Graduation Through A.R.D. Determination

A student receiving special education services may graduate and be awarded a high school diploma if the following requirements are met:

1. Completion of the state’s or district’s (whichever is greater) minimum curriculum and credit requirements, including satisfactory performance on the exit level assessment instrument;
2. Completion of the state’s or district’s (whichever is greater) minimum curriculum and credit requirements and exemption from the exit-level assessment instrument.

A student receiving special education services may also graduate and receive a regular high school diploma when the student’s ARD committee has determined the student has successfully completed:

1. The student’s IEP requirements and one of the following:
   • Full-time employment , or
   • Demonstration of mastery of specific employability skills and self-help skills, or
   • Access to services, which are not within the legal responsibility of public education, or employment or educational options for which the student has been prepared by the academic program
2. The state’s or district’s (whichever is greater) minimum credit requirements for students without disabilities; and
3. The state’s or district’s minimum curriculum requirements to the extent possible with modifications/ substitutions only when it is determined necessary by the ARD committee for the student to receive an appropriate education

A special education student may also graduate and receive a regular high school diploma upon determination that the student no longer meets age eligibility requirements and has completed the IEP.