Post by Kristen on Jun 4, 2004 12:49:10 GMT -5
Disabled teen allowed to graduate
Lyons Township High alters policy
By Grace Aduroja
Tribune staff reporter
Published June 4, 2004
Thanks to a proposed state law drafted Thursday in response to her situation, Brittany Booth will be allowed to participate in graduation ceremonies Sunday with her Lyons Township High School classmates after all.
"I was so shocked," said Booth, 18, who has Down syndrome. "I was screaming and then yelling."
Officials at the La Grange school originally told Booth that if she participated, she would receive a diploma, which would signify she was finished with her schooling and therefore forfeiting district funding for training services legally guaranteed to the disabled until age 21.
The Illinois State Board of Education recommends that students who have satisfied graduation requirements--as Booth has--receive a certificate of completion instead of a diploma at graduation. Schools across the state follow this practice so that students with disabilities can celebrate with their classmates and continue to receive funding for transitional services.
But members of the Lyons Township High School District 204 Board ruled against that practice May 26, saying they didn't want to treat Booth differently because she was disabled or dilute the graduation ceremony by handing out certificates.
The board said Booth could participate in commencement when she was ready to terminate her district-provided educational services--which could have been three years after students that Booth has known since preschool were graduated.
But administrators reversed their decision Thursday after state Sen. Christine Radogno (R-Lemont) informed them that a law was being drafted requiring school boards to adopt a policy that allows students with disabilities who have the required credits to participate in graduation ceremonies.
Whether those students receive a diploma or a certificate will be up to individual districts "as long as services aren't terminated," said Radogno, adding that the law could be enacted before the end of the year.
As a result, District 204 officials decided to overturn their previous ruling and allow students who qualify for graduation under the proposed law--about 10 in the west suburban district this year--to participate in Sunday's commencement exercise and receive a diploma.
"If it's going to be a law in 30 days, why not now?" said Supt. Dennis Kelly, explaining why the district reversed its ruling. "As an act of good faith, we're going to issue a diploma. ... We're very, very happy. We just think it's a very good resolution."
The proposed law, which may be named after Booth and will be filed within the next few days, is modeled on a similar Pennsylvania statute. Radogno said reaction from several parents, residents and fellow legislators propelled her and advocates for the disabled to look into drafting the law.
"I don't think we're going to have any trouble passing the legislature at all," said Radogno, whose children attended school with Booth and were incensed when they heard about her situation. "The board feels somewhat relieved to have the situation clarified, so it ends up being a win-win for everyone," she said.
"Today we're jumping around screaming," said Booth's mother, Kim. "We're just ordinary people, and this is an extraordinary thing. My kids saw the community helping to support [changing] something that was wrong."
Now, Brittany Booth will be able remove the wrapping from the royal blue cap and gown that hangs in her closet.
I think it is fair - the academic work is done and they get academic recognition. I hope that jerk hands out the diplomas and gets a big serving of crow!
Lyons Township High alters policy
By Grace Aduroja
Tribune staff reporter
Published June 4, 2004
Thanks to a proposed state law drafted Thursday in response to her situation, Brittany Booth will be allowed to participate in graduation ceremonies Sunday with her Lyons Township High School classmates after all.
"I was so shocked," said Booth, 18, who has Down syndrome. "I was screaming and then yelling."
Officials at the La Grange school originally told Booth that if she participated, she would receive a diploma, which would signify she was finished with her schooling and therefore forfeiting district funding for training services legally guaranteed to the disabled until age 21.
The Illinois State Board of Education recommends that students who have satisfied graduation requirements--as Booth has--receive a certificate of completion instead of a diploma at graduation. Schools across the state follow this practice so that students with disabilities can celebrate with their classmates and continue to receive funding for transitional services.
But members of the Lyons Township High School District 204 Board ruled against that practice May 26, saying they didn't want to treat Booth differently because she was disabled or dilute the graduation ceremony by handing out certificates.
The board said Booth could participate in commencement when she was ready to terminate her district-provided educational services--which could have been three years after students that Booth has known since preschool were graduated.
But administrators reversed their decision Thursday after state Sen. Christine Radogno (R-Lemont) informed them that a law was being drafted requiring school boards to adopt a policy that allows students with disabilities who have the required credits to participate in graduation ceremonies.
Whether those students receive a diploma or a certificate will be up to individual districts "as long as services aren't terminated," said Radogno, adding that the law could be enacted before the end of the year.
As a result, District 204 officials decided to overturn their previous ruling and allow students who qualify for graduation under the proposed law--about 10 in the west suburban district this year--to participate in Sunday's commencement exercise and receive a diploma.
"If it's going to be a law in 30 days, why not now?" said Supt. Dennis Kelly, explaining why the district reversed its ruling. "As an act of good faith, we're going to issue a diploma. ... We're very, very happy. We just think it's a very good resolution."
The proposed law, which may be named after Booth and will be filed within the next few days, is modeled on a similar Pennsylvania statute. Radogno said reaction from several parents, residents and fellow legislators propelled her and advocates for the disabled to look into drafting the law.
"I don't think we're going to have any trouble passing the legislature at all," said Radogno, whose children attended school with Booth and were incensed when they heard about her situation. "The board feels somewhat relieved to have the situation clarified, so it ends up being a win-win for everyone," she said.
"Today we're jumping around screaming," said Booth's mother, Kim. "We're just ordinary people, and this is an extraordinary thing. My kids saw the community helping to support [changing] something that was wrong."
Now, Brittany Booth will be able remove the wrapping from the royal blue cap and gown that hangs in her closet.
I think it is fair - the academic work is done and they get academic recognition. I hope that jerk hands out the diplomas and gets a big serving of crow!
