November 2005

 

TO:                  District Superintendents, Superintendents, High School Principals

 

FROM:            Jean C. Stevens

 

SUBJECT:       Amended Rules Regarding Operation Recognition and Expansion of the Program to Veterans of the Vietnam War

 

       Section 305 of the education law has been amended to add a new subdivision, which reads as follows:

 

       29-b.  The commissioner shall develop a program whereby any veteran of the armed forces who served in the Vietnam War (Southeast Asian Hostilities) and who was unable, for any reason, to complete a secondary education, may be awarded a high school diploma based on knowledge and experience gained while in the service.

 

     This section takes effect immediately.

 

     The amended rules for awarding such diplomas are the same for veterans of World War II, the Korean Conflict, and the Vietnam War.

 

1.      Candidates must submit evidence of service during World War II (December 7, 1941 through December 31, 1946), the Korean Conflict (June 27, 1950 through January 31, 1955) or the Vietnam War (Southeast Asian Hostilities) (May 1, 1961 through April 30, 1975).  Such documentation may include discharge papers or other such documents or a letter from a recognized veterans agency affirming such service.

2.      Candidates do not need to show evidence of attendance at a school in New York State.  They need only affirm in writing that they do not possess a high school diploma.

3.      Candidates possessing a High School Equivalency (or GED) diploma are eligible for the program.

4.      Diplomas may be awarded to next of kin, if eligibility is established.

 

       If you have questions concerning Operation Recognition, please contact:

 

Steve Mink

Assistant in Continuing Education

Adult Education and Workforce Development Team

Room 307 EB

Albany, New York 12234

(518) 474-8940