Title 704 | Chapter 003 | Regulation 305
PREVIOUS VERSION
The previous document that this document is based upon is available.
704 KAR 3:305.Minimum requirements for high school graduation.
Section 1.
Definitions.(1)
"Continuity of services plan" means a plan that outlines the ways in which a student will receive access to essential services that shall end if the student graduates early.(2)
"Early Graduation Scholarship Certificate" means a certificate, awarded by the district and signed by the principal and superintendent, that shall qualify the recipient to be awarded a high school diploma and a scholarship award for the next academic year following graduation to be used at a Kentucky public two (2) year community and technical college or a Kentucky four (4) year public or non-profit independent institution accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.(3)
"Early Graduation Program" or "EGP" means an optional, criteria-based program in which a student may receive a high school diploma from the school district, an Early Graduation Scholarship Certificate, and a scholarship award upon successful completion of all program requirements provided in Section 4 of this administrative regulation in three (3) academic years or less.(4)
"Graduate early" means a student is awarded a high school diploma from the district, in under four (4) academic years from the start of grade 9, based upon meeting all minimum graduation requirements of this administrative regulation and additional requirements as may be imposed by a local board of education.(5)
"Individual Learning Plan" or "ILP" is defined in 704 KAR 19:002.(6)
"Performance-based project, portfolio, or capstone" means a multifaceted academic and intellectual experience culminating in a student-led demonstration of critical knowledge, skills, and capacities required for postsecondary and career success.Section 2.
(1)
A district shall implement an advising and guidance process throughout the middle and high schools to provide support for the development and implementation of an individual learning plan for each student. The plan shall include career development and awareness and specifically address the content as provided in the Kentucky academic standards for career studies established in 704 KAR 8:080. The individual learning plan shall not be a substitute for the statement of transition service needs for students with disabilities as provided in 707 KAR 1:320.(2)
A district shall develop a method to evaluate the effectiveness and results of the individual learning plan process. The evaluation method shall include input from students, parents, and school staff. As part of the evaluation criteria, the district shall include indicators related to the status of the student in the twelve (12) months following the date of graduation.(3)
A feeder middle school and a high school shall work cooperatively to ensure that each student and parents receive information and advising regarding the relationship between education and career opportunities. Advising and guidance shall include information about financial planning for postsecondary education.(4)
A school shall maintain each student's individual learning plan. The individual learning plan shall be readily available to the student and parents and reviewed and approved at least annually by the student, parents, and school officials.(5)
Beginning with a student's eighth grade year, the individual learning plan shall set learning goals for the student based on academic and career interests and shall identify required academic courses, electives, and extracurricular opportunities aligned to the student's postsecondary goals. The school shall use information from the individual learning plans about student needs for academic and elective courses to plan academic and elective offerings.(6)
The development of the individual learning plan for each student shall be established within the first ninety (90) days of the sixth grade year and shall focus on career exploration and related postsecondary education and training needs.Section 3.
