CA BOCES Success Stories
Stories of Success from School Districts and CA BOCES Instructional Support Services
 Image of robotic figure interacting with computer device. Photo generated using DeepAI and Canva At Olean High School, a quiet transformation is taking place in the 12:1:1 special education classrooms- one that blends cutting-edge technology with deep instructional expertise. Over the past several months, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Andrea Niece, a dedicated special education teacher, to rethink and reimagine curriculum planning for her students using artificial intelligence — specifically, ChatGPT.
Using ChatGPT as a dynamic co-planner, we've been able to modify, map, and adapt curriculum materials in ways that meet the needs of students in self-contained special education settings while still aligning to the general education standards. Thanks to Andrea’s efforts, students in her classroom- and across the district- now have meaningful access to credit-bearing coursework that is more inclusive, engaging, and tailored to diverse learning needs. Andrea and I started by identifying essential standards that matter most for student success. Then, using AI and district resources, we adjusted pacing guides to align with the unique rhythm of a 12:1:1 classroom. We’ve used ChatGPT to rewrite complex texts, scaffold materials, generate formative assessments, and create lesson sequences that build both skills and confidence in students. The result is a more personalized, accessible curriculum—one that provides equity without sacrificing rigor. “This work has been transformative,” Andrea shared. “It’s not just about saving time- which it absolutely does- it’s about giving students access. Access to curriculum, access to learning, and access to achievement.” Indeed, the use of AI has drastically reduced the manual workload required to tailor materials for diverse learners. While every AI-generated resource is carefully reviewed and adjusted before it reaches students, the tool has empowered us to spend less time formatting and more time focusing on pedagogy and student engagement. Andrea’s passion for her students is evident in every planning session. What’s exciting is how AI is amplifying her expertise—not replacing it. It’s a partner in the process, one that makes it possible to dream bigger for students who deserve just as much from their education as anyone else. This project also opens the door for similar innovations across our region. As we continue to support teachers through curriculum development, AI can be an asset in every classroom, from AP courses to Life Skills, helping all students reach their potential. Our collaboration is still unfolding, and we’re excited to share resources and strategies with other educators interested in bringing AI into their curriculum planning. Together, we’re showing what’s possible when human care and technological tools work hand in hand. If you’re interested in exploring how AI can support your students or would like help adapting curriculum for specialized settings, I’d be happy to collaborate! Let’s work together to reimagine curriculum for all learners. In the meantime, take a few minutes to explore ChatGPT on your own – see what you can create and discover! By: Kelsey Eberhard, Coordinator for Exceptional Education Professional Development and Support This past month several districts in the CA BOCES region participated in the Curriculum Coordination for Administrators & Coaches workshop held at the main center in Olean. The focus for this year with these workshops has been on alignment. Participants have been working to both understand and create a cohesive, well-structured curriculum that aligns to district goals and standard outcomes. This past session focused on alignment for success through the perspective of all the stakeholders in a district. A key benefit in curriculum alignment is the establishment of common goals. Participants were led in various activities and exercises to better identify and understand expectations in their district and then examine best practices for student’s success, understanding that alignment is not conformity, but also flexibility assisting in addressing and meeting the unique characteristics and needs of each student within their school.
Working and learning together throughout the day participants explored and developed ways in which to create a more unified approach to instructional preparation and delivery within their schools. They were able to examine core concepts within standards and identify the key elements for success that transcend grade levels and content areas. This group will continue to meet and learn in order to be equipped with the tools and knowledge to increase student achievement in their schools. By: Rob Griffith, Senior Coordinator for Curriculum and Professional Development Friendship teachers Brad Gertis and Deb Warner spent the start of July exploring their curriculum thorough the lens of the New York State Physical Education Standards and assessment. Utilizing resources from NYSED related to the updated PE Learning Standards, they reviewed their district curriculum examining ways to better enhance instruction and assessment in the PE department at Friendship. One of the resources they used was the Physical Education Curriculum Analysis Tool or PECAT, which is a self-assessment tool for planning and guiding curriculum for PE. The PECAT is designed to help school districts and schools conduct clear, complete, and consistent analyses of physical education curricula based on physical education standards. Specifically, the PECAT accomplishes the following:
The curriculum component of the PECAT underscores the need for school districts and schools to establish a written physical education curriculum that identifies the content to be taught, guides appropriate instruction that supports the curriculum, and identifies student assessments that will provide evidence of student learning. Creating a well-designed, standards-based physical education curriculum will help ensure equitable physical education for all students, and that is the focus of the PE dept at Friendship Central School and why they are committed to this work.
By: Rob Griffith, Coordinator for Curriculum and Professional Development |
Our TeamStories come from school districts within the CA BOCES region and are authored by our Instructional Support Services Team. Archives
June 2025
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