What is Deferment?
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), requires that school districts provide students with disabilities, who have an individual education plan (IEP), a free appropriate public education (FAPE). Students with disabilities may continue to receive educational services after high school graduation if they have an IEP that prescribes special education, transition planning, transition services, or related services through age 21 and are enrolled in one of the following:
Accelerated College Credit Instruction: Includes dual enrollment and early admission, advanced placement, credit by examination, the International Baccalaureate (IB) program and the Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) program.
Industry Certification Courses Leading to College Credit: Available courses and programs for industry certification will vary and may have eligibility requirements.
Early College Program: A form of early admission, but specially designed for students interested in the STEM fields. It is designed for advanced high school students and the courses offered are fast paced college-level credit classes.
Earn Scholar Designation: Enables students to continue working on requirements needed to earn a Scholar diploma designation. Please note – For a student to earn this designation the required statewide testing results cannot be waived.
Structured Work-Study, Internships or Pre-Apprenticeships: Programs that prepare students for employment include a focus on the following skills that promote employability: self-determination and self-advocacy; social interaction; travel training; communication; and independent living. Please note, availability will vary by school district; and some programs have an application process, eligibility requirements and/or limited spaces, therefore acceptance may not be guaranteed and planning ahead is critical.
The TIEP in effect at the beginning of the school year a student is expected to graduate must include a signed statement by the parent (or adult student whose rights have been transferred) that they understand the process for deferment and identifying if the student will defer receipt of their standard diploma.
The deadline to defer is May 15th of the year in which the student is expected to meet graduation requirements. The IEP team will determine eligibility for deferral. The benefits of deferring receipt of the high school diploma and the programs available to students who defer will be reviewed with eligible students and their parents during an IEP meeting. Please note that failure to attend the graduation ceremony does not constitute a deferral of the diploma.
