2025-2026 NY INSPIRES: Portrait of a Graduate Implementation Support

This service is meant to support districts in their efforts to implement systems change, including curriculum, instruction, and assessment to meet the NYS Portrait of a Graduate aligned with the NY Inspires Implementation Plan. [Erie 1 BOCES Logo]

Regional Supports

Regional PLC for NY Inspires Implementation Teams
537.009.02
This PLC will provide participating districts with presentations on various topics related to NY Inspires, including research-based best practices in project-based learning and performance-based assessment, social-emotional learning, and other topics. Districts will have opportunities to collaborate on the systems change implications that result from regulatory amendments (course offerings, scheduling, distance learning, etc.). Recommended audience includes district administrator, building administrator, and school counselor per district.

Dates/Times: 11:00 am - 12:30pm following IDAB Meetings (September 16, November 20, December 18, January 15, March 19, and May 21) Room available to teams in the afternoon.

Cost: CSD $1,125/district, Charters $1,237.50 for up to 4 attendees. No cost for Modern Learners districts

Portrait of a Graduate Alignment: ✔ Academically Prepared ✔ Creative Innovator ✔ Critical Thinker ✔ Effective Communicator ✔ Global Citizen ✔ Reflective and Future Focused

 

PBLA Consortium
535.009.02
Join us for this 4-day workshop and kick-start your journey as a facilitator of authentic, project-based learning experiences for students in the classroom. Day 1 offers an introduction for those new to PBLA or a refresher for returning educators. Days 2-4, we’ll dive into content-specific breakout sessions to collaborate, create, and reflect on integrating PBLA into our teaching. Participants will leave with practical strategies and ready-to-use projects for their classrooms.
Available content areas:

• ELA • Science
•  Social Studies
• Elementary
•  Special Content Areas
• Student Support Services

Dates: October 28, November 13, February 6, April 23

Cost: CSD $760/participant, Charters $836/participant for full event OR CSD $190/participant, Charters $209/participant per one-day session.

Portrait of a Graduate Alignment: ✔ Academically Prepared ✔ Creative Innovator ✔ Critical Thinker ✔ Effective Communicator ✔ Global Citizen ✔ Reflective and Future Focused

CSETI (Consortium for Student Empowerment through Innovation)
555.009.02
The Consortium for Student Empowerment Through Innovation’s mission is to build a community of educational professionals working together to collaborate on ideas, problem-solve, share resources, and support each other to expand the student empowerment movement. Project/ problem-based learning throughout the first half of the school year builds students’ understanding and skills to then conduct their own investigation that ultimately results in a publicly shared impact project for an authentic audience. The Cardboard Arcade Challenge and the IMPACT Expo are opportunities for students to demonstrate their skills and share their learning with others. Both of these student-centered events are included with consortium membership. Additionally, consortium members receive onboarding support, coaching, and a device lending service through CSLO.

Dates: September 15, October 30, January 21, June 12 (Cardboard Arcade: January 29, IMPACT Expo, May 29) Service includes 4 days in-district per school at dates to be mutually agreed upon.

Cost: CSD $760/participant, Charters $836/participant for full event OR CSD $190/participant, Charters $209/participant per one-day session and 4 Model Schools day trades.

Portrait of a Graduate Alignment: ✔ Academically Prepared ✔ Creative Innovator ✔ Critical Thinker ✔ Effective Communicator ✔ Global Citizen ✔ Reflective and Future Focused

Student Startups
High school educators throughout the region are invited to join this Erie 1 BOCES consortium in partnership with the University at Buffalo Startup and Innovation Collaboratory powered by Blackstone LaunchPad. This consortium will focus on the pillars of business literacy, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Participants will be part of a community of like-minded teachers to share resources and practices that directly relate to their business courses. Additionally, they will receive the tools they need to guide students in preparation for the 3rd annual startup competition. Students will pitch their business ideas to a panel of judges in a format similar to other startup competitions. The Erie 1 BOCES Foundation will award a $1,000 grant to the winning team, along with grants for second and third place, and a People’s Choice award.

