High School Completion
High School Graduation and Exit Options
Jefferson County Schools offer a variety of exit options to graduating students upon completion of one of the prescribed programs. These include the Oregon Diploma, the Modified Diploma, the Extended Diploma, and the Alternative Certificate. All exit options represent satisfactory completion of a valid and accredited program. This document does not contain all details and serves only as a summary of the various exit options available at Madras High School. As classes of students progress and/or law and/or guidelines mandate change, the requirements will need to be updated.
Oregon Diploma: Within this diploma, the number of credits in the required/core areas has increased with recent graduating classes. Career requirements are present, and Essential Learning Skills are being added with the intent to increase the rigor so that high school graduates are more prepared for their post-secondary options. This diploma is often referred to as the ‘standard’ or ‘regular’ diploma and is the exit option offered at Bridges Career and Technical High School with the most challenge and rigor.
Modified Diploma: Within this diploma, the total number of credits required to graduate is the same as the Oregon Diploma. However, the amount within core subject areas is different. The school’s team, with parent involvement or the student aged 18 & over, may select this option. This diploma is for any student (regular or special education) that has a documented history of the inability to maintain grade level achievement even with accommodations or has an instructional barrier (significant physical, cognitive, or emotional barrier) that impairs a student’s ability to ‘maintain grade level achievement.’ A Modified Diploma may be awarded if a student has demonstrated the inability to meet the full set of academic content standards, even with reasonable accommodations, but fulfills all the requirements of this exit option.
Extended Diploma: In order to consider this exit option, a student must qualify for Special Education services and the decision may be made and documented through the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) process. Further qualifications require demonstration of at least one of the following: A documented history of an inability to maintain grade level achievement; a documented history of a medical condition; participation in alternative assessment beginning no later than sixth grade and lasting for two or more assessment cycles; or have a serious illness or injury that occurs after 8th grade.
Alternative Certificate: Madras High School’s alternative certificate, is intended for those students that qualify for Special Education services with significant disabilities. It signifies that the recipient has attended a high school setting for at least four years and may participate in graduation.