Senate Bill (SB) 673 | Participation of students with disabilities in graduation ceremonies
Frequently Asked Questions
1. In addition to the completion of four years of high school, does a student have to meet any credit/curriculum requirements or state testing requirements?
No. SB 673 requires a student with a disability to complete four years of high school, but does not require the completion of the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) related to graduation.
2. What if, after four years, a student is not enrolled in the senior class?
Neither a student's grade (freshman, sophomore, junior, senior) nor age impacts the participation requirement.
3. Does SB 673 pertain to all students with disabilities?
No. Only to those students with disabilities who are currently receiving special education services. The length of time the student with a disability has received special education services does not impact the participation requirement.
4. SB 673 allows for participation in one graduation ceremony. Can a district allow a student to participate in two graduation ceremonies?
SB 673 ensures that students who receive special education services but who have not yet completed the requirements of their IEPs have the opportunity to participate in a graduation ceremony upon completion of four years of high school. Upon completion of IEP graduation requirements, a student may participate in a second ceremony if the district's local graduation policy allows a student to participate in two graduation ceremonies.
5. Can a student who is otherwise eligible to participate in graduation ceremonies under SB 673 be exempted from local school policies prohibiting participation in graduation ceremonies due to attendance or discipline violations?
No. While each student should be considered on a case-by-case basis, students eligible to participate in graduation ceremonies under SB 673 are still subject to local school attendance and discipline policies.
6. Should students eligible to participate in graduation ceremonies under SB 673 be listed in the graduation program as having received a certificate of attendance rather than a diploma?
Schools are cautioned to avoid actions that have the potential to violate federal law regarding confidentiality of student information.
Resources
View/Download SB 673
View/Download the Implementation Chart Word Version | HTML version
View/Download the May 11, 2007, To the Aministrator Addressed Letter
View/Download the May 11, 2007, Press Release
Technical Assistance
For technical assistance regarding this topic please consult your regional
Education Service Center.
Texas Education Agency | Division of IDEA Coordination
1701 North Congress Avenue | Austin, Texas 78701-1494
Telephone: 512.463.9414 | Fax: 512.463.9560
Last Updated: April 08, 2008 | Created: May 18, 2007
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