Dates: October 9, March 26, April 22, June 4

Cost: CSDs $760/per participant, Charters/non-pubs: $836/per participant

Portrait of a Graduate Alignment: ✔ Academically Prepared ✔ Creative Innovator ✔ Critical Thinker ✔ Effective Communicator ✔ Global Citizen ✔ Reflective and Future Focused

NYS Seal of Civic Readiness Consortium
This consortium supports WNY educators who are facilitating the NYS Seal of Civic Readiness in the 2025-2026 school year, from newcomers to those entering year five! Over the course of 5 sessions, members will engage in civics-based professional learning, share practices, resources, experiences, celebrate successes, and problem-solving challenges. Members will also have dedicated time to complete instructional and organizational tasks associated with administering a Seal of Civic Readiness program. Schools are encouraged to send teams of teachers and/or members of their school-based Seal of Civic Readiness Committee.

Dates: September 24, November 21, February 5, March 24, May 20

Cost: CSD $950/district, Charters $1045/district for full event OR CSD $190/district, Charters $209/district per one-day session. (Districts may register as many teachers as they would like for one fee)

Portrait of a Graduate Alignment: ✔ Academically Prepared ✔ Critical Thinker ✔ Effective Communicator ✔ Global Citizen ✔ Reflective and Future Focused

Local Civics User Group
This User Group will meet to support districts from across NYS in tracking students meeting the multiple Pathways. The Pathlink platform has been developed to be customizable and to make it more attainable for districts to track student success with various pathways to graduation. Topics covered include:

•  Onboarding and Rostering (September 18)
• Bulk Upload (November 19)
• Data Dashboards (January 7)
• End of Year Reports (May 1)

Cost: Free

Portrait of a Graduate Alignment: ✔ Academically Prepared ✔ Critical Thinker ✔ Global Citizen ✔ Reflective and Future Focused

Exploring and Implementing the IAAP
This professional learning session offers a comprehensive overview of the Individual Arts Assessment Pathway (IAAP), designed for educators across all arts content areas - music, visual art, theatre, dance, and media arts. Whether your district is just beginning to explore the IAAP, actively implementing it, or preparing for its first submission, this session will provide practical guidance, examples, and collaborative strategies to support student-centered assessment. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of the IAAP process, resources to support implementation, and ideas for strengthening authentic assessment practices within their arts programs.

Dates: February 4

Cost: $190/participant 

Portrait of a Graduate Alignment: ✔ Academically Prepared ✔ Creative Innovator ✔ Critical Thinker ✔ Effective Communicator ✔ Global Citizen ✔ Reflective and Future Focused

Maker Ed User Group
The Maker Ed User Group engages in various maker space projects, as well as discusses the state of making in schools, best practices, and skills addressed through making. This is a hands-on user group as we will have a project each time. Participants help to plan the topics for meetings by offering suggestions and ideas for discussion and projects.

Dates: October 7, December 9, February 5, April 21, June 11

Cost: Free

Portrait of a Graduate Alignment: ✔ Academically Prepared ✔ Creative Innovator ✔ Critical Thinker ✔ Reflective and Future Focused

In-District Supports

Pilots
Our pilot process is comprehensive and aims to gather data points that will assist districts in evaluating the educational impact of a specific technology in the classroom. The pilot team will meet with district administrators and designated staff to discuss the appropriate technology and classroom implementation. Our staff developers and district educators collaboratively plan projects and learning activities. We also provide classroom support for all of our pilot projects in the form of co-teaching, coaching, and mentoring.

Dates: 2-4 days to be scheduled with the district

Cost: Model Schools day trades

Portrait of a Graduate Alignment: ✔ Academically Prepared ✔ Creative Innovator ✔ Critical Thinker ✔ Effective Communicator ✔ Global Citizen ✔ Reflective and Future Focused

In-District Coordinator Support
Instructional Technology PD (555.050.01)
Innovation Staff Developer (555.070)
IRT Curriculum Staff Developer (535.070 or 535.071)
RBERN Coordinator

To support district-specific implementation of systems, curriculum, instruction, and assessment, consider leveraging an Erie 1 BOCES PD coordinator from one of our various teams to support NY Inspires implementation. Depending on your priorities, we have experts in each core content area, technology integration, special education, SEL, CRSE, innovation, and supporting English language learners.

