Deferral of Receipt of the Standard Diploma

Deferring the receipt of the standard diploma is done in order to continue to receive services under FAPE. There are two parts to deferral of the standard diploma. First, a student must have an IEP that “prescribes special education, transition planning, transition services, or related services through 21.” This is being interpreted to mean that a student must require services to be successful. Second, a student must be enrolled in one of several specific educational programs. The majority of students who earn a standard diploma via an option open to all students will not meet these criteria.

Changing Lanes: Deferring Receipt of a Standard Diploma
Not only can students with disabilities work toward earning a standard diploma, certain students with disabilities may also defer receiving the diploma and continue to receive educational services through the school district. The deferral process is necessary because students who receive a standard high school diploma are no longer eligible for a free appropriate public education (FAPE). There are two parts to deferral.

1. The student must have an IEP that “prescribes special education, transition planning, transition services, or related services through 21.” This means that, because of the disability, a student must need continued education and services.
2. The student must be enrolled in one of several specific programs. Refer to the chart on this page for programs and their descriptions.