NC Education Code · Regulation
Title 16 — root / Chapter 06 — 16 NCAC 06D .0506
Plain English summary
This rule establishes alternative graduation requirements for students with disabilities whose IEP teams have determined they cannot meet standard state graduation requirements. Requirements vary based on the school year a student first enrolled in Grade 9, with cohorts from 2020-2021 and 2021-2026 having distinct credit and work-hour structures. Students must earn 22 course credits, complete 600 work hours, develop a career portfolio, and meet any additional IEP objectives to receive a high school diploma.
Key requirements
- A student who first enrolled in Grade 9 in the 2020-2021 school year shall earn a total of 22 course credits, including four credits in English and language arts, three in mathematics, two in science, two in social studies, one in health and physical education, six in occupational preparation education, and four elective credits in career and technical education.
- A student who first enrolled in Grade 9 in the 2021-2022, 2022-2023, 2023-2024, 2024-2025, or 2025-2026 school years shall earn a total of 22 course credits, including four credits in English and language arts, three in mathematics, three in science, four in social studies, one in health and physical education, two additional occupational preparation education credits, and four elective credits in career and technical education.
- In addition to completing the course credits listed in this Rule, the student must complete the following: 600 work hours consisting of 150 hours of school-based vocational training, 225 hours of community-based vocational training, and 225 hours of paid employment or 225 hours of unpaid vocational training, an unpaid internship, paid employment at a community rehabilitation facility, or community service.
- The student must complete a career portfolio.
- The student must complete any other objectives identified in the student's IEP.
- One course credit in the content area of health and physical education, including completion of instruction in cardiopulmonary resuscitation ('CPR') as provided in G.S. 115C-81.25(c)(10). The governing body of a public school unit shall provide appropriate accommodations in accordance with the student's approved IEP.
- In determining whether a student who is the child of a military family has satisfied the requirements established by this Rule, the governing body of a public school unit shall consider and comply with all requirements of the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children, codified at G.S. 115C-407.5.
- The governing body of a public school unit shall award a Graduation Certificate to a child with a disability who does not earn a high school diploma by the age of 22 or who completes the requirements of this Rule except for the 225 hours of employment identified in Part (d)(1)(C) of this Rule. The student shall be allowed to participate in high school graduation exercises.
Affected parties
- Students with disabilities in public high schools
- IEP teams
- Governing bodies of public school units
- Children of military families with disabilities
- Students who do not earn a diploma by age 22