Dates: individual or package/multiple days to be scheduled with the district

Cost: Not eligible for model schools day trades

• 1-16 days: $1,300/day
• Single Coordinator (535.070, 555.070, 555.050.01)
  • 17-67 days: $875.15/day
  • 68-101 days: $835.15/day
  • 102+ days: $801.03/day
• Multiple Coordinators (535.071)
  • 17-67 days: $939.85/day
  • 68-101 days: $897.35/day
  • 102+ days: $860.34/day
• RBERN- limited availability at no cost 

Portrait of a Graduate Alignment: ✔ Academically Prepared ✔ Creative Innovator ✔ Critical Thinker ✔ Effective Communicator ✔ Global Citizen ✔ Reflective and Future Focused

Connect With Us

Erie 1 BOCES is committed to supporting districts with effective NY Inspires implementation. From professional development to strategic planning, we offer tailored services to meet your needs. To learn more or explore additional supports, please reach out.

Michael Duffy
Senior Supervisor of Professional Development
mjduffy@e1b.org
716.821.7510

2026-2027 NY INSPIRES: Portrait of a Graduate Implementation Support

This service is meant to support districts in their efforts to implement systems change, including curriculum, instruction, and assessment to meet the NYS Portrait of a Graduate aligned with the NY Inspires Implementation Plan. [Erie 1 BOCES Logo]

Regional Supports

Regional PLC for NY Inspires Implementation Teams
537.009.02
This PLC will provide participating districts with presentations on various topics related to NY Inspires, including research-based best practices in project-based learning and performance-based assessment, social-emotional learning, and other topics. Districts will have opportunities to collaborate on the systems change implications that result from regulatory amendments (credit requirements, course offerings, grading and assessment practices, rubric development, scheduling, distance learning, etc.). Recommended audience includes district administrator, building administrator, and school counselor per district.

Dates/Times: 6 Sessions. 2026-2027 dates are to be announced.

Cost: $1,500/for up to 4 participants

Portrait of a Graduate
Alignment
✔ Academically Prepared
✔ Creative Innovator
✔ Critical Thinker
✔ Effective Communicator
✔ Global Citizen
✔ Reflective and Future Focused

NEW! Early College CoSer
This service, slated to launch in Fall 2026, will allow districts to get aid on dual-enrollment courses. Erie 1 BOCES will manage agreements with IHEs, process stipend reimbursements for counselors, process student tuition payments, and process pro-rated salary/benefits reimbursements for teachers of dual-enrollment courses.

Base Fee: $3,500 + 15% administrative fee on all other services

Portrait of a Graduate
Alignment
✔ Academically Prepared
 

Project-Based Learning (PBL) and Performance-Based Assessment (PBA) Consortium
535.009.02
For 2026-2027 we will be offering three consortia:

• PBLA Foundations (for educators new to the topic)
• PBLA Community (for educators with experience with this topic) 
• PBLA for Administrators

Each of these consortia will meet five times, with the fifth and final meeting being a PBLA Celebration and Showcase event for members of all three consortia.

Dates: 5 sessions. 2026-2027 date are to be announced.

Cost: $1,000/participant

Portrait of a Graduate
Alignment
✔ Academically Prepared
✔ Creative Innovator
✔ Critical Thinker
✔ Effective Communicator
✔ Global Citizen
✔ Reflective and Future Focused

CSETI (Consortium for Student Empowerment through Innovation)
555.009.02
The Consortium for Student Empowerment Through Innovation supports educators in guiding students to develop creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and leadership through four pillars: identity, belonging, community, and impact. STEAM-focused project based learning builds skills for independent investigations that culminate in publicly shared projects. Signature events like the Cardboard Arcade Challenge and IMPACT Expo let students showcase their learning and make real-world contributions. Consortium members also receive onboarding, coaching, and access to a device lending service through CSLO.

