VA HB428

Establishes an alternative pathway to a standard diploma for students with disabilities whose individualized education programs (IEPs) indicate they can demonstrate required knowledge and skills but need significant instructional, course sequencing, or assessment accommodations

Requires the Board of Education to create regulations specifying eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, and a prescribed course sequence with IEP-documented modifications for students using this alternative pathway

Mandates that students demonstrate proficiency aligned with Standards of Learning through assessments, portfolios, performance tasks, or other means incorporating appropriate accommodations while fulfilling modified credit requirements

Directs the Board to ensure the alternative pathway diploma and Applied Studies diploma are treated as standard diplomas for college enrollment eligibility, federal financial aid (FAFSA), military service enlistment, and state employment requiring a diploma

Requires the Department of Education to submit annual reports to the Governor and General Assembly on implementation, including the number of students using the pathway and their postsecondary outcomes