Breakout Session I

Tuesday | July 22 | 10:15-11:30

Empowering Student-Driven Learning: The Administrator’s Role in PBLA

Presenters: Marissa McNamara, Nikki Waskie-Laura, Erin Wilday, PBLA Pilot Administrators and Teachers

"Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn." —Benjamin Franklin

In this session, administrators will explore how Performance-Based Learning & Assessment (PBLA) shifts education from passive learning to dynamic, student-driven inquiry. PBLA immerses students in real-world challenges, fostering critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and communication—essential skills for all NYS Graduates. Participants will hear from administrators and teachers in the BT BOCES PBLA Pilot to discover how they can support teachers in designing rigorous, standards-aligned projects that engage students, deepen learning, and make assessment meaningful.

Find slideshow HERE

Unlocking Engagement: Implementing a Phone-Free Environment in Your School

Presenters: Kevin Richman (Binghamton HS) and Molly Hawley (Whitney Point HS)

This interactive session will guide administrators through the process of creating and sustaining a phone-free learning environment to reduce distractions and boost student engagement. Participants will follow the journeys of Whitney Point High School and Binghamton High School, examining successful strategies, challenges faced, and critical lessons learned while implementing phone-free systems, including the use of Yondr bags. Attendees will receive practical tips on planning, stakeholder communication, managing daily logistics, and addressing resistance. Through real-world examples and collaborative discussions, administrators will leave equipped with actionable insights to confidently foster a more focused, respectful, and productive school culture in their own buildings.

Find Slideshow HERE

IDEA Determinations: Updates and Changes

Presenters: Marie Meagher and Stacy Ott (BT BOCES)

Accountability in NY for Special Education has shifted this year. Let's talk about the new IDEA accountability, determinations, and their support. This breakout session will provide an overview of the changes to the accountability system and how these updates will impact our work as school leaders. It will also discuss how the Regional Partnership Center supports districts with these challenges.

Find slideshow HERE

Developing a Behavior Support Team (BST)

Presenters: Brad Bruce (Principal), Marissa Ramos (psychologist), Rachel Sorber (OT), Cait Mullins (speech), Alex Castrogiovanni (PT) (Vestal CSD)

This session will provide a framework for developing a Behavior Support Team (BST) that supports students with challenging behaviors in the classroom setting. Participants will explore how to build a proactive, data-informed, and collaborative team that provides tiered behavioral supports and empowers teachers through coaching, practical tools, and ongoing guidance.

Topics include team members, referral and intervention processes, classroom-based strategies, and teacher support. Attendees will experience the journey of Clayton Ave Elementary as we developed a BST. You will leave with both the positive and negative aspects for developing your own BST.

Find Slideshow HERE

Laying the Groundwork for Meaningful Enrichment: Roles, Resources, and Results

Presenters: Eben Bullock, Kerrie Johnston, Tony Stenta, Sean Wood, Rob Hansen, Maggie McNamara, and Katie Rogan, Sidney CSD

Sidney CSD is excited to share their summer and afterschool enrichment programs. Sidney Central School District has been offering Summer Camps for 14 years and after school enrichment for over 10 years. During this session, the Sideny administrative team will share their funding structure, planning, organization, and incorporation of literacy instruction (including RISE). If you are new or experienced with enrichment offerings this is a great opportunity to learn and share with each other.

Find Slideshow HERE

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