CA Today

Universal Design for Learning: The Shift to Student Led Podcast Outline: Universal Design for Learning: The Shift to Student Led Segment 1: Intro: What is UDL? (00:10-3:02) Segment 2: Interview with Jillian Filbert-Earth Science Teacher from Wellsville (00:00-26:12) How do Project‑Based Learning and Universal Design for Learning come together in your classroom? What does that look like, feel like,...

What does resilience actually look like? In this episode of CA Today , host Kelli Cullen , Community Schools Coordinator, speaks with Jomar Gomez , Behavior Management Coordinator at Randolph Academy, about resilience and grit—brought to life through real experiences. In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month , the conversation moves beyond definitions to share personal and professional stor...

Join todays episode to hear an interview with Matt Bucholz of CABOCES. He is the STEM Coordinator for Instructional Supports Services. He helps districts with the Trout in the Classroom program. This podcast also includes audio footage of Julie Sylor and her class at Franklinville Elementary School as they released their fish into the Ischua Creek. Thank you to today's hosts!    Rick Weinberg...

Join in for a dynamic conversation with Sarah Cartmill, Lindsay Simpson, and Brooke Neamon, as we explore how SUNY New Paltz literacy cohorts and LETRS training are transforming reading instruction across the CA region. In this episode, you’ll hear real stories from teachers and administrators, collected by Brooke Neamon, about how deepening their understanding of the Science of Reading is reshapi...

This episode takes listeners inside a regional eSports tournament held on Friday, December 12 at Jamestown Community College, where students from various districts came together to compete, collaborate, and connect. Through interviews with students and coaches, the episode explores how eSports supports key Portrait of a Graduate competencies such as communication, collaboration, critical and creat...

What does it take to thrive in STEM as a young woman? In thisinspiring episode of CA Today , host Rick Weinberg sits down with an extraordinary all-female VEX Robotics team from Wellsville Central School District. These trailblazers share their journey through the world of competitive robotics—from local regionals to the global stage. Discover how VEX Robotics has shaped their aspirations for futu...

In this episode of CA Today , host Lindsay Simpson sits down with two fellow CABOCES Coordinators— Bonnie Wagner , Special Education Coordinator, and Sarah Cartmill , Curriculum Coordinator—to unpack the power of Project-Based Learning (PBL) . Fresh from a regional training with PBLWorks , they share insights on how PBL transforms classrooms into student-centered environments that foster engagemen...

In this episode, Lindsay Simpson and Tessa Levitt unpack the New York State Numeracy Briefs released in May 2025. They explore how these resources support K–12 educators in reflecting on math instruction, promoting equity, and embedding best practices. From early numeracy to high school algebra, the conversation highlights practical examples, reflective questions, and ways districts can use the br...

This episode of CAToday focuses on an interview with Starr Sackstein. Starr has a great deal of experience in education. She does a lot of work with schools around eliminating traditional grading. Not just standards-based grading, which she says is a good first step, but also removing grading in place of a conversation with a student who advocates for themselves. Students demonstrate their learnin...

Welcome back to CA Today, your go-to podcast for educators in the Cattaraugus-Allegany region! In this special back-to-school edition, hosts Lindsay Simpson and Kelli Forster share practical advice, uplifting messages, and real-world wisdom to help educators start the school year strong.  This episode features:  Short clips from teachers across New York State offering advice to new and veteran edu...

This episode is your ultimate guide to professional development opportunities happening this summer in the Cattaraugus-Allegany region. From emotional intelligence to digital fluency, Lindsay Simpson and Brooke Neamon walk you through a jam-packed lineup of camps, conferences, and career-building events designed to energize your teaching and inspire your practice. Thank you to today's guests! ...

In this episode, Lindsay Simpson, Janelle Freer, Sarah Cartmill, and Alex Freer explore how aligning ELA and Social Studies standards can enhance student learning. They discuss shared skills like argument writing, source evaluation, and vocabulary development, emphasizing the importance of cross-disciplinary literacy. Practical strategies and tools—like the Bookmark Tool and “Because, But, So”—are...

