Pathways to Graduation

For students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), there are three options available to help them achieve success and prepare for life after high school. These options are listed on Page 2 of the student’s Individual Transition Plan (ITP), where you’ll see a checkmark next to the path your student is currently pursuing. Here’s a breakdown of the three options:

1. Diploma

   • 1. • Students on this path work toward earning the same diploma as their peers without IEPs.

        • This requires completing 44 credits, which include a combination of core academic and elective courses.

        • It’s designed for students who are able to meet the full academic requirements of the state.

2. Alternative Diploma (Essential Diploma)

   • 1. • This option provides a modified course of study that is aligned to the core content connectors, or alternative standards for students with significant cognitive disabilities.

        • Students must earn 26 credits to receive this diploma.

        • It’s a great option for students who need a more accessible academic path while still earning a diploma recognized by the state.

3. Certificate of Completion

   • 1. • This is for students whose academic goals focus on life skills, employability, and functional academics.

        • Instead of earning credits toward a diploma, students work toward completing their IEP goals.

        • A Certificate of Completion reflects the student's effort and progress, even though it is not a traditional diploma.

Your child’s IEP team will collaborate with you to select the option that best supports your student’s unique abilities, interests, and future goals. It’s important to review this plan annually to ensure it remains aligned with their progress and aspirations.

If you have questions or need help understanding your child’s path, don’t hesitate to reach out to their IEP case manager or school counselor. Together, we’ll help them succeed!

In October 2021, the California Department of Education's Alternative Pathways to a High School Diploma Workgroup released a report detailing recommendations on how California might develop an alternative pathway to a diploma for students who previously only had the opportunity to earn a certificate of completion.

One of these recommendations resulted in recent changes to California Education Code 51225.31 which provides an alternative pathway to a high school diploma for students with significant cognitive disabilities and who also meet additional state-defined criteria. This law went into effect June 30, 2022, and was amended through Senate Bill 114 on July 10, 2023. 

A student shall be eligible to earn a diploma on the Essential Pathway if they meet the following criteria:

To earn a diploma on the Essential Diploma Pathway, students must complete coursework in the 13 courses that meet the state's required minimum for a diploma. The courses offered parallel the district mapping for the general education course of the same subject and grade level. The courses are as follows:

• English Language Arts (ELA): 3 years required

  • • • Essential English 1,2 OR Essential English 1,2: Identity and Relationships

      • Essential English 3,4

      • Essential American Literature 1,2

• History/Social Science: 3 years required

  • • • Essential Modern World History and Geography 1,2

      • Essential United States History and Geography 1,2

      • Essential Power and Identity Around the World 1,2

      • Essential Government 1 and Essential Principles of Economics 1 

• Math: 2 years required

  • • • Essential Integrated Math 1 A, B

      • Essential Integrated Math 2 A, B

• Science: 2 years required

  • • • Essential Biology: The Living Earth

      • Essential Earth Science 1, 2

• Physical Education: 2 years required

  • • • Push-in to general education PE courses with appropriate modifications per the student's IEP

• VAPA, CCTE, OR World Language: 1 year required

  • • • Push-in to general education courses with appropriate modifications per the student's IEP