All students are required to complete a course in Algebra I (or its equivalent) prior to receiving a diploma of graduation from high school per Education Code (EC) Section 51224.5. Pursuant to EC Section 56101, school districts must request a waiver of the requirement for the successful completion of Algebra I (or its equivalent) for students with disabilities with an individualized education program (IEP) or 504 plan. The following is information to assist districts in preparing waiver requests.
All students may be included on the same waiver request when requesting a waiver of multiple students. List students to be included on the waiver without overtly identifying them (use an identifying number instead), and for each student, provide all of the information below:
- For each student included in the waiver request, attach a valid, current IEP for each student. Highlight the areas of mathematics deficiencies and how the student's needs in mathematics were addressed.
- Highlight information from IEPs for all high school years to prove that the student was on the diploma track consistently and evidence that the IEP was written to support the student's participation in diploma track math courses, particularly algebra.
- Highlight the specific assistance the district provided to the student, such as supplementary aids, services, accommodations, modifications, and supports, to attain this diploma track goal specifically for the algebra requirement in those years.
- Copy of the transcript for each student.
- Highlight all current and previous attempts at algebra and pre-algebra classes on transcript.
- Highlight which assessment the district has used at the high school level for the student: Standardized Testing and Reporting Program (STAR) or California Alternate Performance Assessment (CAPA).
- Attach copies of CAHSEE scores (or transcript with scores).
Blank out any names on all documents for confidentiality and use the same identifier on all documents for the same student so they can be reviewed together.
To prepare a waiver request of this type, use this form: Specific Waiver Form Waiver of Algebra I Graduation Requirement UPDATED (12-6-2007; DOC; 46KB; 1p.;).
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