Educators from multiple counties met to discuss new assessment strategies for students at a conference in Wappingers Falls this month.
Representatives from Rockland, Ulster, Orange, Dutchess and Sullivan counties met to discuss how to adopt new frameworks to measure student success as part of NY Inspires - New York’s plan to update high school graduation requirements and redefine what a high school diploma means for students.
The day was a mix of speeches from local and state officials, and breakout sessions to help educators brainstorm how to turn plans into action.
Dutchess BOCES District Superintendent Dr. Jodi DeLucia and Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instructional Services Rebecca Green helped facilitate the day's events and helped attendees during breakout sessions.
“Bringing five BOCES and their component districts together to discuss an educational initiative and plan for its implementation is a powerful example of collaboration,” Green said. “This kind of partnership is essential to designing a New York State education system that prepares students for success in college, careers, and civic life. It’s exciting to hear how each district is approaching this important work.”
Discussions focused on moving away from traditional “seat time” and credit requirements and adopting frameworks that are more considerate of graduates as individuals.
Katie Nixon, Arlington High School house principal for the class of 2029, said she was looking forward to implementing lessons from the event into planning for her district.
“We’re putting together a lot of big ideas,” she said. “We’re excited to get more guidance.”
Ulster BOCES District Superintendent Jonah Schenker stressed the importance of bringing educators in on every level of ongoing discussions.
“We want to be sure we bring the voice back…from the ground floor, the teachers and staff, to do this work,” he said.
Office of State Assessment Assistant Commissioner Zack Warner echoed this thought in his remarks, calling on educators to “turn ideas into action.”
He encouraged educators to build local assessment strategies that honor students as individuals and support each student’s gifts and needs. Warner also stressed the importance of determining what the district is currently doing for students, what questions need answering, and how these two needs match up.
He admitted that “changes can be difficult, confusing and concerning,” but called on educators to look ahead.
“Let’s create a strategy, not a dream,” Warner said.
Celestine Henry, a Poughkeepsie High School guidance counselor, found the event informative.
“I’m interested to see how NYInspires works for students,” she said. “We want to work with students hand in hand.”
Breakout sessions prompted educators to work with each other, or with representatives from other districts, and reflect on how to implement the day’s lessons in their districts.
Teams assessed their current strategies, identified unaddressed questions, and completed self-assessments to identify pressure points in their districts.
The self-assessment materials guided attendees to evaluate where they are on four key standards: Adopt the NYS Portrait of a Graduate; Redefine Credits and Learning Experiences; Sunset Diploma Assessment Requirements; and Move to One NYS High School Diploma.
NYSED Office of Accountability Assistant Commissioner Theresa Billington encouraged attendees to see this event as “the beginning of an ongoing design process, creating opportunities for every student in New York State.”
She hoped attendees would reflect on the conference day and use its teachings as they move forward in the school year.
“There is innovation in this space that we have the opportunity to lean into,” she said.
Attendees liked the idea of working together.
“It’s great to collaborate with other districts here today, and see what they are doing for strategy,” Red Hook Superintendent Dr. Janet Warden said.
