Preparing students with disabilities for life after high school is a crucial aspect of special education. In Tennessee, the Department of Education has laid out comprehensive guidelines to ensure that these students are well-prepared for post-secondary activities such as higher education, vocational training, employment, and independent living. Here’s a closer look at the secondary transition programs and diploma options available for students with disabilities in Tennessee.
Transition Tennessee: Blueprint for Student Success
Transition Tennessee is an invaluable online resource designed to support educators, students, and families in preparing students with disabilities for life after high school. This site offers a "blueprint" for building a comprehensive transition program, featuring multiple courses on best practices and practical strategies for a successful transition.
Secondary Transition Guidelines for Youth with Disabilities
Graduation is a significant milestone, and Tennessee offers four diploma options to accommodate the diverse needs of students with disabilities. The IEP team plays a crucial role in determining the most appropriate diploma pathway for each student.
Tennessee Diploma Options - High School Policy 2.103
- Regular Diploma: Available to all students. This diploma terminates eligibility for IDEA services and is included in the graduation rate.
- Alternate Academic Diploma: For students assessed on the alternate assessment. It does not terminate IDEA services eligibility and is included in the graduation rate if completed within the four years plus one summer timeline.
- Occupational Diploma: For students with an IEP who cannot earn the regular diploma. It does not terminate IDEA services eligibility and is not included in the graduation rate.
- Special Education Diploma: For students with an IEP who cannot earn the regular diploma. It does not terminate IDEA services eligibility and is not included in the graduation rate.
Regular High School Diploma
Students must complete 22 credits and pass End of Course exams, which are part of the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP). Their performance on these exams factors into their semester grades.
Alternate Academic Diploma (AAD)
Introduced in the 2018-19 school year, the AAD counts towards the district graduation rate. To earn this diploma, a student must:
- Participate in alternate assessments
- Earn the prescribed 22 credits within the four years plus one summer timeline
- Receive special education services and make satisfactory progress on an IEP
- Have satisfactory attendance and conduct records
- Complete a transition assessment measuring postsecondary readiness in education, training, employment, independent living, and community involvement
Occupational Diploma
The occupational diploma is available for students with an IEP who are not on track to receive the general education diploma. Effective from January 11, 2015, this diploma requires:
- A performance level of "3" or higher on all four required skills
- A performance level of "3" or higher on 8 of 10 critical skills
- Two years of work experience, paid or unpaid (one year for the 2015-16 school year)
Students can continue to work towards a general education diploma if they are still receiving services through the school and are under 22 years old.
Special Education Diploma
A special education diploma may be awarded to students who have not met the requirements for a regular high school diploma but have made satisfactory progress on an IEP and have good attendance and conduct records. These students can continue working towards a regular high school diploma until they turn 22 years old.
Principles of Transition for Postsecondary Readiness
To better prepare students with disabilities for postsecondary education, training, employment, and independent living, the Tennessee State Board of Education has introduced new courses and standards for the 2019-20 school year. These standards emphasize understanding and navigating postsecondary service systems for people with disabilities.
For more information, please follow this link.