Dates: 4 sessions (includes 2 student events) and 4 traded model schools days per building. 2026- 2027 dates are to be announced.

Cost: $800/participant

Portrait of a Graduate
Alignment
✔ Academically Prepared
✔ Creative Innovator
✔ Critical Thinker
✔ Effective Communicator
✔ Global Citizen
✔ Reflective and Future Focused

Student Startups
High school educators throughout the region are invited to join this Erie 1 BOCES consortium in partnership with the University at Buffalo Startup and Innovation Collaboratory powered by Blackstone LaunchPad. This consortium will focus on business literacy, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Participants will be part of a community of like-minded teachers to share resources and practices that directly relate to their business courses. Additionally, they will receive the tools they need to guide students in preparation for the 4th annual startup competition. Students will pitch their business ideas to a panel of judges in a format similar to other startup competitions. The Erie 1 BOCES Foundation will award a $1,000 grant to the winning team, along with grants for second and third place, and a People’s Choice award.

Dates: 4 sessions. 2026-2027 dates are to be announced.

Cost: $800/participant

Portrait of a Graduate
Alignment
✔ Academically Prepared
✔ Creative Innovator
✔ Critical Thinker
✔ Effective Communicator
✔ Reflective and Future Focused

NYS Seal of Civic Readiness Consortium
535.009.02
This consortium supports WNY educators who are facilitating the NYS Seal of Civic Readiness in the 2026-2027 school year, from newcomers to those entering year six! Over the course of 5 sessions, members will engage in civics-based professional learning, share practices, resources, experiences, celebrate successes, and problem-solving challenges. Members will also have dedicated time to complete instructional and organizational tasks associated with administering a Seal of Civic Readiness program. Schools are encouraged to send teams of teachers and/or members of their school based Seal of Civic Readiness Committee.

Dates: 5 sessions. 2026-2027 dates are to be announced.

Cost: $1000/participant

Portrait of a Graduate Alignment
✔ Academically Prepared
✔ Critical Thinker
✔ Effective Communicator
✔ Global Citizen
✔ Reflective and Future Focused

Arts Consortiums
447.003.02
All arts consortiums are designed to promote the continual growth of professional learning communities for the arts. Each consortium will focus on sharing best practices in curriculum, instruction, and assessment. This includes the Individualized Arts Assessment Pathway (IAAP). The 2026-2027 arts consortiums are:

• Visual Arts Educators Consortium
  • Dates: 4 sessions. 2026-2027 dates are to be announced.
  • Cost: $800/participant
• Music Educators Consortium
  • Dates: 2 sessions. 2026-2027 dates are to be announced.
  • Cost: $400/participant
• Theatre Educators Consortium
  • Dates: 2 sessions. 2026-2027 dates are to be announced.
  • Cost: $400/participant 

Portrait of a Graduate Alignment
✔ Academically Prepared
✔ Critical Thinker
✔ Effective Communicator
✔ Global Citizen
✔ Reflective and Future Focused

Exploring and Implementing the IAAP
447.009.02
This professional learning session offers a comprehensive overview of the Individual Arts Assessment Pathway (IAAP), designed for educators across all arts content areas - music, visual art, theatre, dance, and media arts. Whether your district is just beginning to explore the IAAP, actively implementing it, or preparing for its first submission, this session will provide practical guidance, examples, and collaborative strategies to support student-centered assessment. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of the IAAP process, resources to support implementation, and ideas for strengthening authentic assessment practices within their arts programs.

Dates: 1 session 2026-2027 date to be announced.

Cost: TBD

Portrait of a Graduate Alignment
✔ Academically Prepared
✔ Critical Thinker
✔ Effective Communicator
✔ Global Citizen
✔ Reflective and Future Focused

In-District Supports

Pilots
Our pilot process is comprehensive and aims to gather data points that will assist districts in evaluating the educational impact of a specific technology in the classroom. The pilot team will meet with district administrators and designated staff to discuss the appropriate technology and classroom implementation. Our staff developers and district educators collaboratively plan projects and learning activities. We also provide classroom support for all of our pilot projects in the form of coteaching, coaching, and mentoring.

