Information Night to be held Dec. 9 for parents and students interested in Seven Valleys New Tech Academy

Onondaga-Cortland-Madison BOCES will host an information night on Wednesday, December 9 at 6 p.m. for parents and students interested in learning more about Seven Valleys New Tech Academy, which will open in Cortland County in Fall 2016. The event will be held at the OCM BOCES Education Center - McEvoy Campus, 1710 NYS Route 13, Cortland, in Room 701 in the conference center behind the main building. Food will be provided.


The school will serve area high school students in grades 9-12, and will provide an innovative learning environment that aims to improve students' college and career readiness through project-based learning, collaborative workspace and technology. The school will also be a site for teacher training. Seven Valleys New Tech Academy will be located at 240 Port Watson Street, Cortland.



The school will accommodate 100 students and employ nine teachers and staff. Renovations of the building have commenced and are expected to be completed in July 2016. The school will feature modern classrooms, collaborative learning spaces, computers for all faculty and students, and a conference facility where teachers will come to learn about the school and project-based learning.


The creation of Seven Valleys New Tech Academy is OCM BOCES' latest step in its fulfillment of the Central New York Regional Vision for College, Career and Citizenship Readiness, a steadfast commitment to preparing students for their future as lifelong learners, as skilled workers or entrepreneurs, and as global citizens.


Seven Valleys New Tech Academy joins Innovation Tech High School, which OCM BOCES opened in Liverpool in 2014, as the first and only two New Tech schools in Central New York. New Tech schools are part of the New Tech Network, a non-profit organization that provides services and support nationwide to schools, districts and communities for developing public schools in which project-based learning is the primary instructional approach. Founded in Napa, California, in 1996, New Tech is made up approximately 175 schools in 28 states, China and Australia.


The New Tech Network and the CNY Regional Vision share three main tenets, which are "instruction that engages," "culture that empowers," and "technology that enables," a philosophy which strives to empower students with engaging instruction and real-world learning opportunities, while providing a collaborative, interactive, technology-based learning environment.

OCM BOCES to open Cortland County New Tech high school in Fall 2016

The Onondaga-Cortland-Madison Board of Cooperative Educational Services (OCM BOCES) will open a New Tech high school in Cortland County in September 2016. The school will serve area high school students in grades 9-12, and will provide an innovative learning environment that aims to improve students’ college and career readiness through project-based learning, collaborative workspace and technology.

The school will also serve to equip teachers with resources that facilitate the creation of engaging curriculums with relevance to the needs of the 21st century. The new school, which has not yet been named, will be located at 240 Port Watson Street, Cortland.

“Not only will this be a school for students, but it will also be a place where teachers from all OCM BOCES districts will come to learn about project-based learning and innovative practices,” says OCM BOCES Superintendent J. Francis Manning.

There are currently more than 150 New Tech schools in 29 states across the country. This new school will join Innovation Tech High School, which OCM BOCES opened in Liverpool last fall, as the first and only two New Tech schools in Central New York.

Manning recently invited local school district leaders and local business partners together to the OCM BOCES McEvoy campus to discuss the Central New York Regional Vision for College, Career and Citizenship Readiness and ways in which both groups can collaborate and work together to provide engaging projects, shadowing opportunities, and internships for students that will be attending the new school. Cortland business leaders provided input and guidance about which employee skills and attributes would most benefit their organizations and the Cortland community.

The Central New York Regional Vision for College, Career and Citizenship Readiness represents a steadfast commitment to preparing students for their future as lifelong learners, as skilled workers or entrepreneurs, and as global citizens.

The New Tech Network and the CNY Regional Vision share three main tenets, which are “instruction that engages,” “culture that empowers,” and “technology that enables,” a philosophy which strives to empower students with engaging instruction and real-world learning opportunities, while providing a collaborative, interactive, technology-based learning environment.

Innovation Tech profiled by local ABC affiliate (video)

Innovation Tech High School, one of the newest programs Onondaga-Cortland-Madison BOCES offers to high school districts throughout Central New York, was recently profiled in a story by LocalSyr.com. Read and watch the story here.

While there are more than 130 New Tech schools across the country, Innovation Tech is the first in the region and is located at the Lee G. Peters Career Training Center in Liverpool. As the story notes, the Liverpool location is in its second semester and plans are proceeding for a second facility to open in Cortland County in September 2016.

Innovation Tech classes employ a project-based learning approach that engages students with authentic learning and meaningful collaboration. Students work in teams to creatively solve problems, working hand-in-hand with businesses in the community. All students at Innovation Tech earn college credit, participate in internships and give back to the community through service learning.

Innovation Tech High School opened last September with an approach to learning that reflects the 21st Century and the global environment we live in. This approach to learning begins with teaching that is engaging—project-based learning is the rule. The culture is empowering, with learning that is relevant and student-driven. Students become self-directed learners who no longer depend on teachers and textbooks in a search for a single, right answer. Students use technology on a regular basis and not just as a special event—each student has their own laptop computer that connects them to the world and facilitates the research and creativity that students need to be successful in their future.

