Creating Meaningful Diploma Options for Students with Special Needs

Too many parents and students mistakenly believe that the IEP Diploma is the same as a regular high school diploma. But this is not the case!

The IEP diploma says nothing about the competence of the student to go on to post-secondary education or employment. It is not recognized for the most part for college admission, for admission to trade schools, for Civil Service jobs or for the military. Students and parents are often shocked to learn how difficult it is to further their education or get a job.

For this reason, RCSN has been working actively with other advocates to change the name of the IEP Diploma to something that does not mislead parents and students. We are also urging that schools be required to provide information verbally and in writing about all diploma options and their consequences before students enter high school. 

RCSN has met with policymakers at the NYC Department of Education, NYS Education Department, and members of the state Board of Regents to urge them to reconsider the IEP Diploma name, and to urge them to look at  other diploma options available to students with disabilities. We expect to see changes proposed in the near future. We will keep you informed!

For a more information for New York City diploma options for students with special needs, click here to download RCSN's Quick Diploma Reference Guide or call us at (212) 677-4650.