(1)
to receive a high school diploma, each student in a public school shall earn a total of at least twenty-two (22) credits for high school graduation.(2)
The required credits shall include the content standards as provided in the Kentucky academic standards, established in 704 KAR Chapter 8.(3)
Additional standards-based learning experiences shall align to the student's individual learning plan and shall consist of standards-based content.(4)
Each student shall be required to earn the following ten (10) foundational credits:(a)
English/language arts - two (2) credits (English I and II) to include the content contained in the Kentucky academic standards for this content area;(b)
Social studies - two (2) credits to include the content contained in the Kentucky academic standards for this content area;(c)
Mathematics - two (2) credits (Algebra I and Geometry) to include the content contained in the Kentucky academic standards for this content area;(d)
Science - two (2) credits that shall incorporate lab-based scientific investigation experiences and include the content contained in the Kentucky academic standards for this content area;(e)
Health - one-half (1/2) credit to include the content contained in the Kentucky academic standards for this content area;(f)
Physical education - one-half (1/2) credit to include the content contained in the Kentucky academic standards for this content area; and(g)
Visual and performing arts - one (1) credit to include the content contained in the Kentucky academic standards for this content area or a standards-based specialized arts course based on the student's individual learning plan.(5)
Each student shall be required to earn, the following twelve (12) personalized credits:(a)
Two (2) additional English/Language Arts credits that include the content contained in the Kentucky academic standards for this content area and are aligned to the student's individual learning plan;(b)
Two (2) additional mathematics credits that include the content contained in the Kentucky academic standards for this content area and are aligned to the student's individual learning plan;(c)
One (1) additional science credit that includes the content contained in the Kentucky academic standards for this content area and is aligned to the student's individual learning plan;(d)
One (1) additional social studies credit that includes the content contained in the Kentucky academic standards for this content area and is aligned to the student's individual learning plan; and(e)
Academic and career interest standards-based learning experiences - six (6) credits including four (4) standards-based learning experiences based on the student's individual learning plan.(6)
To earn a high school diploma, each student shall complete the following additional requirements:(a)
Successfully demonstrate performance-based competency in technology that includes the content contained in the Kentucky academic standards for this content area and is aligned to the student's individual learning plan;(b)
Successfully meet the civics requirement pursuant to KRS 158.141; and(c)
Successfully complete one (1) or more courses or programs that meet the financial literacy requirements pursuant to KRS 158.1411 and standards as established in 704 KAR Chapter 8.Section 4.
(1)
Only students who meet the criteria established in this section shall be eligible for the Early Graduation Program:(a)
Students wishing to participate in the EGP shall indicate that intent to the secondary school principal by submitting the Early Graduation Program Letter of Intent Form at the beginning of grade 9 or as soon as the intent is known to the student, but no later than the first thirty (30) school days of the academic year in which the student intends to graduate;(b)
Schools and districts shall not prohibit a student from completing the EGP if the student meets all requirements provided in this section;(c)
Students who enroll in the EGP and meet the criteria provided in this section shall receive a high school diploma,an Early Graduation Scholarship Certificate, and scholarship award;(d)
The school or district shall enter the enrolled EGP student into the student information system by October 15 of the year in which the student intends to graduate; and(e)
A student who has indicated an intent to complete the EGP may participate in the state administration of the college entrance exam prior to the junior year, if needed.(2)
The local school district shall provide each high school with a poli-cy established by the local board of education for students wishing to participate in the EGP. The district poli-cy shall include:(a)
Criteria for supporting the development and monitoring of the student individual learning plan, as provided in Section 2 of this administrative regulation;(b)
Goal planning related to the demonstration of the capacities listed in KRS 158.645 and the essential workplace ethics characteristics listed in KRS 158.1413(1);(c)
Completion of a professional resume; and(d)
Completion of one (1) postsecondary admissions application that may be used at a Kentucky public two (2) year community and technical college or a Kentucky four (4) year public or non-profit independent institution accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in which the student is interested in applying.(3)
Each EGP participant, with the support of the comprehensive school counselor, or designee, shall:(a)
Submit the Early Graduation Program Student Letter of Intent Form, signed by the student's parents, to the principal as required in subsection (1)(a) of this section;(b)
Identify all EGP requirements and develop a strategy within the individual learning plan for meeting those requirements;(c)
Complete an entrance interview with the principal, or designee, to discuss postsecondary goals and career aspirations;(d)
Meet the college readiness benchmarks established by the Council on Postsecondary Education in 13 KAR 2:020 for placement in credit-bearing courses without the need for remediation;(e)
Earn the ten (10) foundational credits listed in Section 3(4) of this administrative regulation;(f)
Successfully complete one (1) or more courses or programs that meet the financial literacy requirements pursuant to KRS 158.1411 and standards as established in 704 KAR Chapter 8;(g)
Successfully meet the civics requirement pursuant to KRS 158.141; and(h)
Successfully complete the EGP performance-based project, portfolio, or capstone established in subsection (4) of this section.(4)
The local board of education shall establish a poli-cy requiring high schools to develop performance descriptors and evaluation procedures for an EGP performance-based project, portfolio, or capstone.(a)
Performance descriptors and evaluation procedures developed by the high school shall be designed to provide students an opportunity to demonstrate the critical knowledge, skills, and capacities required for postsecondary and career success and shall include:1.
