Md. Code Regs. 13A.03.02.09

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 22, November 1, 2024

Section 13A.03.02.09 - Diplomas and Certificates

A. The types of diplomas and certificates specified in §§B-D of this regulation shall be awarded to any student who meets the requirements for award.

B. Maryland High School Diploma. Except as provided in Regulation .12 of this chapter, to be awarded a Maryland high school diploma, a student shall:

(1) Complete the enrollment, credit, and service requirements as specified in this chapter;

(2) Complete local school system requirements; and

(3) Meet the graduation assessment requirements in the following ways:

(a) Take the Maryland Comprehensive Assessments for Algebra I, science, government, and English 10; or

(b) Take an approved alternative assessment as established by the Department, such as Maryland Comprehensive Assessment for Algebra II, Advanced Placement examinations, SAT, ACT, or International Baccalaureate examinations.

C. Exception to Passing Score Requirement.

For the 2020-2021, 2021-2022, and 2022-2023 school years, students taking the Algebra I, English 10, science, and government Maryland Comprehensive Assessment will meet the graduation assessment requirement for Algebra I, English 10, science, and government.

D. Maryland High School Diploma by Examination.

(1) General Educational Development Testing Program. A Maryland High School Diploma by Examination may be awarded for satisfactory performance on approved general educational development tests if the student meets those requirements as defined in Labor and Employment Article, § 11-808, Annotated Code of Maryland, and COMAR 09.37.01.04.

(2) Maryland Adult External High School Diploma Program. A Maryland High School Diploma by Examination may be awarded for demonstrating competencies in general life skills and individual skills on applied performance tests if the student meets those requirements as defined in COMAR 09.37.01.20.

E. Maryland High School Certificate of Program Completion.

(1) This certificate shall be awarded only to students with disabilities who cannot meet the requirements for a diploma but who meet the following standards:

(a) The student is enrolled in an education program for at least 4 years beyond grade 8 or its age equivalent, and is determined by an IEP team, with the agreement of the student and the parents of the student, to have developed appropriate skills for the individual to enter the world of work, act responsibly as a citizen, and enjoy a fulfilling life, with the world of work including but not limited to:

(i) Gainful employment;

(ii) Post-secondary education and training;

(iii) Supported employment; and

(iv) Other services that are integrated in the community; or

(b) The student has been enrolled in an education program for 4 years beyond grade 8 or its age equivalent and will have reached age 21 by the end of the student's current school year.

(2) The Maryland Summary of Performance that describes the student's skills shall accompany the Maryland High School Certificate of Program Completion.

(3) The final decision to award a student with disabilities a Maryland High School Certificate of Program Completion will not be made until after the beginning of the student's last year in high school.

(4) A student with significant cognitive disability may not meet high school graduation requirements, in accordance with §B of this regulation, if a student:

(a) Participates in an Alternative Assessment based on Alternative Academic Achievement Standards (AA-AAAS); and

(b) Continues to receive instruction based on Alternative Academic Achievement Standards through high school.

(5) If a student participates in a graduation ceremony prior to the completion of the student's education program, at the ceremony the school system shall issue to the student a Certificate of Achievement or other similarly titled certificate in place of a diploma.

(6) Certificate Endorsement.

(a) Beginning with the 2024-2025 school year, students completing a Certificate may earn one or more endorsements.

(b) The endorsements include a Post-Secondary Education endorsement, a Work-Ready/Employment/Career endorsement, and a Community/Citizenship endorsement.

(c) Requirements for the endorsements will be identified by the Department.

F. Local Endorsements. Consistent with procedures established by the Department, each local school system may add endorsements to the diploma as incentives for students to meet locally established requirements and outcomes in instruction beyond the minimums specified by the State.

G. At least yearly, through the end of the implementation, the State Board will review and assess updated information on the graduation assessment requirements and scores.

H. Maryland High School Diploma. Beginning with the 2022-2023 school year, except as provided in Regulation .12 of this chapter, to be awarded a Maryland high school diploma, a student shall:

(1) Complete the enrollment, credit, assessment and service requirements as specified in this chapter; and

(2) Complete local school system requirements.

I. State Endorsements.

(1) Beginning with the 2024-2025 school year, students graduating may earn a College Ready State endorsement, a Career and Technical Education (CTE) State endorsement, or both.

(2) The Department will establish the requirements for the endorsements.

Md. Code Regs. 13A.03.02.09

Regulation .09 amended effective 42:12 Md. R. 763, eff.6/22/2015; amended effective 43:23 Md. R. 1280, eff. 11/24/2016; amended effective 45:4 Md. R. 206, eff. 2/26/2018; amended effective 46:16 Md. R. 689, eff. 8/12/2019; amended effective 48:12 Md. R. 474, eff. 6/14/2021; amended effective 50:16 Md. R.727, eff. 8/21/2023