Policy 6146.4 - Differential Graduation and Competency Standards and Certificates of Educational Achievement for Individuals with Exceptional Needs

Differential Graduation and Competency Standards and Certificates of Educational Achievement for Students with Disabilities

The Board of Education recognizes that students with disabilities are entitled to a course of study that provides them with a free appropriate public education (FAPE) and that modifications to the district’s regular course may be needed on an individualized basis to provide FAPE. In accordance with law, each student’s individualized education program (IEP) team shall determine the appropriate goals, as well as any appropriate individual accommodations necessary for measuring the academic achievement and functional performance of the student on state and district wide assessments.

High School Diploma and Certificate of Educational Achievement /Completion

Instead of a high school diploma, a student with disabilities may be awarded a certificate or document of educational achievement or completion if the student has met one of the following requirements:

1. The student has satisfactorily completed a prescribed alternative course of study approved by the Board of Education of the school district which the student attended or the district with jurisdiction over the student as identified in his/her IEP; or
2. The student has satisfactorily achieved his or her IEP goals and objectives during high school as determined by the IEP team; or
3. The student has satisfactorily attended high school, participated in the instruction specified in his or her IEP, and has met the objectives of the statement of transition services.

A student with disabilities who meets any of the criteria specified above shall be eligible to participate in any graduation ceremony and any school activity related to graduation which a graduating student of similar age without disabilities would be eligible to participate.