My son is in his senior year and has ADHD. He has an IEP. If he can’t pass the competency test, the school will give him a certificate, not a diploma. He will continue to take the tests, but time is running out. Is there anything I can do to help him?
If your son has an IEP, he is eligible for special education until he graduates from high school with a *regular high school diploma* or ages out at age 22.
Do not accept a certificate. The certificate is meaningless and will not help him get a job, get further education or be self sufficient and independent.
You need to write a letter to the school to request an IEP meeting. In your letter, describe the problem as you did to me. Ask the school to provide more intensive services so he has the knowledge and skills needed to pass the competency tests.
Be polite but firm.
The emphasis on effective transition was new in IDEA 2004. Congress made significant changes in the legal definition of “transition services”. Section 1400(c)(14) describes the need to provide “effective transition services to promote successful post-school employment and/or education.”
Has the school provided a good transition plan? What are the goals? What services and supports is the school providing to ensure that your child attains these goals?
I suggest that you request that the team include test preparation for the competency test in his IEP. This is an important time for your son. The school is required to help him make a successful transition from high school to life after school.
You’ll find more transition information, articles, and resources here: Transition, Transition Services, and Transition Planning at https://www.wrightslaw.com/info/trans.index.htm
We are in WA state and I’m being told that my son with special needs will get a diploma in high school but the wording on the diploma will vary based on which assessment they take. A student in self-contained or any special education program can get a diploma just like all other students. Their transcript will denote they meet standard for graduation through a CIA (Certificate of Individual Achievement) if they participate in the Wa-Aim assessment. If they take the Smarter Balanced assessment their transcript will state that they met their standards through a CAA (Certificate of Academic Achievement). Does anyone know if one diploma/certificate is better than the other?
I would suggest contacting your state parent training, & information center. This seems like something that they should know. http://www.parentcenterhub.org/find-your-center
Hi Renee, States and school districts have begun to offer a variety of different diplomas. Most parents are confused.
I suggest you ask an evaluator or a special ed advocate about the diploma options in your state. You can also contact your Parent Information Center. Here is the contact info for the Parent Information Center in Washington:
PAVE – PTI
E-mail: pave@wapave.org Website: http://www.wapave.org
6316 S. 12th Street Tacoma, WA 98465-1900
Toll-Free: (800) 572-7368
(V/TTY) Phone: (253) 565-2266 (V/TTY)
Is an IEP high school diploma that says “course of study” versus a high school diploma that says graduated with “four year course” real or just a certificate?
(How do you tell the difference between the IEP and regular?)
Also, how do you receive a high school diploma after receiving it. if any
I was unaware of the difference.
To find out how your state handles graduation requirements & diplomas, I suggest contacting your state parent training and information center. They can also explain the implications of each of the items you mention. http://www.parentcenterhub.org/find-your-center/
Agree with Chuck. States have different diplomas with different criteria for each. As a general rule, you want the child on track for a regular diploma. I think the proliferation of diplomas simply muddies the water and confuses most parents and potential employers.