Thursday, October 1, 2026
Nearly 200 parents of students with disabilities and special needs from East Rockaway, Lynbrook and neighboring school districts attended a panel discussion on Dec. 8 at the Oceanside Library to explore diploma options for their children.
The New York State Education Department once offered students with disabilities Regents Competency Tests as a way to earn a high school diploma. Students had to take the Regents exams, but could take the RCTs if they didn’t pass, ensuring that they still had a chance to graduate. In 2011, however, the RCTs were phased out by the New York State Board of Regents and replaced by the Career Development and Occupational Studies Commencement Credential — a certificate that many say is of no use to students trying to get jobs.
“This has placed obstacles in the way of graduation,” said Arlene Mishanie, Lynbrook schools’ director of special services. “A student’s post-secondary [school] options are extremely limited without a high school diploma.”
To issue a CDOS credential, a school must have documentation that a student demonstrated achievement in career development, integrated learning — applying academic knowledge in the workplace — and universal foundation skills such as reading, writing and problem-solving.
The panel included Roger Tilles, a state regent; James DeLorenzo, the State Education Department’s assistant commissioner for special education; Angelica Infante-Green, deputy commissioner of the Office of P-12 Instructional Support; State Assemblywoman Shelley Mayer, chairwoman of the Assembly Subcommittee on Students With Special Needs; Assemblyman David McDonough; and Assemblywoman Michelle Schimel.
DeLorenzo said that the CDOS certificates replace high school diplomas, but show that students with disabilities completed their coursework. However, colleges, the military, and employers that require a high school diploma don’t recognize this newest credential.
