In California, Assembly Bill (AB) 181 has created an alternative pathway for some IEP-eligible students to obtain a regular high school diploma. For students entering the Ninth grade in the 2022-23 School Year, or in subsequent years, they can obtain a regular high school diploma if their IEP team has determined that they are eligible to take the state’s alternate assessment (CAA) and they complete state standards aligned coursework to meet state course requirements.[1] A student who meets these two conditions under their IEP, is exempt from meeting any further local prescribed courses or requirements for graduation, and is awarded a high school diploma. A student who obtains a high school diploma through the alternate pathway is eligible to participate in any graduation ceremony and school activity related to graduation with their grade-level peers with or without disabilities. Importantly, a student who obtains a high school diploma through the alternate pathway continues to be eligible for special education until they turn 22, unless their IEP team, including their parent and themselves as appropriate, determines that they have completed their high school experience.[2] The alternative pathway diploma does not change the rules regarding the award of a certificate of completion or achievement.