Earning this state-defined alternate diploma does not terminate the student’s eligibility for special education services; your child can walk across that stage with their friends, get the same diploma document, and then show up on Monday for their transition program until they turn 22.
IEP in California- pathways to graduate


The new pathway is a structural change to the California Education Code, specifically sections 51225.31 and 51225.32, which went into effect on June 30, 2022. It creates a viable route to a high school diploma for students with significant cognitive disabilities who previously might have only received a certificate of completion. This law ensures that students who qualify for the California Alternate Assessment (CAA) can earn a diploma by meeting state minimum requirements rather than excessive local district hurdles.
Under Education Code 51225.31, school districts are mandated to exempt eligible students from local graduation requirements that exceed the state minimums. If a student qualifies for the California Alternate Assessment (CAA), the district must clear the path of extra electives or local credit hurdles. This shift moves away from an 'all or nothing' approach, allowing students to focus on the state's essential standards to secure a legitimate high school diploma during their unique learning journey.
This pathway is specifically designed for students with significant cognitive disabilities who take the California Alternate Assessment (CAA). During an IEP meeting, families and educators can discuss this shift, which focuses on students who may have struggled to meet standard district requirements in the past. By meeting the state's minimum graduation standards, these students can now achieve the milestone of high school graduation with a full diploma instead of just a certificate.
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