Changes Required by ESSA to Graduation Requirements for Children with Disabilities - Revised Timelines for Public Comment and Hearing

Last month, the Iowa Department of Education provided information about a required change in practice that they will phase in over time regarding graduation requirements for children with disabilities. This change is required by an amendment made to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act by the Every Student Succeeds Act. That federal amendment changes the definition of a “regular high school diploma.” Due to scheduling conflicts and difficulties, a public hearing that was scheduled for Jan. 8 is postponed and will be rescheduled to a date later this spring. The period of public comment is open now and will be extended to the date of the rescheduled public hearing. The DE will communicate the new hearing date. Refer to this letter from the DE for more information.