OXFORD – SAD 17 Special Education Director Marcye Gray said new state standards concerning graduation could mean an upswing in the issuance of certificates of completion for the Class of 2008.

Students at Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School earn a certificate of completion vs. a diploma when they cannot meet all the requirements for graduation.

Gray said some students with severe disabilities and cognitive delays are unable to meet mathematics and English requirements for a diploma.

“No matter how hard they try some just don’t have the ability to meet the standards,” Gray said. “But they have worked on their individual education plans, attend school and are good citizens.

“So the certificate of completion is closure to their high school career,” she said.

She stressed that many special education students earn diplomas.

SAD 17 instituted the certificate of completion in 2000.

She said an upswing in issuing certificates of completion could occur because Maine law mandates that soon students will have to meet tougher standards.

“Chapter 127 under Maine law has a stamped date on it,” Gray said. “The current freshman class will have to meet standards to get a diploma.”

SAD 17 policy states that beginning with the Classes of 2008 and 2009, diplomas will be awarded only to students who have met the content standards of Learning Results in English/language arts, mathematics, science and technology, social studies, and health and physical education as measured by the district’s local assessment system.

A local assessment system is being developed.

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