Every BOCES is a little different, depending on the needs of the local school districts. For BOCES to offer a service it must be requested by two or more component districts and be approved by the commissioner of education according to need and practicality in a regional context. It will then be considered a Co-Ser (Cooperative Service) agreement.
• A large percentage of BOCES programs are instructional or direct instruction in classroom settings:
- instruction services and professional development
- career and technical programs for high school students
- related services for students with disabilities
- literacy programs and employment training for adults
• The remaining programs are non-instructional “support services” which help school districts reduce or contain costs. This permits some districts’ resources to directly serve students. Examples include:
– management services
– regional information centers
– state networks
