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Board adopts alternative diploma pathway for students with significant disabilities
Summary
The Carmel Unified School District board approved an alternative high school diploma pathway that aligns with California's alternate assessment and a 130-credit state minimum, designed to provide students with significant cognitive disabilities a state-recognized diploma and expanded transition supports. Board action schedules course and materials proposals for a later meeting.
The Carmel Unified School District board on Wednesday approved an alternative pathway to the high school diploma intended for students with significant cognitive disabilities.
Director of Special Education Steve Gonzalez and program specialist Julie Ramirez told the board the pathway, established in state regulations in June 2024, allows eligible students (those with individualized education programs and extensive support needs who take the California Alternate Assessment) to earn a legally recognized California high school diploma based on a 130-credit state minimum. Gonzalez said the pathway can include alternative curricula aligned to state standards, community-based instruction and opportunities to participate in general education classes with accommodations.
22This is one of the most exciting initiatives22 Gonzalez said during the presentation, describing the pathway as an expansion of equitable options for students who previously may have been limited to certificates of completion.
Board members pressed staff on how the program will support transition to employment and postsecondary options. Julie Ramirez said the district plans one period of community-based instruction in students' master schedules, partnerships with regional programs and state vocational services such as WorkAbility and the Department of Rehabilitation, and opportunities for students to take community-college classes.
Staff told the board three rising 12th graders will be grandfathered into the program next year. Ramirez said course proposals, instructional materials and required course descriptions will return to the board for approval at a subsequent meeting.
The board voted by roll call to adopt the implementation of the alternative pathway. Board President Matt Glazer, Board Clerk Sarah Hines, Board member Jay Odell and Board member Jason Rammens were recorded as voting yes; one member was absent.
