. We found posters with cats that break it down for you.
The thing is, you can come out of it by taking good care of yourself! Do yourself a favor and spend ten minutes watching the video "Drowning in Empathy" to develop a deeper understanding of compassion fatigue.
Then check out the next article in this newsletter for a few tips to help you get back to you!
Hold My Umbrella?
*****
Coming in January--
*****
From the Classroom...
Doing the Math
Oneida Elementary teachers developed Affinity Maps earlier this month as they considered challenges they traditionally have with math instruction. This led to an extended conversation with SCD Math Specialist Jody Popple about how differentiated instruction fits into the workshop model framework when teaching mathematics.
Looking for support? Have an idea to share? Have a video that we should add? Reach out to us at scd@moboces.org. Also, check out our webpages by clicking on the logos below!
December 15, 2021
Center for Instructional Support /
School Library Services