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Office of Educational Services

Curriculum Areas | Annual Right to Know | PLLD

Teaching and learning is the crux of the Office of Educational Services here in North Colonie. We strive to empower our students, teachers, and leaders to become the best version of themselves. Our goal is to foster a culture of inclusivity where every learner can thrive and be their authentic self. We strongly believe that achieving academic excellence and ensuring intellectual safety and belonging are the fundamental pillars for attaining true agency and life-long success. 

PK-5 elementary overview

In the North Colonie School District, we are committed to an elementary, K-5 experience that is explicit in its instruction, diverse in its curriculum, collaborative in its approach, respectful in its tone, and engaging from classroom to classroom.

As an institution, we aspire to see that students want to come through our front doors so that they can creatively write and read text that makes them wonder, express themselves through the fine arts, and partake in scientific and mathematical problem-solving.  Our lessons, supported by comprehensive curricula, build on the day’s previous work while acknowledging what the next day may bring.  Students are challenged to think critically and take risks, understanding that we learn as much from when we are uncertain as when we are sure.

Our elementary curriculum is designed to provide a responsive, progressive learning experience, ensuring our students are adequately equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate their academic journey.

The elementary experience should be defined by learning and joy.  We succeed if all learners leave elementary school curious, kind, confident, and competent.  Such success is never easy – it often necessitates embracing and trusting the process – but we represent the first steps in a long journey at the elementary level. We take that responsibility seriously at North Colonie.

6-12 secondary overview

Preparing Secondary Students for a Bright Future through Innovative Curriculum and Instruction:

Our vision for curriculum and instruction at the secondary level is founded on the belief that education is the key to unlocking a bright future for all students. By equipping them with essential skills, offering diverse pathways to success, and providing meaningful learning experiences that ignite innovation and creativity, we will empower our students to thrive in an ever-changing world. Through our shared commitment to student success, we will prepare our students to be college- and career-ready and compassionate, responsible, and engaged citizens of the world. Through this vision, we commit to shaping a future where every student can achieve their full potential and make meaningful contributions to society.

Curriculum Areas

Professional Learning, Leadership & Development (PLLD)

Professional development is crucial for empowering educators to transform into leaders who can develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to create optimal learning environments and provide enriching learning experiences to our students. Here in North Colonie, we believe that when we embrace continuous learning, we become more adaptable, which helps us to become more resilient when we face any challenge or change. Seeking new opportunities to learn and grow is essential. We can achieve great things when we combine adaptability with knowledge.  

  • Building Teacher Capacity & Expertise
    • K-5 Instructional Coaching Model
      • Cycle: Self-Directed Improvement System
      • Student-Centered Coaching & Low Inference Notes
      • Instructional Technology Coaching
      • Feedback Cycle – Teachers, Leaders, District
  • Professional Growth & Sustainability
    • Teacher Learning & Development Meetings
      • Affective & Cognitive Domains
  • Professional Development
    • Aligned with District Mission Priorities
    • Responsive, Tiered & Inclusive
    • Innovative & Meaningful

ACADEMICS DEPARTMENT

Ms. Naté Turner-Hassell
Assistant Superintendent for Educational Services
Phone: (518) 785-8591

Brian Dineen
Director of Curriculum & Instruction Pre-K – 5
Phone: (518) 785-8591

Dr. Lindsay Tresansky
Director of Secondary Curriculum and Instruction
Phone: (518) 785-8591

ANNUAL RIGHT TO KNOW

Dear Parent/Guardian,

We are writing in compliance with provisions of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 to inform you that, because your child’s school receives Title I federal funding, you have the right to request information regarding the professional qualification of your child’s classroom teacher(s). Specifically included is your right to know the following:

  • Whether the teacher has met State qualification and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction;
  • Whether the teacher is teaching under emergency or other provisional status through which State qualification or licensing criteria have been waived;
  • The baccalaureate degree major of the teacher and any other graduate certification or degree held by the teacher, and field of discipline of the certification or degree; and
  • Whether your child is provided services by paraprofessionals and, if so, their qualification.

Should you wish to exercise your right to obtain the above information about your child’s teacher, please contact the office of the Superintendent of Schools in writing at the following address to make your request.

Ms. Kathleen Skeals, Superintendent
North Colonie Central Schools
91 Fiddlers Lane
Latham, New York 12110

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call (518) 785-8591.