NYS Diplomas
New York State grants 3 levels of regular high school diplomas (with a " with honors" and/or a "technical endorsement" option)
Receive credit for all required minimum coursework and:
for Local Diploma (with an IEP only): Passing score of 55-64 on required Regents Exams
for Regents Diploma: Passing score of 65 and above on all 5 required Regents Exams
for Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation: Passing score of 65 and above on required Regents Exams PLUS Geometry, Algebra 2 and Trigonometry and an additional Regents Science Exam.
The following Regents exams are required for all levels of diploma:
English/Language Arts, Integrated Algebra, Global History, US History & Government, Physical or Life Science
With Honors: The "with honors" designation is added to either Regents Diploma or a Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation for students with an average score of 90 or more on all required Regents exams.
Technical Endorsement: Students enrolled in a Career and Technical Education program earn this endorsement if they also complete an approved technical assessment, a work-based learning experience, and a work-skills employability profile.
Accredited private schools may issue a diploma without requiring the Regents exams.
(special education exceptions: see SAFETY NET below)
Link to NYS Education Dept Diploma requirements document
Safety Net for Students with Disabilities working on a regular high school diploma
Note : For students entering 9th grade in Sept. 2011 and later the RCT exams are no longer a safety net option. A 55-64 on a Regents Exam is considered a pass however for a local diploma.
The following students qualify for the RCT safety net:
* Student started 9th grade Sept, 2010 or earlier
· Students with disabilities identified through a CSE. Specific language regarding the availability of the safety net does not have to be indicated on the student's IEP.
· Students with disabilities identified through the Section 504 Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) if recommended and documented by the MDT on the student's Accommodation Plan.
· Students with disabilities declassified while in grades 8-12 if recommended and documented by the CSE on the student's IEP.
Students with disabilities must take each Regents course and examination required for their entering class.
Students with disabilities entering the 9th grade in Sept. 2010 & earlier who fail a required Regents exam with a score below 55 may earn a local diploma by passing the RCT in that subject. The school may administer the RCT before or after the Regents examination, but in all cases, the student must take the required Regents examination in order to earn the local diploma. (or score 55-64 on the Regents exam).
IEP Diploma (Individualized Education Program): for students whose disabilities prevent them from completing a regular high school diploma
State regulations mandate public schools and permit private schools to award IEP diplomas to recognize the personal accomplishments of handicapped students who are unable to earn a high school diploma. A school may award a qualified student with a handicap an IEP diploma at the end of any school year in which the student has attained the age of 21, or upon application of the student or his/her parent, after the student has attended school for 12 years. State regulations require that an IEP diploma clearly indicate on its face that is awarded solely on the basis of the student's successful completion of an individualized education program.
G.E.D. "General Equivalency Diploma"
The GED testing program offers an opportunity to earn a GED high school diploma. Many people who did not finish high school have knowledge and skills comparable to people who did graduate.
The GED Tests ask questions about subjects covered in high school.
The GED Tests are available in English, Spanish, and French. Special large-print, audiocassette, and Braille editions of the GED Tests are available. Adults with disabilities may be eligible for adaptations to testing conditions.
What are the GED® Tests? from the NYS Education Dept . . .
