By David Laguerre | Mohawk Valley Voice | November 9, 2026
Utica elementary teachers who provide extra reading and math support spent November 3 working with OHM BOCES on how to use student assessments to guide instruction.
The Utica City School District described the professional learning sessions in a November 5 report. The full-day program took place during the district’s Superintendent’s Day and involved Academic Intervention Services teachers.
A closer look at math instruction
OHM BOCES curriculum specialists Eileen Bates and Michelle Gaspa led the math session. Teachers reviewed past standardized assessment trends alongside current student work, according to the district.
They also examined the New York State Mathematics Learning Standards and considered how instructional materials and intervention practices connect to those standards.
The district described consistency across classrooms as a focus. Its report does not establish that a new curriculum was adopted or announce a districtwide change in student eligibility for assistance.
Reading teams compare information
Dennis Hahn, the district’s AIS facilitator, and OHM BOCES curriculum specialist Veronica Vecic led the reading session.
Teachers considered individual assessment results and worked with colleagues from their schools on building-level data. They also compared patterns across the district through a gallery-walk activity.
According to the district, the aim was to connect assessment tools and teaching practices more deliberately. The report offers a description of teacher training, not evidence that reading or math achievement has already improved as a result.
Questions families can ask
For parents, the next useful step is understanding what support looks like for their own child. Questions for a teacher or school team might include what skill is being addressed, how progress is measured and when the family will receive an update.
The November 5 report does not give new enrollment instructions, a timeline for classroom changes or results from the training. Those details should be verified before presenting this as an expansion of services.
The workshop is separate from the recently announced Mohawk Valley Master Teacher and counselor cohort.