Students work in teams on authentic projects to develop critical thinking and communication skills. Teamwork builds social skills and work ethic critical in today's business environment. Teams embrace the talents and perspectives that each team member brings to the project.

For more information about Innovation Tech, visit our website and “Like” us on Facebook.

Innovation Tech "offers students a unique learning experience"

OCM BOCES' Innovation Tech was profiled this morning in an article by Sarah Moses of the Syracuse Post-Standard/Syracuse.com. Read the full story here.

Innovation Tech is the first and only New Tech high school in Central New York, located at the Lee G. Peters Career Training Center in Liverpool. Plans are proceeding for a second facility, in Cortland County, to open in September 2016. Innovation Tech employs a project-based learning approach that engages students with authentic learning and meaningful collaboration.

Students work in teams to creatively solve problems, working hand-in-hand with businesses in the community. All students at Innovation Tech earn college credit, participate in internships, and give back to the community through service learning. It's an approach to learning that reflects the 21st Century and the global environment in which we live. Relevant and student-driven learning begins with teaching that is engaging and a culture that is empowering. At Innovation Tech, students become self-directed learners who no longer depend on teachers and textbooks in a search for a single, right answer. Students use technology on a regular basis and not just as a special event--each student uses their own laptop computer to connect them to the world and facilitate the research and creativity that they need to be successful in their future. Students work in teams on authentic projects to develop critical thinking and communication skills. Teamwork builds social skills and work ethic critical in today's business environment.

Innovation Tech operates with the understanding that the ways in which we work and communicate have changed and prepares students to live and work in our ever-changing world. Stay in touch with Innovation Tech at the Innovation Tech Facebook page. Read more about Innovation Tech on the OCM BOCES website here.

OCM BOCES District Superintendent: 4+1 Pathway adoption is good news

The New York State Education Department and Board of Regents have heard from the community about the need to offer high school students different paths that give them options regarding their own learning and development and that better prepare them for the demands of life and work in today’s world. In recognition of the fact that “one size does not fit all,” we applaud the NYS Board of Regents’ recent action in adopting a “4+1 Pathway” model for students wishing to earn a Regents diploma. The “4” refers to a requirement of passing four Regents exams, while the “1” refers to options that students have for the fifth test.

The 4+1 model allows for different ways to meet the requirement of passing five Regents exams to graduate. The four required Regents examinations are English language arts, mathematics, science, and either US history or global history and geography.

For the fifth exam requirement, students will have the following Pathway options: Humanities: (one additional social studies Regents examination or approved alternative); Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM): one additional Regents examination in a different course in mathematics, science or an approved alternative); Languages Other Than English (LOTE): a pathway assessment that could include a biliteracy; Career and Technical Education (CTE): an approved CTE pathway assessment following successful completion of a CTE program-approved pursuant, and; Arts: an approved arts assessment.

Onondaga-Cortland-Madison BOCES has been working diligently with Central New York school districts in providing the leadership to facilitate and implement this much-needed change to our educational model. For all of our students in Central New York, we have a Regional Vision of Readiness that is founded on an uncompromising and relentless commitment to preparing them for college, career and citizenship – in other words, preparing our young adults for their future. At the heart of this vision are three commitments: providing instruction that engages, a culture that empowers and technology that enables. Central New York school districts are working together to increase the extent to which these three commitments characterize our schools. We are creating new regional schools, such as Innovation Tech High School in Liverpool, in which integrated project-based learning (PBL) courses, collaboration and technology are key in teaching and learning. PBL will be a significant component of all BOCES programs, as will increased internships, local business-embedded programs and the use of technology in ways that more closely mirror the world our students will enter after graduation. It is important to note that instruction will continue to be based on NYS Learning Standards and that students will continue to take all state-required exams (which are now changing as well).


This is good news for the students of New York. The provision of these choices is recognition of the fact that our current system of education in New York needs changing. This is a good first step. In the future, Central New York schools and districts will continue to advance a version of college and career readiness that is focused on the future rather than the past.

J. Francis Manning, district superintendent
Onondaga-Cortland-Madison BOCES

Ribbon-cutting ceremony for OCM BOCES Innovation Tech – the area’s first New Tech High School

On Wednesday, September, 17, OCM BOCES held a grand opening/ribbon cutting to present Innovation Tech, Central New York's FIRST New Tech High School, to the community.

Several people were on hand to help OCM BOCES celebrate the innovative new school to Central New York. Pictured: New York State Assemblyman Al Stirpe helped OCM BOCES Board President Ann Wright and several Innovation Tech students cut the ceremonial ribbon.

