The Great Neck School District’s Board of Education is considering a revision of its Policy On Diplomas And Credential Options For Students With Disabilities. Introduced at the first January public action meeting, the proposed revision modifies the language in the introductory statement in order to more broadly define the school district’s mission with regard to the primary focus of special education in addressing the needs of individual students.
The revised introductory statement is changed to explain that the board of education is committed to supporting all students “with quality instruction and opportunities so that they are college and career ready upon graduation.” The policy then further explains that the primary focus of special education is to ensure that the individual needs of students with disabilities are addressed in order to maximize their potential for future success.
The district’s committee on special education (CSE) includes parents and guardians and will work with the students with disabilities to help them attain the appropriate diploma or credential, based on individual needs. And the policy will further insure that all students with an IEP (individualized education plan) will receive the appropriate opportunities to obtain a Regents or a local high school diploma, that the students will receive all access to a full range of activities for all students and the school district will insure all necessary procedures to be sure all functions are carried out.
Along with all such procedures, the district is committed to encouraging students with disabilities to work towards completing a Regents diploma or a Regents diploma with an advanced designation.
A local diploma is also encouraged for students with disabilities. This may be earned by meeting the state requirement standards.
Yet another option for students with disabilities, who are not students with severe disabilities (according to state regulations) is to obtain a state issued career development and occupational studies commencement credential (CDOS). This credential may be in addition to or instead of a high school diploma. But the opportunity to earn a high school diploma must always be provided.
And yet another option is for a student who meets the state definition of a student with severe disabilities and thus may to be issued a skills and achievement commencement credential if he or she meets the requirements of the state law.
If a student receiving the Career Development and Occupational Studies Commencement Credential or a Skills and Achievement Commencement Credential is under 21 years of age, the credential is to be accompanied by a statement that will permit the student to continue public school until he or she has earned a high school diploma or until the end of the school year during the student’s 21st birthday.
At least two more public hearings must beheld before adoption is considered.
