'Credentials' mulled for disabled students

Hundreds of Long Island teens and young adults with severe disabilities would earn "credentials" rather than "diplomas" upon completing school, under a long-debated plan now being weighed for final action in Albany.

The new certificates would be known as Skills and Achievement Commencement Credentials, and would spell out skills acquired during students' time in school, according to a proposal released Thursday by state education officials. Students' accomplishments could range from completing BOCES job-training courses to learning basic living skills, such as dressing themselves.

The proposal is scheduled for review Monday by the state Board of Regents, followed by public discussion and final action in January.

Currently, such students are awarded IEP diplomas, signifying completion of Individualized Education Programs tailored to their level of disability.

On the Island, 470 students, or 1.3 percent of those finishing school, earned such diplomas in 2010, according to the state's latest figures.

Statewide, IEP diplomas went to 5,566 students, or 2.9 percent of all school completers.

Supporters of the plan, debated for more than three years, contend that use of the word "diploma" is misleading for students and parents alike.

Those supporters note that neither military recruiters nor other employers accept such diplomas as evidence of what is traditionally considered high school graduation. They also argue that some urban school districts push into IEP courses some students who are capable of more advanced work.

"Generally speaking, I'm in favor of having a useful document that spells out the skills the student has, rather than a meaningless document," said Roger Tilles of Great Neck, the Island's representative on the Regents board. He added that he needs more time to study the staff proposal.Many parents and teachers contend that students who work hard to complete special-education programs deserve diplomas, whatever their limitations might be. These advocates say that the educational system puts too much emphasis on academic accomplishments and not enough on acquiring job skills."What's the harm of calling this a diploma, if the kid has met all the requirements that the school has asked them to do?" said Lawrence Greenstein, a member of the Port Washington school board and a longtime advocate for students with disabilities.