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October 2013
Ready, Set, Go TTAC Logo

TTAC Region 4 at GMU
A news brief linking people and resources to support quality practices in the education of all students
For the 2013-14 school year, we have updated the format of our TTAC newsletter. All subscribers will now receive a news brief of information and resources via email once a month from September through May, excluding December. Each news brief will highlight a key topic in education related to supporting the learning needs of all students.
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The Virginia Department of Education has created more opportunities for students with disabilities to earn a Standard Diploma.

The Modified Standard Diploma will no longer be an option for students, who entered 9th grade beginning in and after 2013, and is being replaced by credit accommodations towards a Standard Diploma. Students who entered into 9th grade before 2013 and wish to earn the Modified Standard Diploma may do so, or they may access the new credit accommodations to assist in earning a Standard Diploma.

(Standard Diploma Credit Accommodations for Students with Disabilities, VDOE PowerPoint Presentation, August 2013)
 
Ready  

Be ready to learn about credit accommodations and how these will enable students with disabilities to earn a standard diploma.

  • Beginning with students who entered 9th grade for the first time in the 2013-2014 school year, options for credit accommodations are now available that help these students earn the course credits necessary to graduate from high school with a Standard Diploma.  Credit accommodations for students with disabilities may include:
    • alternative courses
    • modifications to requirements for locally awarded verified credits
    • additional tests approved by the Board of Education
    • adjusted cut scores on tests
    • work-based learning experiences through career and technical education (CTE) courses
(VDOE INFO, April 2013)
Set  

Set a course of action to prepare students with disabilities to earn a standard diploma.

  • IEP teams or 504 committees decide whether or not students meet eligibility criteria for credit accommodations and which credit accommodations will be helpful.  Eligible students are those with an IEP or a  504 plan who are working with grade level content, but who may not be on track to graduate in the standard time-frame and who may need significant support to access SOL content.
  • Advantages of the Standard Diploma include:
    • more postsecondary options
    • better preparation for college and the workplace
    • increased rigor
(VDOE Training, August 2013)
Go  

For more information and resources, go to:

References
S. Hollins, J. Phenicie, M. Moore & J. Wharff. Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) Training. (August 2013). Standard Diploma Credit Accommodations for Students with Disabilities. PowerPoint presentation. www.ttaconline.org
VDOE Division of Policy and Communications. (April 2013). Virginia Department of Education INFO: Guidelines for Standard Diploma Credit Accommodations for Students with Disabilities. http://www.doe.virginia.gov/instruction
This news brief is a collaborative effort of the Virginia Department of Education Training and Technical Assistance Centers at George Mason University and James Madison University. This issue was prepared by the staff of the VDOE TTAC at George Mason University. For questions about the content, please contact Diane Loomis or Kathy Nutt or call our office at 703-993-4496.
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Contact Info:

Address: 4400 University Drive
Fairfax, VA 22030

Phone: 703.993.4496
Fax: 703.993.4497
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