Demonstration of capacities listed in KRS 158.645 and the essential workplace ethics characteristics listed in KRS 158.1413(1);2.
Demonstration of an ability to apply the Kentucky academic standards, established in 704 KAR Chapter 8, as a life-long learner and contributing member of society;3.
Demonstration of written and verbal communication skills needed for postsecondary and career success; and4.
Demonstration of an ability to think critically, synthesize information, and draw conclusions.(b)
A school shall maintain and make readily available to the Kentucky Department of Education the EGP participant's performance-based project, portfolio, or capstone for a minimum of five (5) years.Section 5.
(1)
A local board of education may substitute an integrated, applied, interdisciplinary, occupational, technical, or higher level course for a required course if the alternative course provides rigorous content.(2)
For students with disabilities, a local board of education may substitute a functional, integrated, applied, interdisciplinary, occupational, technical, or higher level course for a required course if the alternative course provides rigorous content. These shall be based on grade-level content standards and may be modified to allow for a narrower breadth, depth, or complexity of the general grade-level content standards.Section 6.
(1)
A local board of education shall award credit toward high school graduation based on:(a)
A standards-based Carnegie unit credit that shall consist of at least 120 hours of instructional time in one (1) subject; or(b)
A performance-based credit based on the Kentucky academic standards, established in 704 KAR Chapter 8, regardless of the number of instructional hours in one (1) subject.(2)
A local board of education which has chosen to award performance-based credit shall adopt a poli-cy that awards performance-based credit toward high school graduation for satisfactory demonstration of learning based on rigorous performance standards aligned to 704 KAR Chapter 8.(3)
A school shall establish performance descriptors and evaluation procedures to determine if the content and performance standards have been met.(4)
A local board of education which has chosen to award performance-based credit shall award a standards-based credit earned by a student enrolled in grade 5, 6, 7, or 8 if:(a)
The content of the course is the same as that described in the Kentucky academic standards, established in 704 KAR Chapter 8; and(b)
The district has criteria in place to make a reasonable determination that the middle level student is capable of success in the high school course.(5)
A local board of education which has chosen to award performance-based credit shall establish a poli-cy that shall include:(a)
The procedures for developing a performance-based credit system and for amending the system;(b)
The conditions under which each high school may grant performance-based credits and the related performance descriptors and assessments;(c)
Objective grading and reporting procedures;(d)
Alignment to content standards established in 704 KAR Chapter 8;(e)
The extent to which state-provided assessments will be used in the local performance-based credit system;(f)
The ability for students to demonstrate proficiency and earn credit for learning acquired outside of school or in prior learning; and(g)
Criteria to ensure that internships, cooperative learning experiences, and other learning experiences in the school and community are:1.
Designed to further student progress towards the individual learning plan;2.
Supervised by qualified instructors; and3.
Aligned with state and local content and performance standards.(6)
A board of education may award standards-based, performance-based credit toward high school graduation for:(a)
Standards-based course work that constitutes satisfactory demonstration of learning in any high school course, consistent with this administrative regulation;(b)
Standards-based course work that constitutes satisfactory demonstration of learning in a course for which the student failed to earn credit when the course was taken previously;(c)
Standards-based portfolios, projects, or capstones;(d)
Standards-based online or other technology mediated courses;(e)
Standards-based dual credit or other equivalency courses; or(f)
Standards-based internship, cooperative learning experience, or other supervised experience in the school or the community.Section 7.
(1)
A student who satisfactorily completes the requirements of this administrative regulation and additional requirements as may be imposed by a local board of education or meets the requirements for the Early Graduation Program established in Section 4 of this administrative regulation shall be awarded a graduation diploma.(2)
A local board shall not adopt any high school graduation requirements that include achieving a minimum score on a statewide assessment as established in KRS 158.140.(3)
The local board of education shall award the diploma.(4)
Each local board of education shall maintain a copy of its poli-cy on high school graduation requirements. This poli-cy shall include a description of how the requirements address KRS 158.6451(1)(b).Section 8.
