My student has met all other requirements for graduation, but did not pass TAKS. Can he/she still walk during commencement ceremonies?
Keller ISD’s Board Policy FMH(Local) provides that “students shall meet all state and local graduation requirements, including all applicable exit-level testing, to be eligible to participate in commencement activities and ceremonies…” The policy mandates that students who participate in the ceremony have met all graduation requirements per policy EIF(Legal).
In order to receive a diploma, general education students must pass the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills(TAKS) exam. Education Code 28.025(c) and 19 TAC 101.4001(a) – which can also be found in Keller ISD Board Policy EIF(Legal) – provides that a student may graduate and receive a diploma only if the student successfully completes (1) the curriculum requirements identified by the State Board of Education and has performed satisfactorily on the exit-level assessments; or (2) an individualized education program (IEP) developed under Education Code 29.005.
One of Keller ISD’s goals is to send every student out into the world with a diploma ready to take on college studies, a career, or the military. The graduation ceremony is for those students who are receiving a diploma. When students meet the requirements to receive diplomas as identified by the state, we encourage them to participate in the ceremony so we can all celebrate their success.