What is a Certificate Of Completion?

Students strive to earn a high school diploma because it signifies a student has completed his/her high school career, taken and passed required courses, mastered the required academic standards, met other graduation requirements, and will be taking their place in the adult world by working or continuing their education and training. As desirable as the diploma is, some students find the diploma an unrealistic goal and will conclude their high school career with a Certificate of Completion.

A Certificate of Completion is not an academic credential and there are no state course or grade requirements necessary to earn a certificate of completion. A student successfully working toward his/her IEP goals is generally eligible to receive a Certificate of Completion. The decision of whether a student is working toward a diploma or a Certificate of Completion should be made by the case conference committee held the year before a student enters high school. Students are often encouraged to attempt to earn a diploma and, if that turns out to be unreasonable, then to reconvene the case conference committee and specify the student will be working to earn a Certificate of Completion.

What good is a Certificate of Completion?

Students exiting high school with a Certificate of Completion are eligible to participate in any graduation ceremonies the school may sponsor…and this is often very important to students and their families. A Certificate of Completion provides honor and dignity to a student exiting high school. It is a concrete symbol of entry into the adult world.

Sources: https://sites.google.com/a/acsc.net/anderson-community-schools-special-education-services/parent-pages/what-is-a-certificate-of-completion