Graduation Information & Guidance for Families Changes in Definition of Regular High School Diploma, Fall 2018

The Iowa State Board of Education has amended Iowa’s special education rules related to the graduation of individuals eligible for special education and the definition of a regular high school diploma. The state has made these changes to be consistent with the required language in the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The change means it will no longer be permissible to award a regular high school diploma based solely on IEP goal attainment. The term “regular high school diploma” must be fully aligned to State-required standards. Your local school district may have additional graduation requirements that go beyond the minimum State requirements