(AP) -- South Carolina's Education Oversight Committee is discussing whether to create a new diploma for students with disabilities.

The modified diploma is on Monday's meeting agenda.

Parents say a diploma that shows their children's progress is long overdue. Currently, students who attend school until they're 21 but can't pass the exit exam and earn the necessary 24 high school credits can only receive a certificate of attendance.

They also are counted as a dropout, even though they stay as long as they can.

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.

(Copyright ©2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)