This program is designed for elementary students with multiple disabilities, which includes a focus on behavior management strategies. Each student is given individual attention to address his or her particular abilities and needs. Individual academic programming and curriculum are based on the Common Core Learning Standards and revolve around reading and writing, math, science, and social studies. Independent living skills and prevocational work skills are also a focus. All students receive the appropriate New York State Assessments.

Branches Brochure

This program serves students at the middle and high school level, who have an intellectual disability and/or developmental disability. The focus of the program is on functional academics, life skills, social skills, vocational skills and community integration. The academic curriculum reflects the Common Core Learning Standards for Pre-K to 12th grade, which are taught at the student’s functional level. Core academic areas include reading and language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science. Students are assessed using the New York State Alternate Assessment. Students in this program will earn the Skills and Achievement Commencement Credential (SACC).

Bridges Brochure

Foundations is designed for elementary students who have the classification of Autism. The curriculum will focus on the Common Core Learning Standards but will also address individual student needs. The team will provide support for Assistive Technology devices for the purposes of communication and behavior management. Related services such as speech therapy and occupational therapy are available per the recommendation of students’ IEPs (Individualized Education Program).

Foundations Brochure

Supervised Work Experience (SWE) is a half-day program designed to teach vocational related skills and behaviors. The program will provide student exploration of a variety of realistic career options in a highly supervised setting. Using a hands-on approach, students will learn technical skills and appropriate work-related behaviors that can be transferred to any job.

This career exploration program at Cornell University is designed to teach vocationally related skills to students who have an IEP (individual educational plan). These students are working towards acquiring a CDOS (Career Development Occupational Studies) Commencement Credential. Collaborating with the Cornell Public Service Center, Career Skills will provide student exploration of a variety of realistic career options on the Cornell campus. Cornell student mentors will partner with BOCES students and staff to help facilitate this process.

Half-Day Career Skills at Cornell University Brochure

The Lighthouse Program is an innovative collaboration between TST BOCES and Racker, a regional non-profit agency.  Lighthouse provides a short-term tutorial program in an alternative setting outside the student’s home school that supports the social and emotional well being of students and their families.  Staffed by a full-time teacher, a teaching assistant, a full-time licensed Clinical Social Worker, and a consulting psychologist, Lighthouse offers a therapeutic educational environment that supports students and families who are experiencing social and emotional challenges that are getting in the way of school success. In collaboration with the home school district, students continue school work from their home school and learn new skills that will help them meet their educational goals. Comprehensive transition plans are developed with the student, family and school to ensure sustainability of progress made in the program. 

The Possibilities Program is a collaboration between TST BOCES and Racker, a regional non-profit agency.  Possibilities provides support to School districts, students and their families in grades K-12 via an innovative continuum of care. Supports through Possibilities include:

• Case Management and support to individual students and families 
• Short term solution focused counseling for students and families  
• Consultation and support to school staff in participating districts 
• Onsite/virtual professional development 
• Onsite/virtual skill building groups for students  
• Solution focused planning 
  
  

The Possibilities Team includes licensed clinical social workers, teachers and youth development specialists.  

This program is for students with special needs who take state tests and who are on track for a Local or Regents diploma with a CDOS Commencement Credential. The academic curriculum is coordinated with the Common Core Learning Standards. Core academic areas include reading and writing, mathematics, social studies and science. Vocational training is offered through a supervised work experience program on the TST BOCES campus.

The Springboard program offers students access to Regents credit bearing classes and the general education curriculum. Students generally exit the program with either a CDOS Commencement Credential or Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC). This academic program also provides students with instruction that prepares them for transition to independent adult living. Students enrolled in Springboard also participate in either a Career and Technical Education program or other vocational experiences for a portion of their school day. The student’s application to a CTE program and the billing for that program is handled by the CTE department.

Springboard Brochure

Steps is a middle/high school program designed for students with severe disabilities. Often students require specialized nursing, vision therapy, or other related services. This program provides intensive adult/student interactions for our pupils. Focus is on the Common Core Learning Standards but developing the skill level of each student to provide what he or she needs to experience success in life. Emphasis is also placed on the development of independence, appropriate behavior, enhanced communicative competence, pre-vocational skills, as well as community and social awareness. Students in this program earn the Skills and Achievement Commencement Credential (SACC).

Steps Brochure

This program is designed for students whose emotional and behavioral needs require a therapeutic setting as well as close supervision. Classrooms deliver academic instruction, combined with a management system that offers highly intensive interventions. Student behaviors may be aggressive, self-abusive or extremely withdrawn. Therapeutic services include school counseling as well as Day Treatment services and are provided by Racker staff.

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This service provides additional support for educational teams to help a school-aged child remain in the home school in the least restrictive environment. This can be presented through various methods according to specific identified needs, such as a student who requires an in-depth assessment and ongoing support due to behavioral issues or a team requesting assistance with adapting equipment for a student with multiple disabilities. TST BOCES and Franziska Racker Center staff members provide CAST services. These services are designed to provide support and to empower the school team to develop and implement meaningful strategies to assist a student.

CAST Brochure

CAST Assistive Technology Brochure

This is a half-day program providing students with instruction needed to pass the TASC exam. It is available in the AM or the PM, and is open to students ages 16 and older. Many students additionally enroll in a Career and Technical Education program for the other half of the academic day (billed separately).

TASC Brochure

Itinerant Services are provided to students enrolled in component district school buildings. TST BOCES can also provide Itinerant Services by Speech Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Teachers of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing, and Teachers of the Blind and Visually Impaired and Orientation and Mobility Teachers.

Itinerant Speech Brochure

Itinerant Occupational Therapy Brochure

Itinerant Hearing or Visually Impaired Brochure