COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- A special diploma for South Carolina students with disabilities is coming up for debate, but not right away.

The Education Oversight Committee on Monday delayed discussing the idea until February.

Parents say a diploma that shows their children's progress is long overdue. Currently, disabled students who can't pass the exit exam and earn the necessary 24 high school credits can only receive a certificate of attendance.

W.C. Hoecke of Columbia says that's a slap in the face that says all the hard work of students and parents doesn't count.

Hoecke says math is a challenge to his 16-year-old son with Down syndrome. He says a diploma that shows what he has accomplished would help him get a job.

Recipients of the modified diploma would still be counted as dropouts.

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