Dates: 2-4 days to be scheduled with the district

Cost: Model Schools day trades

Portrait of a Graduate Alignment
✔ Academically Prepared
✔ Critical Thinker
✔ Effective Communicator
✔ Global Citizen
✔ Reflective and Future Focused

Project-Based Learning (PBL) and Performance-Based Assessment (PBA)
E-Team has dedicated staff trained in best practices for engaging, inquiry-based PBL instruction and PBA assessment practices. Choose from one of our coordinators to help support this through either district implementation planning support or through 4-day coaching cycles by content area (ideally with consortia members).

Dates: individual or package/multiple days to be scheduled with the district

Cost:

• 1-16 days: $1,350/day (535.009.01)
• Single Coordinator (535.070, 555.070, 555.050.01)
  • 17-67 days: $905.74/day
  • 68-101 days: $862.28/day
  • 102+ days: $825.05/day
• Multiple Coordinators (535.071)
  • 17-67 days: $972.79/day
  • 68-101 days: $926.54/day
  • 102+ days: $886.13/day
• RBERN - limited availability at no cost 

Portrait of a Graduate Alignment
✔ Academically Prepared
✔ Critical Thinker
✔ Effective Communicator
✔ Global Citizen
✔ Reflective and Future Focused

Strategic Planning Package
537.009.01
School-wide/district-wide strategic planning is essential for fostering a shared vision, promoting accountability, and enhancing the overall effectiveness and success of an educational institution. It provides a roadmap for continuous improvement and helps align the efforts of all stakeholders toward common objectives. Erie 1 BOCES is prepared to help support your planning for NY Inspires and leveraging the power of our Community Schools CoSer. Progress monitoring support available in a separate package. 

Sub-services:

• Mission & Vision Statements Facilitation around clearly articulating the purpose and direction of the school, describing its core values, and outlining the desired future state.
  • Scheduling: Up to 2 half days on site
  • Cost: $2,900
• Needs Assessment Conducting a comprehensive analysis of the current state of the school, including strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats Conducting a school-wide survey using Thought Exchange Facilitate multiple stakeholder focus group discussions for qualitative data Information may involve gathering data on academic performance, student demographics, staff capabilities, and community engagement
  • Scheduling: No on-site support
  • Cost: $5,075
• Goals, Outcomes, and Action Plan Facilitating the establishment of specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals that align with the school’s mission and address identified needs Facilitating the development of plans outlining the steps and initiatives required to achieve the established goals and outcomes. Details may include strategies for curriculum development, professional development, student support services, and/or community involvement.
  • Scheduling: Up to 2 full days or 4 half days on-site
  • Cost: $5,075
• Communication and Engagement Plan Communication plan can be customized to meet needs.  All would be customized to feature district’s colors/branding
  • Thought Exchange Launch Materials Superintendent letter encouraging participation Email to stakeholders encouraging participation Social Media graphics and copy encouraging participation Poster encouraging participation Presentation slide to be used as needed encouraging participation
  • Final/Approved Plan Materials • Accessible PDF of the final/approved plan Social media graphics and copy announcing new strategic plan • Superintendent letter summarizing and celebrating new strategic plan Email to stakeholders to view the strategic plan
    • Scheduling: No on-site support
    • Cost: $2,900

Portrait of a Graduate Alignment
✔ Academically Prepared
✔ Critical Thinker
✔ Effective Communicator
✔ Global Citizen
✔ Reflective and Future Focused

Connect With Us

Erie 1 BOCES is committed to supporting districts with effective NY Inspires implementation. From professional development to strategic planning, we offer tailored services to meet your needs. To learn more or explore additional supports, please reach out.

Michael Duffy
Senior Supervisor of Professional Development
mjduffy@e1b.org