Author: WCSD

What is an exiting
credential?
It is not a diploma
An exiting credential (CDOS Commencement Credential or Skills & Achievement Commencement Credential) is NOT recognized for entry into college or the military

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AVAILABLE AT:
NYS Department of Education
www.p12nysed.gov/specialed/publications/CDOScredential-memo-613.htm
Career Zone
www.careerzone.ny.gov
CDOS Learning Standards
www.p12.nysed.gov/cte/cdlearn
Work-Based Learning
www.p12.nysed.gov.cte.wbl.home
RSE-TASC
Transition Specialists
www.monroe.edu/rsetasc.cfm

Midwest RSE-TASC
Transition Specialists
Jennifer Cacioppo (585) 249-7848
Jennifer_Cacioppo@boces.monroe.edu
Maggie Herman (585) 249-7833
Margaret_Herman@boces.monroe.edu

Thanks to the Capital Region/North Country RSE-TASC for providing the original inspiration
for this brochure.

New York State
High School
Exiting Credentials for
Students with Disabilities:
Pathways to Employment

Career Development & Occupational Studies (CDOS) Commencement
Credential

Skills & Achievement
Commencement Credential

Career & Development Occupational Studies (CDOS) Commencement Credential

CDOS Commencement Credential, Career and Technical Education (CTE) Coursework & Work Based Learning

Skills & Achievement Commencement Credential

A Regent’s-endorsed graduation credential that documents preparation for entry-level employment for students with disabilities who are not NYSAA (New York State Alternate Assessment) instructed.
Recognizes each individual student’s preparation and work readiness skills for post-school employment.
Available as a supplement to a diploma or as an exiting credential for students who are unable to earn a credit bearing diploma.
Student is engaged in career related coursework & work-based learning opportunities.
Student develops an annual Career Plan.
Student exits school with an Employability Profile that documents skills of the CDOS Standards.
Students are provided instruction in CDOS Learning Standards.

Student must successfully complete at least 216 hours of CTE coursework (of which 54 hours must be Work-Based Learning Experiences) or 216 hours of Work-Based Learning Experiences.

Definitions
CTE Coursework = Courses available to students through Career and Technical Education programs and/or through classes taught by a NYS certified Career and Technical Education teacher.
Work-Based Learning (WBL) = Paid or unpaid work experiences in the community that promote work-readiness skills for students.

Students eligible for this credential have been instructed and assessed on the New York State Alternate Assessments (NYSAA) for students with severe disabilities.
The Skills Credential provides documentation of the student’s skills, strengths and levels of independence in academic, career development and foundation skills needed for living, learning and working in their communities.
Students are provided instruction in CDOS Learning Standards.
Students have the opportunity, as appropriate, to engage in work preparation experiences in school and, whenever possible, in the community.
Upon exit, students will receive the Skills and Achievement Student Exit Summary.