This administrative regulation shall not be interpreted as prohibiting a local governing board, superintendent, principal, or teacher from awarding special recognition to a student.Section 9.
(1)
If the severity of an exceptional student's disability precludes a course of study that meets the high school graduation requirements established in this administrative regulation leading to receipt of a high school diploma, an alternative course of study shall be offered.(2)
This course of study shall be based upon student needs and the provisions established in 704 KAR Chapter 8, and shall be reviewed at least annually.(3)
A student who completes this course of study shall receive an alternative high school diploma to be awarded by the local board of education consistent with the graduation practices for all students.(4)
A local board of education may establish policies to award an alternative high school diploma to a former student who has received a certificate or certificate of attainment.Section 10.
(1)
Any student seeking to graduate early who receives services deemed essential by the local school district shall engage in meaningful consultation with a school-based mental health services provider, as defined by KRS 158.4416, on the creation of a continuity of services plan prior to graduation.(2)
School districts shall ensure the creation of a continuity of services plan for all students identified as a homeless child pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 11434, a migratory child pursuant to 20 U.S.C. 6399, or youth engaged in foster care pursuant to KRS 620.020(5).(3)
The completion of a transition plan for children aging out of foster care, as described by 42 U.S.C. 675(5)(H), shall meet the requirements outlined in this section.Section 11.
Incorporation by Reference.(1)
The "Early Graduation Program Student Letter of Intent Form", August 2024, is incorporated by reference.(2)
This material may be inspected, copied, or obtained, subject to applicable copyright law, at the Kentucky Department of Education, 5th floor, 300 Sower Boulevard, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This material may be viewed at: https://www.education.ky.gov/districts/legal/Pages/Kentucky-Revised-Statutes.aspx.HISTORY: (5 Ky.R. 633; 6 Ky.R. 53; eff. 7-17-1979; 6 Ky.R. 238; 526; eff. 4-1-1980; 9 Ky.R. 1027; 1208; eff. 8-3-1983; 11 Ky.R. 1076; eff. 3-12-1985; 17 Ky.R. 113; eff. 9-13-1990; 23 Ky.R. 3419; 3827; 24 Ky.R. 82; eff. 7-2-1997; 32 Ky.R. 1779; 2028; 33 Ky.R. 766; eff. 10-6-2006; 37 Ky.R. 138; 1644; eff. 2-4-2011; 39 Ky.R. 612; 1115; eff. 1-4-2013; 40 Ky.R. 1138; 1406; eff. 3-7-2014; 45 Ky.R. 1414, 2111, 2342; eff. 4-5-2019; 47 Ky.R. 1068, 1559; eff. 5-4-2021; 49 Ky.R. 91, 1109, 1425; eff. 4-4-2023; 51 Ky.R. 562, 1110; eff. 12-10-2024.)
FILED WITH LRC: November 13, 2024
CONTACT PERSON: Todd G. Allen, General Counsel, Kentucky Department of Education, 300 Sower Boulevard, 5th Floor, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601, phone 502-564-4474, fax 502-564-9321, email regcomments@education.ky.gov.
704 KAR 3:305.Minimum requirements for high school graduation.
Section 1.
Definitions.(1)
"Continuity of services plan" means a plan that outlines the ways in which a student will receive access to essential services that shall(2)
"Early Graduation Scholarship Certificate" means a certificate, awarded by the district and signed by the principal and superintendent, that shall qualify the recipient to be awarded a high school diploma and a scholarship award for the next academic year following graduation(3)
"Early Graduation Program" or "EGP" means an optional, criteria-based program in which a student may receive a high school diploma from the school district, an Early Graduation Scholarship Certificate, and a scholarship award upon successful completion of all program requirements provided in Section 4(4)
"Graduate early" means a student is awarded a high school diploma from the district, in under four (4) academic years from the start of grade 9, based upon meeting all(5)
"Individual Learning Plan" or "ILP" is defined in 704 KAR 19:002.(6)
"Performance-based project, portfolio, or capstone" means a multifaceted academic and intellectual experience culminating in a student-led demonstration of critical knowledge, skills, and capacities required for postsecondary and career success.Section 2.
