April 27, 2014

It's official!  Bring on the Purple!

 

There is still time to contact House Education members!  

Click HERE for the previous Action Alert with more information. 

HB993 and HB1015 will allow IEP teams to determine whether a child's score on a standardized test should be used to decide whether they get promoted to the next grade level or graduate.

Arizona 

http://www.azsos.gov/public_services/title_07/7-02.htm#Article_3

Although the Arizona State Board of Education has set the minimum course of study for graduation from high school, the student's local school district governing board or charter school is responsible for developing a course of study and graduation requirements for all students placed in special education programs. For specific information on the graduation requirements in your child's district or charter school, contact the school administrative office or website. In practice, this means that a school, through a student's IEP team, determines how a student will be assisted in working toward the achievement of graduation requirements through the use of specially designed instruction. The IDEA defines "specially designed instruction" as adapting, as appropriate, the content, methodology, or delivery of instruction in order to address the child's unique needs and to ensure the child is able to access the general curriculum so that the child can meet the educational standards that apply to all children.

Arkansas

http://www.arkansased.org/public/userfiles/Legal/Legal- Current%20Rules/ade_282_standards_0709_current.pdf

14.04  SPECIAL EDUCATION

14.04.1  For a student with disabilities, the Individualized Education Program (IEP) serves as the student's "graduation plan."

14.04.2  Beginning not later than the first IEP to be in effect when the child turns 16, or younger if determined appropriate by a student's IEP Team, transition planning must be initiated to prepare a student for exit from a secondary education program to post-secondary life. This includes planning for the student's exit from school due to graduation. For a student with disabilities, fulfillment of the requirements set forth in the student's IEP constitutes the basis for graduation from high school.

Missouri

http://dese.mo.gov/divimprove/sia/documents/Graduation_Handbook_2010.pdf

POLICY CONSIDERATIONS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES UNDER IDEA

Each school district must provide a free, appropriate public education for students with disabilities until they are graduated with a regular diploma or attain the age of 21 years. According to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), local school boards must establish policies and guidelines that ensure that students with disabilities have the opportunity to earn credits toward graduation in a nondiscriminatory manner within the spirit and intent of that requirement. Provisions include:

1. Any specific graduation requirement may be waived for a disabled student if recommended by the student's IEP Committee.
2. Students with disabilities will receive grades and have credit transcripted in the same manner as all other students when they complete the same courses as other students.
3. Students with disabilities who complete regular courses modified as indicated in their IEPs will receive grades and have credit transcripted in the same manner as students who complete the courses without modification. The fact that the courses were modified may be noted on the transcript.
4. Students with disabilities who meet the goals and objectives of their IEPs, as measured by the evaluation procedures and criteria specified in the IEPs, will have credit transcripted in accordance with the state definition of units of credit.
5. Students with disabilities who meet state and local graduation credit requirements by taking and passing regular courses, taking and passing regular courses with modification, taking and passing modified classes, or successfully achieving IEP goals and objectives shall be graduated and receive regular high school diplomas. 

Minnesota

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/?id=125a.04

125A.04 HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA.

Upon completion of secondary school or the equivalent, a pupil with a disability who satisfactorily attains the objectives in the pupil's individualized education program must be granted a high school diploma that is identical to the diploma granted to a pupil without a disability.