What You Need to Know about Special Education Graduation Mary Milham, Region 7 Specialist / / November 2010

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Graduation Considerations: Law Course Credits Course Curriculum State Assessments Modifications/Accommodations/Course Substitutions ARD Graduation Decisions 3

Texas Graduation Requirements Two Components: Curriculum and Credit Requirements 19 TAC §74 Texas Assessment Program Requirements 19 TAC §

Texas Graduation Requirements Curriculum & Credit Requirements – Recommended High School Program – Distinguished Achievement Program – Minimum Program 5

Texas Graduation Requirements Assessment Requirements All students are required to participate in the state assessments administered at the student’s enrolled grade level. Current state assessments – TAKS – TAKS-Accommodated – TAKS-M – TAKS-Alt 6

Texas Graduation Requirements  TAKS-Alt and TAKS-M are not exit level assessments ◦ Retest opportunities for grade 11 are not applicable ◦ Repeating 11 th graders take assessment every year they are enrolled in grade 11  A student dismissed from Special Education MUST  perform satisfactorily on TAKS, including Exit level assessments.  complete all requirements for HS graduation. 7

In Texas, there is ONE diploma for all students. Texas Graduation Requirements Individual accomplishments, achievements, and courses completed are recorded on the AAR. 19 TAC §

Special Education Graduation Options One of four ways to graduate: TAC § (b) (1) (b) (2) (c) (d) Copyright 2010 by Region 7 Education Service Center. All rights reserved. 9

Special Education Graduation Options (b1): Recommended or Distinguished Plan  Complete all state’s or district’s curriculum and credit requirements (whichever is greater)  NO curriculum modifications  NO course substitutions  Must Pass TAKS or TAKS Accommodated *For students who entered 9 th grade prior to ARDC may determine meeting passing standard not a requirement for graduation (Flowchart B) 10

Special Education Graduation Options (b2): Minimum Plan  Complete all state’s or district’s curriculum and credit requirements (whichever is greater)  NO curriculum modifications  NO course substitutions  Participates in TAKS or TAKS Accommodated ARDC determines whether satisfactory performance is necessary for graduation. 11

Special Education Graduation Options (c): Minimum Plan  Complete all state’s or district’s curriculum and credit requirements (whichever is greater)  IEP Requirements have been met and one of the conditions have been met (c)(1), (c)(2), or (c)(3)  Necessary curriculum modifications and/or accommodations or course substitutions  Pass or Participate in TAKS-M or TAKS-Alt ARDC determines whether satisfactory performance is necessary for graduation. 12

Special Education Graduation Options (d): Minimum Plan  IEP Requirements have been met  No longer meet age requirements / Ages out 13

Senate Bill 673 A Student who receives special education services has completed 4 years of HS has NOT completed IEP Shall be allowed to receive a certificate of attendance and participate in a graduation ceremony with students receiving diplomas 14

Proposed Commissioner’s Rules, Critical Amendment to 19 TAC § Presently: ARDC may substitute a locally developed course for a course that meets state graduation requirements for the minimum high school program. There is no requirement for locally developed courses to be aligned with the courses for which they substitute. The student may not be prepared to participate in a state assessment. (both general and alternate assessments) Example: Fundamental of Math substituted for Algebra I or Geometry Student may not receive adequate instruction in the TEKS for Algebra I or Geometry, which are both required to be assessed through end-of-course (EOC) assessments. Changes to Expect in

Proposed Commissioner’s Rules, Critical Amendment to 19 TAC § Beginning with the school year: “…school districts will be required to review the content of locally developed courses for alignment with the TEKS to ensure students receive instruction that is aligned with the required course and respective EOC assessment. “ The proposed changes will: Impact all students starting in , not just 9 th graders. Apply to only courses assessed by the EOC exams. Changes to Expect in

STAAR End-of-Course High School Assessments English I, English II, English III Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II Biology, Chemistry, Physics World Geography, World History, U.S. History 17

Special Education and STARR In December 2010, a plan required by the Texas legislature detailing the transition from TAKS to STARR will be posted to the TEA website with specific information about: STARR test design Assessment requirements for graduation Measurement of college readiness Standard setting Plans for ELL and Special Education 18

Proposed Commissioner’s Rules, Critical Amendment to 19 TAC § Old (b) (1) (b) (2) (c) (1)-(3) (d) New (b)(1) (b)(2) (b)(3)(A)-(C) (b)(4) Proposed Special Education Graduation Option Changes 19

How can you help assure that students will meet the required graduation requirements? 20