Participation of students with disabilities in graduation ceremonies
Frequently Asked Questions
1. In addition to the completion of four years of high school, does a student have to meet any credit/curriculum requirements or state testing requirements?
2. What if, after four years, a student is not enrolled in the senior class?
3. Does TEC § 28.025 (f) pertain to all students with disabilities?
4. TEC § 28.025 (f) allows for participation in one graduation ceremony. Can a district allow a student to participate in two graduation ceremonies?
5. Can a student who is otherwise eligible to participate in graduation ceremonies under TEC § 28.025 (f) be exempted from local school policies prohibiting participation in graduation ceremonies due to attendance or discipline violations?
6. Should students eligible to participate in graduation ceremonies under TEC § 28.025 (f) be listed in the graduation program as having received a certificate of attendance rather than a diploma?
1. In addition to the completion of four years of high school, does a student have to meet any credit/curriculum requirements or state testing requirements?
TEC § 28.025 (f) requires a student with a disability to complete four years of high school, but does not require the completion of the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) related to graduation.
2. What if, after four years, a student is not enrolled in the senior class?
Neither a student's grade (freshman, sophomore, junior, senior) nor age impacts the participation requirement.
3. Does TEC § 28.025 (f) pertain to all students with disabilities?
No. Only to those students with disabilities who are currently receiving special education services. The length of time the student with a disability has received special education services does not impact the participation requirement.
4. TEC § 28.025 (f) allows for participation in one graduation ceremony. Can a district allow a student to participate in two graduation ceremonies?
TEC § 28.025 (f) ensures that students who receive special education services but who have not yet completed the requirements of their IEPs have the opportunity to participate in a graduation ceremony upon completion of four years of high school. Upon completion of IEP graduation requirements, a student may participate in a second ceremony if the district's local graduation policy allows a student to participate in two graduation ceremonies.
5. Can a student who is otherwise eligible to participate in graduation ceremonies under TEC § 28.025 (f) be exempted from local school policies prohibiting participation in graduation ceremonies due to attendance or discipline violations?
No. While each student should be considered on a case-by-case basis, students eligible to participate in graduation ceremonies under TEC § 28.025 (f) are still subject to local school attendance and discipline policies.
6. Should students eligible to participate in graduation ceremonies under TEC § 28.025 (f) be listed in the graduation program as having received a certificate of attendance rather than a diploma?
Schools are cautioned to avoid actions that have the potential to violate federal law regarding confidentiality of student information.
Technical Assistance
For technical assistance regarding this topic please consult your regionalEducation Service Center .
Division of Federal and State Education Policy
1701 North Congress Avenue | Austin, Texas 78701-1494
Telephone: 512.463.9414 | Fax: 512.463.9560
Email: sped@tea.state.tx.us