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Extended Diploma

Extended Diploma Information and Considerations

An Extended Diploma is a high school completion document that may be earned by students who are eligible for special education services and have demonstrated an inability to meet the full set of academic content standards required for an Oregon Diploma or Modified High School Diploma, even with reasonable accommodations. To be eligible for an Extended Diploma, a student must:

  • Have a documented history (as evidenced in the cumulative record over time) of an inability to maintain grade-level achievement due to significant learning and instructional barriers (physical, cognitive, or emotional), or;
  • A documented history of a medical condition that creates a barrier to achievement
  • Participate in alternate extended assessments beginning no later than grade six and lasting two or more assessment cycles.

Credits toward graduation (12 total) may be earned through modified courses, regular educational courses, or a combination of the two.

Alternatively, a student may become eligible for an Extended Diploma if a serious illness or injury occurs after grade eight that changes the student’s ability to participate in grade-level activities or creates a need to participate in alternate extended assessments.

Key Differences Between Modified and Extended Diploma:

  1. Students must pass state tests to receive a Modified Diploma (passing scores may be modified). This requirement does not exist for the Extended Diploma.
  2. Students working toward an Extended Diploma must earn at least 6 credits in general education courses (curriculum modified if appropriate). This credit requirement does not exist for the Modified Diploma.

Considerations for Teams, Adult Students, Parents, and Guardians

Program Expectations and Grading:

  • Students are expected to pursue a rigorous education plan as part of the Extended Diploma requirement. Credits toward graduation (12 total) are earned through participation in both special education settings and general education classes. Courses in which a student earns a modified grade will be indicated on the official transcript with the letter “M” next to the final grade.
  • The academic plan should be discussed annually at the IEP meeting. Of the credits required by law, at least 6 of these credits must be earned in general education classes. Students have access to all courses in a building, and the IEP team determines how to fulfill these course requirements as part of the IEP process.

Decision:

  • Students on Extended Diploma CAN change their mind and pursue a standard Oregon or a Modified Diploma. However, no classes with modified curriculum or modified grades may be counted toward the graduation credit requirements for the standard Oregon Diploma.

Graduation:

  • Students with an Extended Diploma may participate in all graduation activities. Students receive a diploma that indicates it is an “Extended Diploma.” Special education students who do not meet all extended diploma graduation requirements will be eligible for the Alternative Certificate.

Post-Graduation:

  • Students who receive an Extended Diploma and are eligible for Special Education may continue to attend high school and/or receive transition support through the age of 21. Students with an Extended Diploma are typically not eligible to attend a four-year university immediately upon graduation. Community college may be an appropriate alternative, but admission testing is required. The military may not be an available option for recipients of an Extended Diploma.

Graduation Requirements: