BP 6146.4 — Differential Graduation and Competency Standards For Students With Disabilities
Section: 6000 - Instruction
Status: Active
Adopted: 2019-04-23
Revised: 2023-08-17
Policy text
DIFFERENTIAL GRADUATION AND COMPETENCY STANDARDS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
The Governing Board 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.
Exemption from District-Established Graduation Requirements
District students shall complete all course requirements for high school graduation as specified in Board Policy 6146.1 - High School Graduation Requirements. However, a student with a disability may be exempted from all coursework and other requirements adopted by the Board that are in addition to the statewide course requirements for high school graduation if the student’s IEP provides for both of the following requirements:
- That the student take the alternate assessment aligned to alternate achievement standards in grade 11 as described in Education Code 60640
- That the student complete state standards aligned coursework to meet the statewide coursework specified in Education Code 51225.3
Prior to the beginning of grade 10, the IEP team for each student with a disability shall determine whether the student is eligible for the exemption, and if so, notify the student’s parent/guardian of the exemption.
Any such exempted student shall receive a diploma and be eligible to participate in any graduation ceremony and school activity related to graduation in which a student of similar age without a disability would be eligible to participate.
Certificate of Educational Achievement or 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:
- Satisfactorily completed a prescribed alternative course of study approved by the board of the district in which the student attended school or the district with jurisdiction over the student as identified in their IEP
- Satisfactorily met their IEP goals and objectives during high school as determined by the IEP team
- Satisfactorily attended high school, participated in the instruction as prescribed in their IEP, and 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 in which a graduating student of similar age without disabilities would be eligible to participate.
Legal
EDUCATION CODE
51225.31 Graduation exemption for students with disabilities
56341 Individualized education program team
56390-56392 Certificate of completion, special education
CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 5
UNITED STATES CODE, TITLE 20
1400-1482 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS TITLE 34