Procedures & Paperwork Required:

When a student graduates, completes their program, or ages out of eligibility for special education services the school must complete the Senior Exit Survey, a Summary of Performance, and a Prior Written Notice for Graduation to assist the student in their transition to a post-secondary setting and to notify the student that special education services are ending. 

Summary of Performance:

• Completed in Synergy Ad Hoc Documents for the student when they graduate, complete their program, or ages out of eligibility for special education services

• A Summary of Performance (SOP) is required for a child with a disability whose eligibility under special education terminates due to graduation with a regular diploma, or due to exceeding the age of eligibility. The local education agency must provide the child with a summary of the child’s academic achievement and functional performance, which must include recommendations on how to assist the child in meeting the child’s postsecondary goals (K.S.A. 72-3428(m); 34 C.F.R. 300.305(e)(3). This requirement applies only to children with disabilities, therefore, an SOP does not need to be completed for students identified as gifted. 

• The SOP must, at a minimum, address the following: 

  • Academic achievement: Information on reading, math, and language grade levels, standardized scores, or strengths

  • Functional performance: Information on learning styles, social skills, independent living skills, self-determination, and career/vocational skills.

  • Recommendations: Team suggestions for accommodations, assistive services, compensatory strategies for postsecondary education, employment, independent living, and community participation.

Prior Written Notice:

There is a Prior Written Notice - Graduation (Synergy Ad Hoc Docs) completed and issued to the student or legal education decision maker when they graduate, complete their program, or ages out of eligibility for special education services

• PWNP Graduation Example

No reevaluation is required prior to exiting a student due to graduation (K.S.A. 72-3428(l)(2); 34 C.F.R. 300.305(e)(2)). However, before the student completes the last semester of high school in which the student is expected to graduate, the district must provide the student (if over age 18) and the parents with Prior Written Notice of the discontinuation of services at the end of the school year. The Prior Written Notice will clearly state that the student will no longer be entitled to receive special education services from the district after graduation. Parental consent for discontinuing services is not required when a child graduates with a regular diploma (K.A.R. 91-40-27(a)(3); 34 C.F.R. 300.102(a)(3)(iii)). 

Senior Exit Survey:

There is a completed Senior Survey (KSDE Website) for the student when they graduate, complete their program, or ages out of eligibility for special education services

• Senior Exit Survey User Manual (KSDE)

• Senior Exit Survey Login (KSDE)

Additional Resources:

• Graduating Students with IEPs in Synergy (USD259)