Innovation Tech, created out of the recognition that students need to be prepared with 21st Century skills for life and work in our changing world, is the first of its kind in Central New York. Innovation Tech provides an empowering culture, with learning that is relevant, student-driven and embraces modern learning and the global environment in which we live. There are more than 130 New Tech schools in 23 states across the country.

“New Tech Schools are redefining secondary education,” said Jody Manning, district superintendent for OCM BOCES. “Students become self-directed learners who no longer depend on teachers and textbooks in search of a single, right answer. They use technology on a regular basis, not just for special projects.”

Innovation Tech is an important part of the Central New York Regional Vision for College, Career, and Citizenship Readiness. Our regional vision is founded on an uncompromising and relentless commitment to preparing students for college, career and citizenship – in other words, preparing students for their future. At the heart of our regional vision are three commitments: instruction that engages, culture that empowers, and technology that enables.

Click here to read the Eagle Star-Review article on Innovation Tech.

Visit the Innovation Tech website to learn more.

Innovation Tech - CNY's first New Tech High School - has opened

OCM BOCES Innovation Tech – Central New York’s first New Tech High School ­– has opened its doors for the 2014-15 school year. A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held Wednesday, September 17, 2014 at 10 a.m.

Innovation Tech, created out of the recognition that students need to be prepared with 21st Century skills for life and work in our changing world, is the first of its kind in Central New York. Innovation Tech provides an empowering culture, with learning that is relevant, student-driven and embraces modern learning and the global environment in which we live. There are more than 130 New Tech schools in 23 states across the country.


“New Tech Schools are redefining secondary education,” said Jody Manning, district superintendent for OCM BOCES. “Students become self-directed learners who no longer depend on teachers and textbooks in search of a single, right answer. They use technology on a regular basis, not just for special projects.”


Innovation Tech is an important part of the Central New York Regional Vision for College, Career, and Citizenship Readiness. Our regional vision is founded on an uncompromising and relentless commitment to preparing students for college, career and citizenship – in other words, preparing students for their future. At the heart of our regional vision are three commitments: instruction that engages, culture that empowers, and technology that enables.


Click here for more information about Innovation Tech.

New Tech High School student-created video

Click on the video link below to watch a student-created video about New Tech. OCM BOCES is bringing New Tech to Central New York through Innovation Tech.

A new kind of high school coming to Central New York - Innovation Tech to open in September 2014

The world has changed. Work has changed. Technology has changed. Communication has changed. The pace of the world has changed. But for the large part, schools in Central New York have stayed the same. Until now that is. In September of 2014, Central New York will open the doors to Innovation Tech, the area’s first-ever New Tech High School. 

While there are more than 130 New Tech schools across the country, Innovation Tech will be the first in Central New York and will be located at the Lee G. Peters Career Training Center in Liverpool.

Innovation Tech is a school that understands the changes that are rapidly taking place in the world and recognizes and supports the need to be prepared with 21^st Century Skills for life and work in our changing world. 

Innovation Tech provides an empowering culture, with learning that is relevant, student-driven and truly reflects 21^st Century Learning and the global environment in which we live. 

“Without a doubt, New Tech Schools are redefining secondary education,” said Jody Manning, district superintendent for OCM BOCES. “Students become self-directed learners who no longer depend on teachers and textbooks in a search of a single, right answer. They use technology on a regular basis, not just for special projects.”

At Innovation Tech, the approach to learning begins with teaching that is engaging, utilizing a project based learning approach. 

Karen Clark has been the OCM BOCES Director of Alternative Education for seven years and is excited about her role in bringing Innovation Tech to Central New York. She said, “This model truly engages students through a technology-based approach to solving real world problems by employing business partnerships for authentic learning and meaningful collaboration.”

At Innovation Tech, students work in teams on authentic projects to develop critical thinking and communication skills. Teamwork builds social skills and encourages the strong work ethic that is absolutely critical in today's business environment. Teams embrace the talents and perspectives that each team member brings to the project.

All students at Innovation Tech earn college credit, participate in internships, and give back to the community through service learning. The program is available for students in grades 9-12. 

Students are invited to apply through their home school district administrator of school counselor. School districts identify their pool of candidates for Innovation Tech. If needed, a lottery system is employed when the number of candidates exceeds the availability of seats at Innovation Tech. Once applications are reviewed, all potential candidates and their families will have an interview with staff from Innovation Tech. Enrollment is limited. If a student is selected to enroll at Innovation Tech, he/she will participate in orientation activities prior to the first day of school.

BOCES is holding an information night for parents and students interested in Innovation Tech at the school (4500 Crown Road) in Liverpool from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on April 9. Interested students should also talk to their school guidance counselors for more information. 

For additional information about Innovation Tech, visit us online at innovationtech.us. 

Click here to watch the News Channel 9 video news story about Innovation Tech.

Click here to read the Syracuse.com 3/27/14 article on Innovation Tech.

Click here to read the letter to the editor about Innovation Tech from District Superintendent Jody Manning.