3 Revised 1/20/22
Deferment Information
The IEP team must discuss how a student is working towards meeting the requirements for a
Standard Diploma but potentially defer receipt of the diploma and continue to receive ESE
services.
Deferring the receipt of the standard diploma is done in order for a student with a disability to
continue to receive a free, appropriate public education (FAPE). There are two parts to deferral
of the standard diploma. First, a student must have an IEP that “prescribes special education,
transition planning, transition services, or related services through 21.” This is being interpreted
to mean that a student must require services to be successful. Second, a student must be
enrolled in one of several specific educational programs. The programs include:
• Accelerated College Credit- dual enrollment, early admission, advanced placement,
International Baccalaureate, AICE
• Collegiate High School Programs
• A Structured Work Study, Internship, or Pre-Apprenticeship Program (SJCSD Transition
Programs)
Students and IEP teams make the decision to defer during the year in which they are expected
to meet all the requirements for a standard diploma; the decision is documented in the
student’s IEP. Students must be on track to meet all credit, grade point average (GPA) and
testing requirements for the standard diploma before deferment can begin. Students with
disabilities who earn a standard diploma and do not defer are NOT eligible for any further
services from the school district. Considering deferral of the standard diploma is particularly
relevant for students with significant cognitive disabilities. While in deferment status, students
may have flexible scheduling. For example, they may not be going to school every day, or they
may have a shorter daily schedule. Student attendance is expected. Students may request their
diploma any time during the deferment period and exit high school. Deferment is only required
once and can end at any time requested by the family or adult student, or upon the 22
nd
birthday, whichever comes first.