Every special education students is entitled to a free appropriate public education through the school year that includes his or her 21st birthday. The student is ready to graduate when the academic, social, and transition goals on the IEP have been met. In New York State, this planning must begin by age 15. This means that contact with vocational services should be initiated and included in IEP meetings, and that transitional plans should not be a surprise to anyone. If plans have not been discussed starting at age 15, the parent has a right to question the CSE chair and request that planning begin promptly.
Graduation is considered a change in educational placement.
An explanation of why the school believes that graduation is appropriate, including a summary of tests used to evaluate the student's skills. An explanation of procedural rights available, including an independent evaluation and due process. This includes vocational, residential and social activities. The student should also be involved in this planning, and self-advocacy is an important skill that can be planned for and worked on at this time. Yes, if the student has been identified as needing modifications by the school district and has an IEP, some modifications are allowed.