Following three public hearings. the Great Neck School District’s Board of Education developed a new Policy On Individualized Education Program Diplomas. At the school board’s last meeting on March 31, the policy revision was adopted and Board Trustee Susan Healy, policy committee chair, noted that the policy had reverted back to some originally proposed language.
The policy was revised due to recent changes in regulations mandated by the New York State Department of Education. NYSED Commissioner John King’s new regulations have modified the options for students with disabilities to obtain a diploma. Healy further explained that new credentials have been developed to ensure that all students are college-ready and career-ready when they graduate high school.
Healy stated that the revised policy “continues to underscore the district’s commitment to ensuring all students access to opportunities to earn a high school diploma.” She added that the change will also enable all students access to a “full range of curricular and extracurricular activities.”
The school district’s Committee on Special Education is charged with working with students to achieve diploma success and to that end, will work with students to ensure that all “appropriate opportunities are provided.
In addition, the school district will encourage students with disabilities to work toward completing the requirements for a Regents diploma. Students with disabilities may also work towards completing the requirements for a local diploma. A local diploma may be earned by meeting the standard set forth in state regulations.
Under this newly revised policy, there is also the possibility for a student with a disability, but not a severe disability, to earn a New York State Career Development and Occupational Studies Commencement Credential (CDOS). This CDOS may be in addition to or instead of a high school diploma. A student with a severe disability may be issued a skills and achievement credential.
