New pathway to a diploma opens doors for students
with disabilities
By Carolyn Jones
Megan Glynn ’ s son , Liam , started playing piano at age 4 . With perfect pitch , he sails through Mozart and Vivaldi , can play anything he hears on the radio and shines when performing with the school orchestra .
But because he has a significant developmental disability , he cannot earn a high school diploma , and therefore his dream of becoming a classroom music aide is just that — a dream .
“ He ’ s not being prepared for college and career , like other students are ,” said Glynn , who lives in San Diego . “ Just about every job is off limits to him , except maybe being a Walmart greeter . He doesn ’ t have the options that other students have , and that ’ s upsetting for all of us .”
But under a new program funded in the state budget , students like Liam , who have significant cognitive disabilities , would be able to earn high school diplomas based on the state ’ s alternative achievement standards and coursework tailored to their abilities . Potentially 80,000 students — 10 % of the overall number of students enrolled in special education in California — would benefit from the new pathway .
Advocates for students with disabilities hailed the idea , saying it ’ s long overdue . A high school diploma for students who ’ ve worked hard and met their academic goals opens doors to further schooling , more meaningful careers and other options for a fulfilling life .
“ Creating a path for every learner to earn a high school diploma helps eliminate unnecessary barriers to employment and community inclusion , which is what we want for every young person ,” said Kristin Wright , executive director of equity , prevention and intervention for the Sacramento County Office of Education and former head of special education for California . “ To me , it ’ s another important step in acknowledging and honoring neurodiversity and creating greater equity in our system .”
Currently , most students with significant cognitive disabilities earn a “ certificate of completion ” from high school , not a diploma , because they can ’ t meet the state graduation requirements . Some of those requirements are attainable
68 Accessibilty for All To Table of Contents