COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

P.O. BOX 2120

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23218-2120

SUPTS. MEMO NO. 85

May 9, 2003

INFORMATIONAL

TO:	Division Superintendents
FROM:	Jo Lynne DeMary Superintendent of Public Instruction
SUBJECT:	Clarification of Diplomas for Students with Disabilities

The purpose of this memo is to clarify diplomas available to students with disabilities in Virginia public schools. The Regulations Establishing Standards for Accrediting Public Schools in Virginia in 8 VAC 20-131-50, prescribes the requirements for the Standard, Advanced Studies, and Modified Standard diplomas. All of these diplomas are available to students with disabilities.

In addition to the Standard, Advanced Studies, and Modified Standard diplomas, the Standards of Quality in 22.1-253.13:4 requires local school boards to award a Special

Diploma to students with disabilities who complete the requirements of their Individualized Education Programs (IEP) if they do not meet the requirements for other diplomas.

Students with disabilities are eligible to earn any of the four types of diplomas. The type of diploma a student pursues should be based on the students IEP.

Students who do not qualify for diplomas but complete a prescribed program of studies defined by the local school board shall be awarded a Certificate of Program Completion.

If you have questions concerning IEP or special education issues, please refer to this Web address for regional technical assistance contacts: http://www.pen.k12.va.us/VDOE/sped/contact.shtml

Questions regarding diploma requirements should be directed to Sylinda Gilchrist, at sgilchri@mail.vak12ed.edu or call 804-786-9377. Questions regarding courses required for graduation should be directed to Maureen Hijar, at mhijar@mail.vak12ed.edu or call 804-225-2894.

JLD/SBG/shs