Sec. 13a.03.02.09. Diplomas and Certificates  


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  • A. The types of diplomas and certificates specified in §§B-D of this regulation shall be awarded to any student who meets the requirements for award.

    B. Maryland High School Diploma. Except as provided in Regulation .12 of this chapter, and in §C of this regulation, to be awarded a Maryland high school diploma, a student shall:

    (1) Complete the enrollment, credit, and service requirements as specified in this chapter;

    (2) Complete local school system requirements; and

    (3) Meet the graduation assessment requirements in the following ways:

    (a) Achieve a passing score on the Maryland High School Assessments for Algebra I, science, government, and English 10;

    (b) Achieve a combined score(s) as established by the Department on the Maryland High School Assessments;

    (c) Achieve a passing score on an approved alternative assessment as established by the Department, such as Maryland High School Assessment for Algebra II, Advanced Placement examinations, SAT, ACT, or International Baccalaureate examinations; or

    (d) Except for students described in Regulation .06F of this chapter, if a student is unable to meet the requirements in §B(3)(a)-(c) of this regulation, then the student shall satisfactorily complete the requirements of the Bridge Plan for Academic Validation as set forth in Regulation .06D of this chapter.

    C. Exception To Passing Score Requirement.

    (1) For students who are graduating in school years 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 and who are first-time test takers during those school years of the Maryland High School Assessment in Algebra I and/or English 10, the requirements set forth in §B(3)(a) of this regulation do not apply. For those students only, taking the Algebra I and/or English 10 Maryland High School Assessment for the first time will meet the graduation assessment requirement for Algebra I and English 10.

    (2) For all students taking the HSA biology assessment in the 2016-2017 school year, taking the HSA biology assessment will meet the graduation assessment requirement for biology.

    (3) For all students taking the Maryland Integrated Science Assessment in the 2017-2018, 2018-2019, 2019-2020, and 2020-2021 school years, taking the Maryland Integrated Science Assessment will meet the graduation assessment requirement for science.

    D. Maryland High School Diploma by Examination.

    (1) General Educational Development Testing Program. A Maryland High School Diploma by Examination may be awarded for satisfactory performance on approved general educational development tests if the student meets those requirements as defined in Labor and Employment Article, §11-808, Annotated Code of Maryland, and COMAR 09.37.01.04.

    (2) Maryland Adult External High School Diploma Program. A Maryland High School Diploma by Examination may be awarded for demonstrating competencies in general life skills and individual skills on applied performance tests if the student meets those requirements as defined in COMAR 09.37.01.20.

    E. Maryland High School Certificate of Program Completion.

    (1) This certificate shall be awarded only to students with disabilities who cannot meet the requirements for a diploma but who meet the following standards:

    (a) The student is enrolled in an education program for at least 4 years beyond grade 8 or its age equivalent, and is determined by an IEP team, with the agreement of the student and the parents of the student, to have developed appropriate skills for the individual to enter the world of work, act responsibly as a citizen, and enjoy a fulfilling life, with the world of work including but not limited to:

    (i) Gainful employment;

    (ii) Post-secondary education and training;

    (iii) Supported employment; and

    (iv) Other services that are integrated in the community; or

    (b) The student has been enrolled in an education program for 4 years beyond grade 8 or its age equivalent and will have reached age 21 by the end of the student's current school year.

    (2) The Maryland Summary of Performance that describes the student's skills shall accompany the Maryland High School Certificate of Program Completion.

    (3) The final decision to award a student with disabilities a Maryland High School Certificate of Program Completion will not be made until after the beginning of the student's last year in high school.

    (4) A student with significant cognitive disability may not meet high school graduation requirements, in accordance with §B of this regulation, if a student:

    (a) Participates in an Alternative Assessment based on Alternative Academic Achievement Standards (AA-AAAS); and

    (b) Continues to receive instruction based on Alternative Academic Achievement Standards through high school.

    (5) If a student participates in a graduation ceremony prior to the completion of the student’s education program, at the ceremony the school system shall issue to the student a Certificate of Achievement or other similarly titled certificate in place of a diploma.

    F. Local Endorsements. Consistent with procedures established by the Department, each local school system may add endorsements to the diploma as incentives for students to meet locally established requirements and outcomes in instruction beyond the minimums specified by the State.

    G. At least yearly, through the end of the implementation, the State Board will review and assess updated information on the graduation assessment requirements and scores.