In this special episode of CA Today, we honor May's Mental Health Awareness Month with an insightful conversation between CA BOCES Community Schools Coordinator, Kelli Forester, and local pediatrician, Dr. Kate Johnson-Clark. Dr. Kate shares her expertise on the mental health challenges faced by young individuals, debunks common misconceptions, and offers practical strategies to support our childr...

Join Lindsay Simpson, Jenna Tost, and Janelle Freer as they unpack their biggest takeaways from the Innovative School Summit! This episode is all about being intentional in the classroom and staying connected to your "why" as an educator. We’ll share insights from inspiring sessions, practical strategies for implementation, and valuable resources to keep you motivated! Thank you to today...

Join host Rick Weinberg as he delves into the exciting world of regional VEX Robotics competitions with special guest Sean Conklin, Coordinator of Arts Integration and Extra Curricular Events. In this episode, Sean explains what VEX Robotics is and the valuable learning experiences it offers students. Discover how participating in VEX Robotics helps students develop essential skills such as commun...

Join Bonnie Wagner and Sarah Cartmill as they delve into their key takeaways from the Dyslexia Simulation. This episode is filled with essential information regarding assistive technology tools and inspiring instructional strategies that emphasize the influence of technology and the Science of Reading on the future of education. Explore innovative methods for efficiently managing classroom time an...

Join Lindsay Simpson and Rick Weinberg as they dive into their top takeaways from the NYSCATE 2024 conference. From groundbreaking tools to inspiring keynote moments, this episode is packed with insights into how technology is shaping the future of education. Learn about innovative ways to manage classroom time, the power of inclusive technology, and exciting trends like AI and AR in education.  R...

In this episode of CA Today , hosts Rick Weinberg and Justin Shumaker welcome Bruce Markesun to discuss the incredible Virtual Field Trip opportunities available at the Baseball Hall of Fame. Bruce provides an inside look at the engaging and educational virtual programs offered by the Hall of Fame, which bring history, culture, and the love of the game right into the classroom. Justin highlights h...

In this episode of *CA Today*, we sit down with Tim Cox, Deputy Superintendent of Cattaraugus-Allegany BOCES (CABOCES) and Tim Clarke, Assistant Superintendent of ISS of CABOCES, to dive into the upcoming changes to graduation requirements and the creation of the "Portrait of a Graduate". We explore how the "Portrait of a Graduate" aims to shift graduation requirements away from traditional exams...

In this episode of CA Today , Rick Weinberg shares an inspirational interview with educational presenter, Will Richardson, on how schools can adapt to prepare students for a rapidly changing, tech-driven future. Listen as they explore ideas on rethinking education and integrating technology to equip students with skills for challenges we are just beginning to face! Join us! View our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠registrat...

In this episode of CA Today , we dive into the essential strategies teachers use to start the school year off right. We explore how to build strong relationships with students, create a welcoming and affirming classroom environment, and effectively integrate social-emotional learning (SEL) into back-to-school routines. Our guest educators share their experiences, insights, and practical tips on ma...

Join hosts Lindsay Simpson and Brooke Neamon as they highlight the exciting professional development opportunities available this summer from the Cattaraugus-Allegany BOCES ISS Team. In this episode, discover workshops ranging from the "Social Emotional Learning Camp" to the "Summer Math Institute," and hear about featured speakers like YA author Jeff Zentner and resilience exp...

Kelli Forster, Community Schools Coordinator, brings on Bre Abbott to discuss strategies, tips, and resources all educators can use and share with families around promoting wellness, avoiding burnout, and understanding the stigma around Mental Health. Check Out Resources and Events Shared In Today's Episode: Go Noodle Connecting Communities In Action Facebook Page Rural Minds American Foundati...

Steven discusses his data around the use of Artificial Intelligence in a school outside of the Chicago area. Hear his findings on student preference between Ai generated writing and student-created products! Join us! View our ⁠registration page ⁠ to view upcoming CABOCES regional workshop opportunities on Artificial Intelligence and more and share with the individual in your district responsible f...

Join host Lindsay Simpson as she explores the New York State Science of Reading initiative with Tessa Levitt and Sarah Cartmill from Cattaraugus-Allegany BOCES. You will hear an overview of the Science of Reading initiative, detailing its implementation and significance statewide as well as its practical application, debunking misconceptions and strategies to integrate its principles into daily in...