Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES

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The 8:1:1 district-based program is designed for students working toward a Regents or Local diploma and/or a Career Development and Occupational Studies (CDOS) credential who have similar educational needs and benefit from a small, highly supportive learning environment.

All classrooms are located within one of our component school districts, allowing students to remain connected to their school community while receiving individualized support. Each classroom includes up to eight students, one certified special education teacher, and one teaching assistant, providing a structured setting that promotes academic success, positive behavior, and social-emotional growth.

The curriculum is designed to support the diverse academic, social, and behavioral needs of each student while fostering meaningful growth and development. Instruction is aligned with New York State learning standards and credential requirements, with differentiated instruction to meet individual learning styles and abilities.

A key focus of the program is social-emotional learning (SEL). Students receive direct instruction and ongoing support to develop skills such as emotional regulation, self-awareness, coping strategies, problem-solving, and positive peer relationships. These skills are integrated throughout the school day and reinforced across academic, social, and behavioral contexts.

Program highlights include:

• Explicit focus on social-emotional learning and behavioral skill development
• Development of self-advocacy, executive functioning, and independence
• Collaboration with families, component districts, and support services

The goal of this program is to empower students with the academic skills, social-emotional competencies, and confidence needed to succeed in school, the workplace, and the broader community.