Pennsylvania Act 2006-31 — PUBLIC SCHOOL CODE OF 1949 - PARTICIPATION IN HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION CEREMONIES BY STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

Act text

Session of 2006

No. 2006-31

HB 1618

AN ACT

Amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), entitled "An act relating to the public school system, including certain provisions applicable as well to private and parochial schools; amending, revising, consolidating and changing the laws relating thereto," providing for participation by students with disabilities in high school graduation ceremonies.

The General Assembly hereby declares its intention to enact a version of Ashley's Law in this Commonwealth.

The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania hereby enacts as follows:

Section 1. The act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, is amended by adding a section to read:

Section 1614. Participation By Students With Disabilities in High School Graduation Ceremonies.--(a) For the 2005-2006 school year and each school year thereafter, a board of school directors of a school district, an area vocational-technical school or a charter school shall allow a student with a disability, whose individualized education program as established pursuant to 22 Pa. Code § 14.131 (relating to IEP) prescribes continued special education programs beyond the fourth year of high school, to participate in commencement ceremonies with the student's graduating class and receive a certificate of attendance, provided that the student has attended four years of high school regardless of whether the student has completed the individualized education program.

(b) Nothing in this section shall be construed to preclude a student with a disability from receiving a high school diploma when the student satisfactorily completes an individualized education program as required under 22 Pa. Code § 14.131.

Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.

APPROVED--The 1st day of May, A. D. 2006.

EDWARD G. RENDELL