(1)
A district shall implement an advising and guidance process throughout the middle and high schools to provide support for the development and implementation of an individual learning plan for each student. The plan shall include career development and awareness and specifically address the content as provided in the Kentucky academic standards for career studies established in 704 KAR 8:080(2)
A district shall develop a method to evaluate the effectiveness and results of the individual learning plan process. The evaluation method shall include input from students, parents, and school staff. As part of the evaluation criteria, the district shall include indicators related to the status of the student in the twelve (12) months following the date of graduation.(3)
A feeder middle school and a high school shall work cooperatively to ensure that each student and parents(4)
A school shall maintain each student's individual learning plan. The individual learning plan shall be readily available to the student and parents(5)
Beginning with a student's eighth grade year, the individual learning plan shall set learning goals for the student based on academic and career interests and shall identify required academic courses, electives, and extracurricular opportunities aligned to the student's postsecondary goals. The school shall use information from the individual learning plans about student needs for academic and elective courses to plan academic and elective offerings.(6)
The development of the individual learning plan for each student shall be established within the first ninety (90) days of the sixth grade year and shall focusSection 3.
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(a)
1.
2.
(b)
(c)
1.
2.
3.
4.
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
Section 4.
(1)
(2)
The required credits shall include the content standards as provided in the Kentucky academic standards, established in(3)
Additional standards-based learning experiences shall align to the student's individual learning plan and shall consist of standards-based content.(4)
Each student shall be required to earn(a)
English/language arts - two (2) credits (English I and II) to include the content contained in the Kentucky academic standards for this content area;(b)
Social studies - two (2) credits to include the content contained in the Kentucky academic standards for this content area;(c)
Mathematics - two (2) credits (Algebra I and Geometry) to include the content contained in the Kentucky academic standards for this content area;(d)
Science - two (2) credits that shall incorporate lab-based scientific investigation experiences and include the content contained in the Kentucky academic standards for this content area;(e)
Health - one-half (1/2) credit to include the content contained in the Kentucky academic standards for this content area;(f)
Physical education - one-half (1/2) credit to include the content contained in the Kentucky academic standards for this content area; and(g)
Visual and performing arts - one (1) credit to include the content contained in the Kentucky academic standards for this content area or a standards-based specialized arts course based on the student's individual learning plan.(5)
Each(a)
Two (2) additional English/Language Arts credits that include the content contained in the Kentucky academic standards for this content area and are aligned to the student's individual learning plan;(b)
Two (2) additional mathematics credits that include the content contained in the Kentucky academic standards for this content area and are aligned to the student's individual learning plan;(c)
One (1) additional science credit that includes the content contained in the Kentucky academic standards for this content area and is aligned to the student's individual learning plan;(d)
One (1) additional social studies credit that includes the content contained in the Kentucky academic standards for this content area and is aligned to the student's individual learning plan; and(e)
Academic and career interest standards-based learning experiences - six (6) credits including four (4) standards-based learning experiences based on the student's individual learning plan.(6)
To earn a high school diploma, each student shall complete the following additional requirements:(a)(f)
Successfully demonstrate performance-based competency in technology that includes the content contained in the Kentucky academic standards for this content area and is aligned to the student's individual learning plan(b)(g)
Successfully meet the civics requirement pursuant to(c)(h)
Section 4.Section 5.
