Core 40 Opt-Out

To graduate with less than Core 40 (one option is the Indiana General Diploma), a formal opt-out process must be completed. 

BRIEF SUMMARY

The completion of Core 40 is an Indiana graduation requirement. To graduate with less than Core 40 (one option is the Indiana General Diploma), a formal opt-out process must be completed.  This is due to the fact that Indiana’s Core 40 curriculum is considered to provide the academic foundation all students need to succeed in college and the workforce. Indiana’s General Diploma option is an opt-out of the Core 40 diploma, but still requires 40 semester credits. It is a less rigorous diploma option than the Core 40. The Certificate of Completion is also an option for students who opt-out of the Core 40 curriculum.  Although most students with disabilities are capable of earning a diploma, for a small population of students, the Certificate of Completion path may be determined as more appropriate by a case conference committee.

See also Indiana’s General Diploma.

See also Certificate of Completion.

See also Core 40 (Indiana).

KEY POINTS

  • To graduate with less than Core 40, the following formal opt-out process must be completed:
    • The student, the student’s parent/guardian, and the student’s counselor (or another staff member who assists students in course selection) meet to discuss the student’s progress.
    • The student’s career and course plan is reviewed.
    • The student’s parent/guardian determines whether the student will achieve greater educational benefits by completing the general curriculum or the Core 40 curriculum.
  • If the decision is made to opt-out of Core 40, the student is required to complete the course and credit requirements for a general diploma and the career/academic sequence the student will pursue is determined.
  • A list of Core 40 Opt-Out Triggers and legislation related to the Core 40 Opt-Out process can be found here.

RESOURCES

SHARED WISDOM

  • Original Question (Part 1): If ST does not meet C40 requirements but has enough credits for gen diploma. Is there a point where we, as a school, can graduate the student because they met General diploma reqs. Or do we have to allow them the opportunity to finish the C40? Answer: On Fri, Aug 17, 2018 at 10:00 AM Culhan, Amanda <aculhan@doe.in.gov> wrote:  If the student can earn the General now (at the end of her senior year), it’s up to your school if you want to allow her to stay into a 5th year. You aren’t required to allow her to do so since she has met requirements for a diploma. Typically schools will present the student with the summer option (meeting requirements by the last day of September), as you have done. Follow up Question (Part 2): Thank you – they do not have to agree to an opt out then right?Answer: On Mon, Aug 20, 2018 at 11:35 AM Culhan, Amanda <aculhan@doe.in.gov> wrote:  No, if it’s beyond the 4 years and they’ve met requirements for the General Diploma, they wouldn’t have to agree to the opt-out. I think a good alternative would be to allow them the option to continue to work towards meeting requirements before the end of September.

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