N.J. Admin. Code § 6A:14-4.11 - Graduation

(a) The IEP of a student with a disability who enters a high school program shall specifically address the graduation requirements. The student shall meet the high school graduation requirements pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:8-5.1, except as specified in the student's IEP. The IEP shall specify which requirements would qualify the student with a disability for the State-endorsed diploma issued by the district board of education responsible for his or her education.

(b) Graduation with a State-endorsed diploma is a change of placement that requires written notice pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:14-2.3(f) and (g).

1. As part of the written notice, the parent shall be provided with a copy of the procedural safeguards statement published by the Department of Education.

2. As with any proposal to change the educational program or placement of a student with a disability, the parent may resolve a disagreement with the proposal to graduate the student by requesting mediation or a due process hearing prior to graduation.

3. In accordance with N.J.A.C. 6A:14-3.8(d), a reevaluation shall not be required.

4. When a student graduates or exceeds the age of eligibility, the student shall be provided a written summary of his or her academic achievement and functional performance prior to the date of the student's graduation or the conclusion of the school year in which he or she exceeds the age of eligibility. The summary shall include recommendations to assist the student in meeting his or her postsecondary goals.

(c) If a student attends a school other than that of the school district of residence that is empowered to grant a diploma, the student shall have the choice of receiving the diploma of the school attended or the diploma of the school district of residence.

1. If the school the student is attending declines to issue a diploma to the student, the district board of education of the school district of residence shall issue the student a diploma if the student has satisfied all State and local graduation requirements, as specified in the student's IEP.

(d) If a district board of education grants an elementary school diploma, a student with a disability who fulfills the requirements of his or her IEP shall qualify for and receive a diploma.

(e) Students with disabilities who meet the standards for graduation according to this section shall have the opportunity to participate in graduation exercises and related activities on a nondiscriminatory basis.

Notes

N.J. Admin. Code § 6A:14-4.11

Amended by R.2000 d.230, effective 6/5/2000.
See: 32 N.J.R. 755(a), 32 N.J.R. 2052(a).
Amended (a); added a new (b); and recodified former (b) through (d) as (c) through (e).
Amended by R.2000 d.358, effective 9/5/2000.
See: 32 N.J.R. 1712(a), 32 N.J.R. 3332(b).
In (a), updated N.J.A.C. reference.
Recodified from N.J.A.C. 6A:14-4.12 and amended by R.2006 d.315, effective 9/5/2006.
See: 38 N.J.R. 2253(a), 38 N.J.R. 3530(b).
In the introductory paragraph of (b) and (b)3, updated N.J.A.C. references; added (b)4 and (c)1; in (d), inserted "and receive". Former N.J.A.C. 6A:14-4.11, Statewide assessment, recodified to N.J.A.C. 6A:14-4.10. Amended by 52 N.J.R. 1822(b), effective 10/5/2020