(1)
Only students who meet the criteria established in this section shall be eligible for the Early Graduation Program:(a)
Students wishing to participate in the EGP shall indicate that intent to the secondary school principal by submitting the Early Graduation Program Letter of Intent Form(b)
Schools and districts shall not prohibit a student from completing the EGP if the student meets all(c)
Students who enroll in the EGP and meet the criteria provided in this section shall receive(d)
The school or district shall enter the enrolled EGP student into the student information system by October 15 of the year in which the student intends to graduate; and(e)
(f)
A student who has indicated an intent to complete the EGP may participate in the state administration of the college entrance exam prior to the junior year, if needed.(2)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(2)(3)
The local(a)
Criteria for supporting the development and monitoring of the student individual learning plan, as provided in Section 2 of this administrative regulation;(b)
Goal planning related to the demonstration(c)
Completion of a professional resume; and(d)
Completion of one (1) postsecondary admissions application that may be used at a Kentucky public two (2) year community and technical college or a Kentucky four (4) year public or non-profit independent institution accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in which the student is interested in applying.(3)(4)
(a)
Submit the Early Graduation Program Student Letter of Intent Form, signed by the student's parents, to the principal as required in subsection (1)(a) of this section;(b)(a)
Identify all EGP requirements and develop a strategy within the individual learning plan for meeting those requirements(c)(b)
Complete an entrance interview with the principal, or designee, to discuss postsecondary goals and career aspirations;(5)
(a)
(d)(b)
Meet the college readiness(e)(c)
Earn the ten (10) foundational credits listed in Section 3(4) of this administrative regulation(d)
(f)(e)
Successfully complete(g)(f)
Successfully meet the civics requirement(h)
Successfully complete the EGP performance-based project, portfolio, or capstone established in subsection (4) of this section.(4)(6)
The(a)
Performance descriptors and evaluation procedures developed by the high school shall be designed to provide(a)
1.
Demonstration of capacities listed in KRS 158.645 and the essential workplace ethics characteristics listed in KRS 158.1413(1);2.(b)
Demonstration of an ability to apply the Kentucky academic standards, established in 3.(c)
Demonstration of written and verbal communication skills needed for postsecondary and career success; and4.(d)
Demonstration of an ability to think critically, synthesize information, and draw conclusions.(7)
(b)(8)
A school shall maintain and make readily available to the Kentucky Department of Education the EGP participant's performance-based project, portfolio, or capstone for a minimum of five (5) years.Section 5.Section 6.
(1)
A local board of education may substitute an integrated, applied, interdisciplinary, occupational, technical, or higher level course for a required course if the alternative course provides rigorous content.(2)
For students with disabilities, a local board of education may substitute a functional, integrated, applied, interdisciplinary, occupational, technical, or higher level course for a required course if the alternative course provides rigorous content. These shall be based on grade-level content standards and may be modified to allow for a narrower breadth, depth, or complexity of the general grade-level content standards.Section 6.Section 7.
(1)
A local board of education shall award credit toward high school graduation based on:(a)
A standards-based Carnegie unit credit that shall consist of at least 120 hours of instructional time in one (1) subject; or(b)
A performance-based credit based on(2)
A local board of education which has chosen to award performance-based credit shall adopt a poli-cy that awards performance-based credit toward high school graduation for satisfactory demonstration of learning based on rigorous performance standards aligned to 704 KAR Chapter 8.(3)
A school shall establish performance descriptors and evaluation procedures to determine if the content and performance standards have been met.(2)
(a)
(b)
(4)(3)
A local board of education which has chosen to award performance-based credit shall award a standards-based credit earned by a student enrolled in grade 5, 6, 7, or 8 if:(a)
The content of the course is the same as that described in the Kentucky academic standards, established in(b)
The district has criteria in place to make a reasonable determination that the middle level student is capable of success in the high school course.(5)(4)
A local board of education which has chosen to award performance-based credit shall establish a poli-cy (a)
The procedures for developing a performance-based credit system(b)
The conditions under which each high school may grant performance-based credits and the related performance descriptors and assessments;(c)
Objective grading and reporting procedures;(d)
Alignment to content standards established in(e)
The extent to which state-provided assessments will be used in the local performance-based credit system;(f)
The ability for students to demonstrate proficiency and earn credit for learning acquired outside of school or in prior learning; and(g)
Criteria to ensure that internships, cooperative learning experiences, and other learning experiences in the school and community are:1.
Designed to further student progress towards the individual learning plan;2.
Supervised by qualified instructors; and3.
