1. High School Exiting CREDENTIALS
High School DIPLOMA
High School Exiting CREDENTIALS
NYS Options:
Regents - 65 Pass on 5 Regents Exams
(ELA, Math, Sci., US History, Global History)
* Regents diploma with advanced designation
* Regents diploma with technical endorsement
Local - via Safety Net for SWD
55-64 pass option (low pass option)
RCTs for cohorts prior to September 2011
Compensatory Option – effective 10/31/12
* May score between on one or more
of the required exams (excluding English and
Math) if they compensate with score(s) of
65 or higher on other exams and meet
attendance and course requirements
* English and math scores must be > 55
NYS Career Development and Occupational Studies (CDOS) Commencement Credential
Beginning 7/1/13 - Only for Students with Disabilities
1) To supplement diploma, or 2) as exiting credential for students unable to earn a HS diploma
Documents preparation for entry-level employment
Must provide opportunities to earn regular HS diploma and access to participate and progress in the general curriculum
Develop and annually review career plan to ensure active engagement in career exploration
Evidence of commencement level knowledge and skills (CDOS learning standards)
2 units of study in CTE coursework and/or WBL experiences with a minimum of 54 hrs. documented school supervised WBL experiences
Employability profile(s)
May award based on nationally-recognized work-readiness credential requirements
GED – The GED is the name of the test given to obtain a NYS high school equivalency diploma. In January 2014 Pearson/GED Testing Service is making changes that include increased cost ($120 per person) and computer only assessment. NYS is planning to develop and issue a RFP that will allow the state to choose a state subsidized test vendor that will be able to provide a HSE exam that leads to a NYS HSE diploma. Currently there is a law in NYS that prohibits a test fee – therefore if the fee goes up to $120/test taker, this will double the cost to NYS. NYS may therefore need to look at potential changes in legislation as well. NYS also want to align the test and instruction with the common core standards. There is also consideration of allowing other assessments to be approved by SED as an alternative pathyway to a HSE Diploma (would require a review by an independent expert panel of nationally recognized educational assessment specialists) For students who will still need to take parts of the GED to obtain a passing score. It is important that they do so prior to January 2014 when the exam will change and their old partial exam scores will not be eligible for the new exam. They would need to re-take the entire test after january 2014
High School Equivalency
Skills and Achievement
Commencement Credential
Begin school year
NYSAA eligible & assessed
Attended 12 years excluding K, or end of year attains 21 years of age
CDOS learning standards
Accompanied by new model of Student Exit Summary
GED Test
To change in Jan. 2014
McGraw Hill to provide
Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC)
Notify “near passer” students of need to complete current GED exam by 2014
June
2013

2. C D O S R E N T I A L Access to General Education Curriculum
Active engagement
Accommodation
Instructional Materials
Specially Designed Instruction
How curriculum is taught
Instructional Environment
CDOS Instruction
Career Development
Integrated Learning
Universal Foundations Skills
Career Majors
CTE coursework
2 credits (216 hrs.) taught by CTE certified teacher Grades 9-12
Locally approved or State approved
WBLE
Registered Programs (require WBL coordinator extension)
Other Options for students with disabilities Employability Profile
OPTION #1 C D O S R E N T I A L
and/or
This option must also include a minimum of 54 hrs. WBL
National Employability Skills Credentials
Skills USA
NWRC
WorkKeys (ACT)
Workforce Skills Certificate
Student’s Career Plan
OPTION #2

3. Resources:
NYS CDOS Commencement Credential June 2013 (sent out 7/1/2013)
Transition Planning, Career Development and Occupational Studies (CDOS) and Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)
April 11, 2013
Career Development and Occupational Studies (CDOS) Learning Standards April 11, 2013
Amendment to Section of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education Relating to the Safety Net for Students with Disabilities to Graduate with a Local High School Diploma (Nov. 2012)
General Education and Diploma Requirements – Updated November 2012
Proposal to Create Multiple Pathways to a NYS High School Diploma August 18, 2012
GED Testing office:
Skills and Achievement Commencement Credential for Students with Severe Disabilities June 4, 2012
Career Development and Occupational Studies:
Letah Graff, Transition Specialist Capital District/North Country RSE TASC