Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES co-facilitated a regional New York State Assessment Strategy Summit on Friday, Oct. 16, at Oneida-Herkimer-Madison BOCES that brought together approximately 350 educators and school administrators representing 48 school districts across Central and Northern New York.
The summit focused on how local districts can prepare for changes under the state's NY Inspires education plan, including incorporating New York's Portrait of a Graduate into their classrooms.
New York State Board of Regents member Patrick A. Mannion and Dr. Zachary Warner, assistant commissioner for NYSED's Office of State Assessment, joined regional education leaders to discuss the future of student assessment and graduation requirements.
Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES Director of Instructional Support Services and Adult Education Ruth Leavitt and Jefferson-Lewis BOCES Director of Professional and Program Development Andrea Lomber gave an “Understanding Assessment Culture” presentation during the event.
The summit was part of a series of regional meetings held across New York state, with the New York State Education Department (NYSED) working alongside BOCES to coordinate discussions and support local implementation of the state's education initiatives. The event at OHM BOCES brought together educators and district leaders from Oneida-Herkimer-Madison BOCES, Madison-Oneida BOCES, Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES and Jefferson-Lewis BOCES regions, highlighting the importance of regional collaboration in preparing for statewide changes.
New York state is working to move beyond relying solely on end-of-year exams to measure student success, with a greater emphasis on applied learning and meaningful ways for students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills.
The Portrait of a Graduate outlines the knowledge, skills and attributes students need to succeed in college, careers and civic life. It emphasizes developing well-rounded students who can apply what they learn, think critically, communicate effectively and contribute to their communities.
Direct benefits for local students
The NY Inspires framework is intended to give students more opportunities to demonstrate their learning and prepare for life after graduation.
• More ways to demonstrate learning: Students will have opportunities to show their knowledge and skills through applied learning experiences, projects and other assessments aligned with state requirements.
• A new approach to graduation: New York is working to update graduation requirements and move toward a more flexible system that recognizes a broader range of student knowledge and skills.
• Real-world skills: The Portrait of a Graduate emphasizes six areas: academic readiness, creative thinking, critical thinking, communication, civic responsibility and future readiness.
Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES Director of Instructional Support Services and Adult Education Ruth Leavitt shakes hands with New York State Regent Patrick A. Mannion at the New York State Assessment Strategy Summit on Friday, Oct. 16, at Oneida-Herkimer-Madison BOCES.
New York State Regent Patrick A. Mannion speaks with regional education leaders about the future of student assessment and graduation requirements.
Educators and school leaders from across Central and Northern New York participate in the NYS Assessment Strategy Summit at OHM BOCES on Oct. 16.