9.22 Alternate Diploma Pathway

Students in the ESN program with significant cognitive disabilities who take the California Alternate Assessment can earn an Alternate diploma instead of a general education diploma for participating in required standards-aligned high school coursework. The IEP team determines whether a student qualifies to participate in the alternate diploma pathway. An Alternate Diploma is not something the HST or family “signs up for.” An Alternate diploma signals that its holder has completed the required standards-aligned coursework in high school and has met that aspect of the California Department of Education’s graduation requirements.