1. (a) The state board shall create an alternate diploma for students with significant cognitive disabilities. The diploma must be:

   1. (1) standards-based; and
   2. (2) aligned with Indiana's requirements for an Indiana diploma.
2. (b) The alternate diploma must comply with the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) (20 U.S.C. 6311).

3. (c) For purposes of determining a school's or school corporation's graduation rate under IC 20-26-13 or 511 IAC 6.2-10, not more than the greater of:

   1. (1) one percent (1%) of a school's or school corporation's graduation cohort that receives an alternate diploma; or

   2. (2) one (1) student;

      may be counted as having graduated.

4. (d) Not later than December 1, 2021, the state board shall adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 that are necessary to carry out this section.

As added by P.L.192-2018, SEC.35. Amended by P.L.113-2021, SEC.1; P.L.160-2023, SEC.13; P.L.150-2024, SEC.42.