S 4456 New Jersey Senate · 2026-2027 Regular Session

Authorizes school districts to award alternate high school diploma to certain students with disabilities.

This New Jersey bill authorizes school districts to issue alternate high school diplomas to students with the most significant cognitive disabilities starting in the 2027-2028 school year. These diplomas are standards-based and require students to complete specific curriculum units in subjects like language arts, mathematics, and science using alternate academic achievement standards. The legislation ensures that receiving an alternate diploma does not end a student's right to special education services until they turn 21 and allows these diplomas to be counted in state graduation rate reports. Additionally, the bill permits students participating in the alternate assessment program to still attempt to meet the requirements for a standard State-endorsed diploma.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jun 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jun 15, 2026 Last action Jun 15, 2026
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Jun 15, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Education Committee
upper
2 primary · 0 co-sponsors

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