Bridges-NYSED Programs

The Bridges Math Program is designed to support SIFE and Newcomer students in building stronger mathematical skills and is organized into two program streams. The Bridges–CUNY Foundational Unit focuses on essential prerequisite skills that help SIFE students access mathematical content and uses a mini-lesson format followed by collaborative small-group work. The Bridges–NYSED Math program uses a Guided Math approach with units on decimals and fractions, rates and ratios, integers, the coordinate plane, expressions, and equations. The program emphasizes mathematical vocabulary, problem-solving strategies, and social-emotional learning targets, while also offering virtual resources to support flexible learning environments.

An online professional learning course is available for teachers implementing the Bridges–NYSED Math program for SIFE and Entering Newcomers with up to a 6th grade level in math. All cohort members are eligible to participate in coaching office hours or consultations.

• Prerequisite: Orientation to Bridges Programs

• CTLE Credit: 16 hours (4 modules; each includes a 2.5-hour training + 1.5 hours coursework)

• Format: Live via Zoom or self-paced online

• Support: Access to coaching office hours or individual consultations

The Bridges Spanish HLA Program was created for SIFE and newcomer secondary students to strengthen the home language literacy skills of native Spanish speakers who need additional support. The program is designed to be implemented alongside Bridges Integrated ENL/ELA and Stand-Alone ENL programs, with an overlapping thematic focus on identity. Daily lessons target academic thinking, language, and literacy through the Gradual Release of Responsibility model, using structured protocols that promote student independence.

An online professional learning course is available for teachers implementing the Bridges–NYSED Spanish HLA Program for SIFE and Entering Newcomers with up to a sixth-grade literacy level in Spanish.

• Prerequisite: Orientation to Bridges Programs

• CTLE Credit: 8 hours (2 modules; each includes a 2.5-hour training + 1.5 hours coursework)

• Format: Live via Zoom or self-paced online

• Support: Access to coaching office hours or individual consultations

The School and District Administrator Course was created to orient administrators to the various Bridges programs, train them in an observation protocol, and provide opportunities to hear about best practices and evidence of impact from research, evaluation and representatives from the field. Follow up consultation will support administrators in a variety of practices including troubleshooting programming, intake to progress monitoring to strategic planning and transitioning SIFE into their next school year.

This course is designed for school and district administrators who are implementing Bridges programs in their school or district.

• Prerequisite: Orientation to Bridges Programs

• CTLE Credit: 8 hours (2 modules; each includes a 2.5-hour training + 1.5 hours coursework)

• Format: Live via Zoom or self-paced online

• Support: Access to coaching office hours or individual consultations