4773- Diploma and Credential Options for Students with Disabilities

The Board of Education is committed to supporting all students so they are college – and careerready upon graduation. The Committee on Special Education (CSE), which includes parents/guardians, will work with students with disabilities to attain the appropriate diploma or credential based on their Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

Regents Diploma or Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation

Students with disabilities are encouraged to work toward the completion of requirements for a Regents diplomas or Regents diploma with an advanced designation, as established by New York State and the Board.

Local Diploma

Students with disabilities may work toward the completion of the requirements of a local diploma. The local diploma may be earned by meeting the standards set forth in state regulations.

Career Development and Occupational Studies Commencement Credential

Students with disabilities, who are not students with severe disabilities under Commissioner’s Regulations, may be issued a New York State Career Development and Occupational Studies Commencement Credential (CDOS), pursuant to the requirements of those regulations. The student may pursue a CDOS either in addition to or instead of a high school diploma.

Skills and Achievement Commencement Credential

A student who meets the state definition of a student with severe disabilities, who has taken the State assessment for students with severe disabilities, may be issued a skills and achievement commencement credential pursuant to the requirements of Commissioner’s Regulations 8 NYCRR §100.6.

Continued Right to Educational Services

If a student receiving a Career Development and Occupational Studies Commencement Credential or a Skills and Achievement Commencement Credential is less than twenty-one years of age, the credential shall be accompanied by a written assurance of the student’s continued right to attend public school until the end of the school year in which the student reaches the age of twenty-one or until the student has earned a high school diplomas, whichever is earlier.

Graduation Ceremonies

Students with disabilities may participate in graduation ceremonies as permitted under state law.

Cross-ref:

  • 4321, Programs for Students with Disabilities Under IDEA and Article 89
  • 4770, Graduation Requirements

Ref:

  • 8 NYCRR §§100.1; 100.5; 100.6; 100.9

Adoption date: May 27, 1997
Revised: February 10, 2014
Reviewed: May 22, 2017
Revised: April 9, 2018