This bill amends section 79-770 of the Reissue Revised Statutes of Nebraska to update terminology related to individualized education programs (IEPs) for students receiving special education services. Specifically, the term "plan" is replaced with "program" in two instances, clarifying the language used in the context of certificates of attendance and high school graduation participation. The bill stipulates that a school district must issue a certificate of attendance to students who are at least seventeen years old and have not completed their IEPs, allowing them to participate in graduation ceremonies alongside their peers receiving diplomas.

Additionally, the bill emphasizes that receiving a certificate of attendance does not diminish the school district's obligation to provide ongoing special education services. It also clarifies that students can still earn a high school diploma by meeting graduation requirements or obtaining a high school equivalency diploma, and allows for the possibility of participating in multiple graduation ceremonies if a student first receives a certificate of attendance and later earns a diploma. The original section 79-770 is repealed as part of this legislative update.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 79-770