Student Exit Summary

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act 2004 (IDEA) and State regulations require the local educational agency (LEA) to provide a student with a disability a summary of the student’s academic achievement and functional performance, which must include recommendations on how to assist the student in meeting his or her postsecondary goals. The student exit summary form must be provided prior to school exit for a student whose eligibility for special education services terminates due to graduation from secondary school with a regular diploma or due to exceeding the age eligibility for a free appropriate public education (FAPE) under State law. The New York State Education Department has developed the following sample forms and accompanying guidance documents to assist LEAs in meeting this requirement. LEAs may choose to develop their own forms, but all pertinent information must be included. 

The Student Exit Summary form must be provided to students who exit school with a Regents diploma, local diploma, and a Career Development and Occupational Studies Commencement Credential. It is recommended that students exiting with a High School Equivalency Diploma be provided with this summary. 

The Skills and Achievement Exit Summary form meets the documentation requirements that must accompany an award of a Skills and Achievement Commencement Credential.  For students with severe disabilities, use of this form would also meet the federal and State requirement for the summary of academic achievement and functional performance that must be provided to a student with a disability upon exit from school.

Questions may be directed to the Office of Special Education mailbox at SPECED@nysed.gov.