Diploma and Graduation for a Student with an IEP

The general education graduation requirements apply to all students. For a student with a disability, the IEP team must address the general education required courses, programs or classes for graduation and make modifications as needed. These requirements may only be modified or waived on the IEP by the team.

The IEP team has the responsibility to determine accommodations, modifications and/or exemptions to the general education requirements for graduation and the goals and objectives that must be achieved.

If the student has met general education requirements, but the IEP goals and objectives have not been met or transition needs exist, the district, parent and student may agree to continue his or her education until the goals and objectives have been met or the student reaches the age of 21 for discontinuation of special education services.

Since graduation is a significant change in placement, the student’s IEP should reflect the criteria necessary for graduation. A reevaluation is not required.

A student with an IEP who meets graduation criteria is entitled to the same treatment as any other nondisabled student. The student has the same rights to participate in the main graduation ceremony as any other nondisabled student of the same age would have.

A student with an IEP who has satisfied the requirements of their educational program is entitled to receive the same diploma as any other nondisabled student.

According to SPPS policy, a student with a disability who is not graduating may participate in the graduation ceremony with peers. However, a diploma is not generated for the student.

If a student with a disability continues to receive transition services (ages 18 - 21), the diploma is dated as of the date that the transition program is completed. The diploma cannot be retro-dated to the time when the general education requirements were met.