Graduation Guidance

This page provides information and rules about graduation requirements for students with disabilities who receive special education services.

The links below list specific rules for graduation depending on when the student entered ninth grade:

• Graduation options for students with disabilities receiving special education services

Performance on Required State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness

A student who is dismissed from special education services before graduation from high school must perform satisfactorily on any remaining general assessments (i.e., STAAR® or STAAR A) taken after the student is dismissed from special education. ARD committees should have confidence that a student who is dismissed from special education will be able to successfully complete all of the requirements for high school graduation, including satisfactory performance on any remaining end-of-course assessments.

Participation of Students with Disabilities in Graduation Ceremonies

Students with disabilities may participate in a graduation ceremony after completing four years of high school (TEC § 28.025 (f)).

 State Resources

The following are some state resources about graduation: 

• Texas SPED Support Website - Transition Resources
• Texas Education Agency – Curriculum Standards  
• Graduation Requirements - Division of Curriculum
• Academic Achievement Record (AAR)/High School Transcript  

Texas Education Code and Texas Administrative Codes

The following Texas Education Code (state law) and Texas Administrative Codes (State Board of Education and Commissioner's Rules) are about graduation:

• SECTION 28.025 – High School Diploma and Certificate; Academic Achievement Record   
• Chapter 74 – Curriculum Requirements, Subchapter F. Graduation Requirements, Beginning with School Year 2007-2008
• Chapter 89 – Adaptations for Special Populations,Subchapter AA. Commissioner's Rules Concerning Special Education Services,89.1070. Graduation Requirements  
• Chapter 101 – Assessment

Technical Assistance and Training  

The following areas provide technical assistance or training about graduation:

• Student Assessment Division Email Contacts: You may search the Student Assessment Division's list of contacts by specific subject area. Carefully selecting the contact may impact the timeliness of a response. If your question is urgent, please contact the division directly by phone at (512) 463-9536. 

• The Legal Framework for the Child-Centered Special Education Process: Parents and educators can find useful information by topic at the Texas Legal Framework. A framework addressing a Personal Graduation Plan may be helpful as you research this topic.