This bill authorizes school districts in New Jersey to award an alternate high school diploma to students classified with the most significant cognitive disabilities who participate in the New Jersey Alternate Assessment Program, starting in the 2027-2028 school year. The alternate diploma will be standards-based and aligned with the requirements for a State-endorsed diploma, and it must be obtained by the end of the school year in which the student turns 21. Importantly, receiving an alternate diploma will not terminate a student's right to a free appropriate public education under State and federal law until they reach the age of 21, with the IEP team responsible for determining further courses and services.

The bill specifies the curriculum units and competencies required for earning the alternate diploma, which mirror the standards for a State-endorsed diploma but are based on alternate academic achievement standards. Additionally, it allows for the substitution of courses aligned with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for those required for the alternate diploma, as determined by the State Board of Education. The bill also amends existing law to permit students pursuing an alternate diploma to participate in commencement ceremonies and receive a certificate of attendance or an alternate diploma, provided they have attended four years of high school.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 18A:7C-5.2