BP 6146.4 — Differential Graduation and Competency Standards for Students with Disabilities
Instruction BP 6146.4(a)
Differential Graduation and Competency Standards for Students with Disabilities
The Board of Education recognizes that students with disabilities are entitled to a course
of study that provides them with a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) and that
modifications to the District's regular course may be needed on an individualized basis to
provide FAPE. In accordance with law, each student's Individualized Education Program
(IEP) team shall determine the appropriate goals, as well as any appropriate individual
accommodations necessary for measuring the academic achievement and functional
performance of the student on state and districtwide assessments.
(cf. 6159 - Individualized Education Program)
(cf. 6159.1 - Procedural Safeguards and Complaints for Special Education)
(cf. 6162.51 - Standardized Testing and Reporting Program)
(cf. 6162.52 - High School Exit Examination)
(cf. 6164.4 - Identification and Evaluation of Individuals for Special Education)
Exemption from District-Established Graduation Requirements
District students shall complete all course requirements for high school graduation as
specified in Board Policy 6146.1 - High School Graduation Requirements. However, a
student with a disability that entered the ninth grade in the 2022/2023 school year and later
may be exempted from all coursework and other requirements adopted by the Board that are
in addition to the statewide course requirements for high school graduation if the student's
IEP provides for both of the following requirements: (Education Code 51225.31).
1. That the student is eligible to take the alternate assessment as described in
Education Code 60640
2. That the student complete state standards aligned coursework to meet the
statewide coursework specified in Education Code 51225.3
Any such exempted student shall receive a diploma and be eligible to participate in any
graduation ceremony and school activity related to graduation in which a student of similar
age without a disability would be eligible to participate. (Education Code 51225.31)
The District’s responsibility to provide FAPE shall not terminate when a student with a
disability who is exempted from District-adopted graduation requirements participates in
graduation activities unless the student’s IEP team, which includes the parent/guardian
and student, has determined that the student has completed the high school experience.
(Education Code 51225.31)
BP 6146.4(b)
Differential Graduation and Competency Standards for Students with Disabilities
(cont.)
Certificate of Educational Achievement or Completion
Instead of a high school diploma, a student with a disability may be awarded a certificate
or document of educational achievement or completion if the student has met one of the
following requirements: (Education Code 56390)
1. Satisfactorily completed a prescribed alternative course of study approved by the
board of the district in which the student attended school or the district with
jurisdiction over the student as identified in the student’s IEP
2. Satisfactorily met the student’s IEP goals and objectives during high school as
determined by the IEP team
3. Satisfactorily attended high school, participated in the instruction as prescribed in
the student’s IEP, and met the objectives of the statement of transition services
(cf. 6146.1 - High School Graduation Requirements)
A student with a disability who meets any of the criteria specified above shall be eligible
to participate in any graduation ceremony and any school activity related to graduation in
which a graduating student of similar age without disabilities would be eligible to
participate. (Education Code 56391)
Legal Reference:
EDUCATION CODE
51225.31 Graduation exemption for students with disabilities
56341 Individualized education program team
56345 IEP contents
56390-56392 Recognition for education achievement, special education
60900.2 Students with Disabilities Graduation Reporting
CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 5
3070 Graduation
UNITED STATES CODE, TITLE 20
1400-1482 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS, TITLE 34
300.1-300.818 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, especially:
300.320 Definition of IEP
Management Resources:
WEBSITES
California School Board Association and County Office of Education Legal Services:
www.legalservices.csba.org
California Department of Education: www.cde.ca.gov
U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services:
www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers
BP 6146.4(c)
Differential Graduation and Competency Standards for Students with Disabilities
(cont.)
Chino Valley Unified School District
Policy adopted: August 21, 1997
Revised: February 18, 2010
Revised: March 21, 2024