Pioneer has recently transitioned to FastBridge for Universal Screening Assessments and Progress Monitoring. Our district’s transition to FastBridge significantly improved the efficiency and accuracy of student assessments. The Beginning of Year testing window decreased in time and increased student engagement with the assessment. Using ClassLink for accessibility, teachers and students alike were greeted with ease for the first day of online assessments.  

Following the assessments, data team meetings were held, and the data that was presented from the FastBridge reports allowed teachers to plan for targeted intervention groups tailored to students’ individual needs following our MTSS-I structures and process. Special Educators also found that FastBridge data reports would be a useful tool when writing IEP goals, and further, progress monitoring those goals would be completed on FastBridge using the subtests and interventions that are available in FastBridge. Tiered Intervention Groups have started, and teachers are eager to see how FastBridge will continue to support students throughout the school year.  

Prior to FastBridge, our data collection was time-consuming and inconsistent across schools. After implementation, we streamlined universal screening and progress monitoring, allowing teachers to quickly identify student needs with reliable data. The user-friendly platform also made it easier for educators to collaborate on intervention strategies. Overall, FastBridge empowered teachers and enhanced student support. 
​
By: Jenna Tost, Coordinator for Curriculum and Professional Development​

As the new school year is underway, schools across our region face both excitement and challenges. Students are eager to return, parents are hopeful for a fresh start, and teachers are preparing to guide the next generation. Many districts are also experiencing persistent challenges like academic gaps, resource shortages, and the social-emotional needs of students. Community Schools at CABOCES can offer a solution that supports not just students, but entire communities.

What are Community Schools at CABOCES?
All students, school districts, families and communities have equitable access to rich resources to improve student learning, strengthen families and create healthier communities. School and community partnerships are empowered and connected in meaningful ways, problems are solved and resources are used effectively.

How can Community Schools at CABOCES Support the Districts?
The Cattaraugus Allegany BOCES Community Schools Cooperative Service (CoSer) represents a strategy to organize resources so that academics, social and emotional needs, and medical and dental services and supports are integrated into the fabrics of schools. This work helps to remove obstacles to learning and serve the needs of the whole child so teachers are free to teach and students are ready to learn.
The community school’s strategy focuses on six key components:

• Powerful student and family engagement. Families and students actively participate in the school community and are key partners in decision-making, shaping the school’s environment, priorities, and partnerships.
• Collaborative leadership and shared power and voice. Families, students, teachers, principals, and community partners co-create a culture of professional learning, collective trust, and shared responsibility as they make decisions together.
• Expanded and enriched learning opportunities. Before- and after-school, weekend, and summer programs provide expanded time, expanded staffing, and expanded opportunities for learning and engagement.
• Rigorous, community-connected classroom instruction. Teaching and learning in the school infuses high-level content and skills with real-world learning opportunities.
• Culture of belonging, safety, and care. The school climate is welcoming and fosters trust among students, families, partners, and staff.
• Integrated systems of support. To promote healthy learning and development, a dedicated team composed primarily of school staff and community partners intentionally and systematically coordinates services, supports, and opportunities that foster individual and collective well-being, using an assets-based approach to nurture the strengths and address the needs of students and families.
  
  

Overall, the goal of the strategy is to strengthen schools, improve student learning, create stronger families and healthier communities.
​
What is the impact on the District?
When Community Schools at CABOCES is utilized, the entire district benefits. By addressing the academic, emotional, and social needs of students, these schools help reduce absenteeism, improve academic performance, and increase graduation rates. The holistic model creates a ripple effect: stronger students lead to stronger families, which in turn lead to stronger communities. As we begin a new school year, please consider the Community Schools CoSer 525. Please visit https://register.caboces.org/seminar/admin to see what is offered throughout the 24-25 school year.

By: Kelli Forster, Community Schools Resources Coordinator