Introduction
Use form P-3 to provide the parent and adult student with notice of graduation with a regular high school diploma and to provide the student a summary of academic achievement and functional performance. 34 CFR §§ 300.102(a)(3)(iii) and 300.503(a)(1); Wis. Stat. § 115.792(1)(b). Graduation is a change in placement and must follow the procedural requirements of any other placement considered by the IEP team. 34 CFR § 300.102(a)(3)(iii). Graduation from high school with a regular high school diploma ends a student’s eligibility for special education and related services and is a change of placement requiring written prior notice. 34 CFR § 300.102(a)(3)(iii); Wis. Stat. § 115.792(1)(b). Receipt of a high school equivalency diploma (HSED), GED, general educational equivalency, or an alternative diploma does not end a student’s eligibility for special education services. 34 CFR § 300.102(a)(3)(ii). Students who do not graduate with a regular high school diploma continue to have a right to a free appropriate public education (FAPE) until the end of the school term in which they turn 21. Wis. Stat. § 115.76(3). For more information, review the department's guidance regarding graduation on the bulletin page.
Implementation Considerations
An appropriate time before a student is scheduled to receive a high school diploma, an IEP team should meet and determine whether graduation requirements will be met by the end of the current school year, whether the IEP goals will be substantially completed, and whether new goals are needed for the coming year.
When the IEP team meets to consider graduation, it should consider information provided by the parent or adult student, previously completed tests or other evaluations, grades, credits earned, the measurable postsecondary goals stated in the IEP, and other relevant information. Wis. Stat. § 115.787(4)(a)
Form Content and Explanations
Content: Parent or adult student participation. The parent or the adult student is an IEP team participant and must have an opportunity to participate in the decision-making process. 34 CFR §§ 300.321 and 300.322; Wis. Stat. § 115.78. When a parent or an adult student participates in the IEP team meeting to consider graduation, the first box is checked. If the parent or adult student does not participate, then the second box is checked, and the local education agency(LEA or agency)'s attempts to involve the parent(s) or adult student in the meeting are documented.
Content: Decision about graduation and basis. Explanation: The parent and the adult student must be provided with a description of any evaluation procedures, tests, and records or reports used as the basis for the IEP team’s decisions. 34 CFR § 300.503; Wis. Stat. § 115.792(2). Enter this information. The notice informs the parent and adult student about graduation. Enter the date the student is expected to graduate.
Content: Other options considered and reasons rejected, and a description of any other relevant factors. Explanation: Enter other options considered, if any, related to a student’s graduation, including the reasons for rejecting those options along with any other relevant factors. 34 CFR § 300.503; Wis. Stat. § 115.792(2). If no other options were considered, check the “None” box.
Content: Effect of graduating. Explanation: The parent and adult student are informed that graduation from high school with a regular diploma permanently ends a student’s eligibility for special education and related services. 34 CRR §300.102(3); Wis. Stat. § 115.792(1)(b).
Content: Summary of academic achievement, functional performance, and recommendations to assist in meeting postsecondary goals. Explanation: An evaluation is not required before the termination of a student's eligibility due to graduation with a regular diploma. However, the agency must provide the student with a summary of his/her academic achievement and functional performance, including recommendations on how to assist with his/her postsecondary goals. Review additional information at the Department's Postsecondary Transition Planning page and at the Wisconsin Transition Improvement Grant website. Record a summary of academic achievement, a summary of functional performance, and recommendations to assist in meeting postsecondary goals on page 2 of form P-3.
Content: Parents and adult students have procedural safeguards and can contact other sources for assistance about understanding their rights. Explanation: A required notice must inform parents and the adult student of the protections they have under the procedural safeguards of IDEA and of sources they can contact to obtain information and assistance in understanding IDEA and state special education law. 34 CFR § 300.503; Wis. Stat. § 115.792(2).
The agency is not required to provide the parents or adult student with a copy of the complete procedural safeguards notice if the agency previously provided the parents or adult student with a copy of the procedural safeguards in the current school year. However, if the parents or adult student request another copy of the procedural safeguards, the agency must provide one.