Letter: Local diplomas were valuable option

Regarding the article "Learning with less" [News, Sept. 5], you say that students with disabilities entering ninth grade no longer can earn local high-school diplomas by passing Regents Competency Tests, as the state aims to raise graduation standards. These students now must score at least 55 on the more difficult Regents examinations.

New York is enacting short-term solutions that will create long-term problems. Previously, special-needs students were required to obtain a local diploma to attend a two-year college, which enabled them to find decent jobs after graduation.

The other population of students receiving "IEP" diplomas -- for individualized education program -- graduated from high school with very few options, if any, for employment. Now, this group of students will increase by leaps and bounds, since the requirements for a Regents diploma have become too difficult. For some of these students, getting this diploma will be impossible.

I wonder if the state will now require employers to hire disabled students without a diploma?

Judy Neuman, Plainview