Applied Studies Diploma

The Applied Studies Diploma is a diploma option available to students identified as having a disability who complete the requirements of their individualized education programs (IEPs) and meet certain requirements prescribed by the Board of Education pursuant to regulations, but do not meet the requirements for any named diploma.

Understanding the Applied Studies Diploma

The VDOE's new resource, Understanding the Applied Studies Diploma (PDF) is here to assist families with understanding everything they need to know related to this specific diploma option.  An accessible Word document version (Word) as well as an accessible Spanish Word document version (Word), is also available.

Curriculum Map

The Applied Studies Curriculum Map (PDF) consists of a Guide (Word), and six domains that outline skills and competencies that IEP teams can use to identify the need for additional instruction to assist students in meeting their postsecondary goals. The domains include:

The skills outlined are not standards required to earn an Applied Studies Diploma but are intended to provide guidance to teams in aligning the student’s postsecondary goals with annual IEP goals. The Applied Studies Curriculum Map provides a guide that teachers, students, families, and other team members can use to identify skills that will have a direct impact on the student achieving their postsecondary goals.

Purpose

1. To provide statewide guidance to IEP teams to develop goals and objectives that will:
   • provide the student with instruction that directly address deficits leading to their post-secondary goals;
   • supplement instruction on state standards (Virginia Standards of Learning or Aligned Standards of Learning); and
   • provide a mechanism for linking skills back to state standards.
2. To improve communication of skills and provide a common planning resource
   • increase student participation, self-determination and motivation;
   • inform parents/ guardians/ advocates of critical skills; and
   • assist with long-term planning beginning as the student enters transition age.
3. To promote the incorporation of evidence based practices and predictors into student programs
   • support opportunities for instruction in real-life scenarios;
   • provide resources related to evidence based practices and data-based decision making; and
   • increase use of authentic assessment.

Resources

• TTAC Online: Applied Studies Curriculum Progress Report

Webinar Series

• Applied Studies Diploma Overview - This module provides an overview and history of the Applied Studies Curriculum Map and outline the purpose behind it.
• Part 2: The Curriculum Map - Part two provides an overview of the curriculum map including the guide and competencies.
• Part 3: Instruction - Part three will address the use of authentic assessment for developing goals as well as an introduction to evidence-based practices and predictors for post-school success.
• Part 4: Planning & Reporting - Part four examines ways that teams can use the curriculum map in planning and developing goals and instruction. Additionally, an overview of the scoring criteria is reviewed.

Applied Studies Overview Survey

Applied Studies Overview Survey – Your feedback is important. Please complete this short survey upon completion of the entire webcast series.