DC practical studies diploma

[Anonymous]

OSSE is debating creating a "practical studies diploma" for kids with disabilities that would be more academic focused than a certificate of completion but less rigorous than a full regular diploma. Students who graduate with it wouldn't be eligible for federal financial aid for college but would be able to tell potential employers that they have a HS diploma. Like all students with disabilities, they could stay in school until 22 or until they finish all requirements, whichever comes first.

What do people think of this possibility? Here's some information: https://osse.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/osse/page_content/attachments/Proposed%20Practical%20Studies%20Diploma%20Recommendations-10.1.25.pdf

[Anonymous]

We have this in North Carolina! It's called the Occupational Course of Study.

All of the core courses are EC classes. They have to take the regular final exams for Math 1 (basically Alg 1), Bio, and English 2. The courses are modeled after Gen Ed but heavily modified.

They take whatever electives or CTE courses they want.

In their fresh/soph yrs they earn school based hrs by doing tasks like mailroom, coffee cart, campus beautification, or making file folder games for lower elem classes.

In their junior and senior year they go off campus to earn community based hrs at local companies. We had students at Harris Teeter, Papa Johns, the YMCA, etc.

They earn a diploma but it doesn't prepare them for college. I have former students that are CNA's, work in sterile processing, retail, lawn care/masonry, etc.

It's perfect for those kids that need skills/work based training and can do some Gen Ed work, with support in a small setting.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We have this in North Carolina! It's called the Occupational Course of Study.

All of the core courses are EC classes. They have to take the regular final exams for Math 1 (basically Alg 1), Bio, and English 2. The courses are modeled after Gen Ed but heavily modified.

They take whatever electives or CTE courses they want.

In their fresh/soph yrs they earn school based hrs by doing tasks like mailroom, coffee cart, campus beautification, or making file folder games for lower elem classes.

In their junior and senior year they go off campus to earn community based hrs at local companies. We had students at Harris Teeter, Papa Johns, the YMCA, etc.

They earn a diploma but it doesn't prepare them for college. I have former students that are CNA's, work in sterile processing, retail, lawn care/masonry, etc.

It's perfect for those kids that need skills/work based training and can do some Gen Ed work, with support in a small setting.

When and how does the IEP team decide if this path is appropriate? Do you also have a certificate of completion?

[Anonymous]

Absolutely do this but I think it should be an option for all students, to remove barriers to graduation and let them check the box to say they have a HS diploma.

Comparing the requirements, they will still need 4 years of English and Math and it removes the world language requirement and some others.

In VA, where I am, any student can earn a general HS diploma and still apply to colleges with that. Many students in every public HS earn this diploma. Those requirements are 4 years of Eng and 3 years of math. No world language requirement and they can sub tech or other courses for them.

[Anonymous]

^ I read closer and see the adapted courses would count towards requirements. I still think it’s good for students with disabilities.