From the Disability Coalition on Education…
OCCUPATIONAL DIPLOMA INFORMATION SHEET
What is the Occupational Diploma?
The Occupational Diploma is one of three diploma options for students graduating/exiting high school; the other two options include a regular high school diploma (full diploma) or a special education diploma
- The Occupational Diploma IS NOT the equivalent of a regular high school diploma (full diploma) nor is it the equivalent of any certification; a student receiving one will not be eligible for standard four-year university programs or entrance into the military
- The Occupational Diploma is intended to have a stronger focus on vocational/career outcomes and may be useful for students with disabilities who pursue employment after exiting high school
Who is eligible to receive it?
High school students with disabilities who have
-
- Not met the requirements for a regular high school diploma (full diploma)
- Have satisfactorily completed an individualized education plan (IEP)
- Have satisfactory records of attendance and conduct
- Have completed the occupational diploma Skills, Knowledge and Experience Mastery Assessment (SKEMA), and
- Have two years of paid or non-paid work experience as defined in the student’s IEP
What are the requirements to be awarded it?
- Successful completion of an individualized education plan (IEP)
- Satisfactory records of attendance
- Satisfactory records of conduct
- Mastery of the Skills, Knowledge and Experience Mastery Assessment (SKEMA)
- Completion of two years of paid or non-paid work experience as defined in the student’s IEP
How do I request this option?
- The occupational diploma option must be requested at an IEP team meeting
- The IEP team must recommend the occupational diploma as the best option
- The decision must be recorded in the IEP
- If the IEP recommends an occupational diploma for a student, the school is required to implement the option for that student
When must the decision be made to choose the Occupational Diploma option?
The decision that the occupational diploma is the goal for student with a disability may be made no sooner than:
- The conclusion of that student’s 10th grade year, or
- Two (2) academic years prior to the expected graduation/exit date*
*Students who obtain an occupational diploma may continue to work towards the regular high school diploma (full diploma) through the end of the school year in which they turn twenty-two (22) years old
For additional information or a copy of the SKEMA, contact:
Alison Gauld
Behavior and Low Incidence Disabilities Coordinator
Division of Special Populations
Tennessee Department of Education