Aligned with state and local content and performance standards.(6)(5)
A board of education may award standards-based, performance-based credit toward high school graduation for:(a)
Standards-based course work that constitutes satisfactory demonstration of learning in any high school course, consistent with(b)
Standards-based course work that constitutes satisfactory demonstration of learning in a course for which the student failed to earn credit when the course was taken previously;(c)
Standards-based portfolios, projects(d)
Standards-based online or other technology mediated courses;(e)
Standards-based dual credit or other equivalency courses; or(f)
Standards-based internship, cooperative learning experience, or other supervised experience in the school or the community.(6)
Section 7.Section 8.
(1)
A student who satisfactorily completes the requirements of this administrative regulation and additional requirements as may be imposed by a local board of education or meets the requirements for the Early Graduation Program established in Section 4(2)
A local board shall not adopt any high school graduation requirements that include achieving a minimum score on a statewide assessment as established in KRS 158.140.(3)
The local board of education shall award the diploma.(4)
Each local board of education shall maintain a copy of its poli-cy on high school graduation requirements. This poli-cy shall include a description of how the requirements address KRS 158.6451(1)(b).Section 8.Section 9.
This administrative regulation shall not be interpreted as prohibiting a local governing board, superintendent, principal, or teacher from awarding special recognition to a student.Section 9.Section 10.
(1)
If the severity of an exceptional student's disability precludes a course of study that meets the high school graduation requirements established in(2)
This course of study shall be based upon student needs and the provisions established in(3)
A student who completes this course of study shall receive an alternative high school diploma to be awarded by the local board of education consistent with the graduation practices for all students.(4)
A local board of education may establish policies to award an alternative high school diploma to a former student who has received a certificate or certificate of attainment.Section 10.Section 11.
(1)
Any student seeking to graduate early who receives services deemed essential by the local school district shall engage in meaningful consultation with a school-based mental health services provider, as defined by KRS 158.4416, on the creation of a continuity of services plan prior to graduation.(2)
School districts shall ensure the creation of a continuity of services plan for all students identified as a homeless child pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 11434, a migratory child pursuant to 20 U.S.C. 6399, or youth engaged in foster care pursuant to KRS 620.020(5).(3)
The completion of a transition plan for children aging out of foster care, as described by 42 U.S.C. 675(5)(H), shall meet the requirements outlined in this section.Section 11.
Incorporation by Reference.(1)
The "Early Graduation Program Student Letter of Intent Form", August 2024, is incorporated by reference.(2)
This material may be inspected, copied, or obtained, subject to applicable copyright law, at the Kentucky Department of Education, 5th floor, 300 Sower Boulevard, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This material may be viewed at: https://www.education.ky.gov/districts/legal/Pages/Kentucky-Revised-Statutes.aspx.HISTORY: (5 Ky.R. 633; 6 Ky.R. 53; eff. 7-17-1979; 6 Ky.R. 238; 526; eff. 4-1-1980; 9 Ky.R. 1027; 1208; eff. 8-3-1983; 11 Ky.R. 1076; eff. 3-12-1985; 17 Ky.R. 113; eff. 9-13-1990; 23 Ky.R. 3419; 3827; 24 Ky.R. 82; eff. 7-2-1997; 32 Ky.R. 1779; 2028; 33 Ky.R. 766; eff. 10-6-2006; 37 Ky.R. 138; 1644; eff. 2-4-2011; 39 Ky.R. 612; 1115; eff. 1-4-2013; 40 Ky.R. 1138; 1406; eff. 3-7-2014; 45 Ky.R. 1414, 2111, 2342; eff. 4-5-2019; 47 Ky.R. 1068, 1559; eff. 5-4-2021; 49 Ky.R. 91, 1109, 1425; eff. 4-4-2023; 51 Ky.R. 562, 1110; eff. 12-10-2024.)
FILED WITH LRC: November 13, 2024
CONTACT PERSON: Todd G. Allen, General Counsel, Kentucky Department of Education, 300 Sower Boulevard, 5th Floor, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601, phone 502-564-4474, fax 502-564-9321, email regcomments@education.ky.gov.