A developmentally disabled student in Cobb County walked in his school’s graduation ceremony this morning after previously being told he could not, officials said.
Christopher Alderidge was told that he would not be able to walk with his class at Allatoona High School after failing a state science exam that is required to earn a traditional diploma.
While he did not qualify for a traditional diploma, Alderidge was allowed to accept a special education diploma, which does not require passing state tests. The special education diploma, however, does not qualify students for college.
Alderidge is allowed to retake the graduation test, and if he passes, he can receive a regular education diploma later, officials said.
Until Thursday, Alderidge’s parents had declined to accept a special education diploma, but decided to accept the diploma so their son could walk in the ceremony Friday, Cobb County School District spokesman Jay Dillon told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Alderidge suffered a massive stroke and another smaller stroke early in his life. He had a cyst on his brain that left him with disabilities. The use of tutoring, speech therapy and summer school helped Alderidge get through school, albeit at a different pace.
He plans on retaking the test this summer so he can receive his traditional diploma.
“There will be much support available at Allatoona High School this summer to help him in that endeavor,” Dillon said.
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