6146.4 - Differential Graduation and Competency Standards for Students with Disabilities

The San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS) 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 SBCSS 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 districtwide assessments.

(cf. 6159 - Individualized Education Program)
(cf. 6159.1 - Procedural Safeguards and Complaints for Special Education)
(cf. 6162.51 - State Academic Achievement Tests)
(cf. 6162.52 - High School Exit Examination)
(cf. 6164.4 - Identification and Evaluation of Individuals for Special Education)

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: (Education Code 56390)

1. Satisfactorily completed a prescribed alternative course of study approved by SBCSS in which the student attended school or the district with jurisdiction over the student as identified in his/her IEP.

2. Satisfactorily met his/her IEP goals and objectives during high school as determined by the IEP team.

3. Satisfactorily attended high school, participated in the instruction as prescribed in his/her IEP, and met the objectives of the statement of transition services.

(cf. 6146.1 - High School Graduation Requirements)

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. (Education Code 56391)

(cf. 5127 - Graduation Ceremonies and Activities)

Legal Reference:
EDUCATION CODE
56341 Individualized education program team
56345 Elements of the IEP
56390-56392 Certificate of completion, special education
60850-60859 High school exit examination

CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 5
3070 Graduation

UNITED STATES CODE, TITLE 20
1400-1482 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS, TITLE 34
300.1-300.818 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, especially:
300.320 Definition of IEP

Management Resources:
WEB SITES
California Department of Education: http://www.cde.ca.gov
U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/index.html?src=mr

Approved: April 5, 2016