Rhoades Seeks to Ensure Special Education Students Participation in Graduation Ceremonies

HARRISBURG - Children with disabilities who must receive continued education after the fourth year of high school are now one step closer to being able to participate in graduation ceremonies thanks to legislation unanimously passed by the Senate Education committee, according to Senate Education Chairman James J. Rhoades (R-29).

House Bill 1618 passed with an 11-0 vote.

"Often times a special education student's education program requires them to receive services beyond the traditional four years of high school. In some cases, these students are not permitted to participate in graduation ceremonies," said Rhoades. "This legislation would give these students the opportunity to participate in graduation ceremonies with their friends and classmates."

According to Rhoades, House Bill 1618 would ensure that special education students are not denied participation in high school commencement exercises because their individual education programs require them to receive services beyond the fourth year of high school. The legislation would also require school districts to provide these students with a certificate of attendance.

"To me, this is a matter of fairness," said Rhoades. "I was more than pleased to support this important legislation."