Types of Diplomas

Regular Education Diploma

The program of studies shall include areas required by the State Board of Education.

Before high school graduation, every student shall:

1. Achieve the specified twenty-six (26) units of credit;

2. Take the required end-of-course exams;

3. Have satisfactory records of attendance and conduct;

4. Take the ACT or SAT prior to graduation; and

5. Pass a United States civics test.

Occupational Diploma

Special education students who do not meet the requirements for a regular high school diploma may be awarded an occupational diploma if the student has:

1.  Completed at least four (4) years of high school;

2.  Made satisfactory progress on their IEP;

3.  Maintained satisfactory records of attendance and conduct;

4.  Completed the occupational diploma Skills, Knowledge, and Experience Mastery Assessment (SKEMA); and

5.  Has two (2) years of paid or non-paid work experience.

The decision to attain an occupational diploma shall be made after the student’s 10th-grade year or two (2) academic years before the expected graduation date.

Students who have received a special education diploma or an occupational diploma shall continue to make progress toward a regular high school diploma until the end of the school year in which they turn twenty-two (22) years old.

Alternative Academic Diploma

Special education students who do not meet the requirements for a regular high school diploma may be awarded an alternate academic diploma if the student has:

1.  Completed at least four (4) years of high school;

2.  Participated in the high school alternate assessments;

3.  Earned the prescribed twenty-two (22) credit minimum;

4.  Made satisfactory progress on their IEP;

5.  Maintained satisfactory records of attendance and conduct; and

6.  Completed a transition assessment that measures postsecondary education and training, employment, independent living, and community involvement.

Alternative Academic Diploma policy and course requirements can be supported within each student’s least restrictive environment (LRE) as determined by their IEP team.

Special education students who have received an Alternative Academic Diploma within the four years plus one summer time limit are included in the graduation rate.  Students may earn the diploma after this timeline; it will just not be reflected in the graduation rate.

Special education students who have received an Alternate Academic Diploma shall continue to make progress toward a regular high school diploma until the end of the school year in which they turn twenty-two (22) years old.