Mississippi Administrative Code
Title 7 - Education K-12
Part 24 - Mississippi Public School Accountability Standards 2023
ACCREDITATION POLICIES OF THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
Appendix 7-24-G
MISSISSIPPI OCCUPATIONAL DIPLOMA STANDARD 14.4
SENIORS OF SCHOOL YEAR 2008-2009 AND LATER (Ending with entering ninth graders in 2016-2017)
In accordance with Miss. Code Ann. § 37-16-11(2), the State Board of Education has approved criteria for an occupational diploma for students with disabilities. The Mississippi Occupational Diploma provides an option for students with disabilities that emphasizes high expectations in both academics and work experiences that will assist students in acquiring and maintaining the necessary competencies and skills needed to secure and retain competitive employment. The primary postgraduate goal for these students is competitive employment.
* The decision regarding participation in the Mississippi Occupational Diploma program will be made by the student's Individualized Education Program (IEP) committee, which must include a school counselor. Instructional program and diploma options are to be reviewed annually by the IEP committee and revisions made as necessary.
* The Mississippi Occupational Diploma program may be implemented in any Least Restrictive Environment deemed appropriate by the IEP committee. Students in the occupational diploma program may earn credits by successfully completing course work selected from the general education
* curriculum and/or special education courses as agreed upon by the student's IEP committee.
* Students with disabilities choosing to participate in the Mississippi Occupational Diploma program must earn a minimum of 21 course credits and complete an occupational diploma portfolio containing a collection of evidence of the student's knowledge, skills, and abilities.
* Students with disabilities choosing to participate in the Mississippi Occupational Diploma program must successfully complete a two (2) year Career/Technical (Vocational) Program. In lieu of completing a two-year Career/Technical (Vocational) Program, students with disabilities may document a minimum of five hundred forty (540) hours of successful, paid employment.
* Prior to graduation, an exit IEP committee meeting must be held to evaluate accomplishment of the goals and objectives on the IEP and the completion of all requirements for the Mississippi Occupational Diploma. At this meeting, the student will present the completed Mississippi Occupational Diploma Portfolio for review by the IEP committee.
* The final Mississippi Occupational Diploma Portfolio will be reviewed and approved prior to graduation by the principal or a designee.
For additional details, see the State Board of Education
approved guidelines for the Mississippi Occupational Diploma at
