What are the new high school graduation requirements for students with disabilities?

The new diploma pathway is intended only for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities who participate in a state’s alternate assessments (or CAAs) based on alternate academic achievement standards (AA-AAAS). CAAs are also aligned with Core Content Connectors that follow the Common Core State Standards (CCSS).

In sum, a diploma earned under the new pathway must be:

• Standards-based
• Aligned with state requirements for the regular high school diploma

• Obtained within the time period (up to age 22) for which the state ensures the availability of a free appropriate public education

  The proposed state minimum requirements are:

• Three years of English using the CA Alternate Achievement Standards
• Two years of math (no algebra required) using the CA Alternate Achievement Standards
• Three years of social sciences (does not require specific courses)
• Two years of science using the CA Alternate Achievement Standards (does not require biology or physical science)
• Two years of physical education (PE)

• One year of a foreign language or visual and performing arts or CTE

  This diploma option will give students with significant cognitive disabilities the opportunity to earn a diploma that shows they have completed a rigorous standards-based program of study, and potentially provides them access to post-secondary education and employment opportunities that previously may have been denied to them. For more information, check out our article New Pathways to a Diploma for Students with Disabilities.