DTLL: Progress and Promotion Policy and Certificate of Completion Policy (2021)

Dear Tribal Leader:

On March 2, 2021, the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) hosted a Tribal consultation regarding two draft BIE policies: (I) Draft Progress and Promotion Policy, and (2) Draft Certificate of Completion Policy. The BIE is now planning an additional Tribal consultation session and would like to invite you to participate.

In an effort to ensure that students' progress through the levels of their elementary and secondary education with unbiased judgment and adequate transparency for both students and parents, the BIE has developed two draft policies regarding student progress, promotion, and certificates of completion. The purpose of these two policies is to make certain that student promotion is based on the meeting of minimum standards, with high school graduation marking the culmination of a student's K-12 education, in recognition of all the learning that occurred during that journey. The conference of a diploma serves as a foundation for the next phase of a young person's life, further education and career.

Nevertheless, BIE understands that in some instances students with the most significant cognitive disabilities may not be able to meet the requirements of a standard high school diploma. In such instances, BI E desires to give students access to a certificate of completion. The BI E encourages schools/districts to support students with disabilities in seeking and obtaining a standard high school diploma whenever possible. However, BIE recognizes that for some students with the most significant cognitive disabilities a certificate of completion may be appropriate.

The draft policies are available for review at: https://www.bie.edu/topic-page/special-education under
"Part 33 Draft Policy Certificate of Completion" and "Part 33 Draft Policy Student Progress/Promotion."

BIE Student Progress and Promotion Policy and BIE Certificate of Completion Policy:

Session Type: Tribal Consultation | May 11, 2021 | 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. ET | 800-857-5055 | Passcode: 6951606
Session Type: Public | May 11, 2021 | 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. ET | 800-857-5055 | Passcode: 6951606

Written input:

•    Email (preferred): consultation@bia.gov
•    Mail (if email not possible): Mr. Travis Clark, 1849 C Street, NW, MS 3609, Washington, DC 20240

Comment deadline: May 20, 2021

If you have any questions or need assistance, you may contact, Mr. Travis Clark, BIE Chief Performance Officer, by email at: travis.clark@bie.edu or by phone: (571) 926-6998. 

Sincerely,

Bryan Newland 
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary - Indian Affairs

Resources:

• Dear Tribal Leader Letter