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1995 SESSION

LD1160388
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 470
Offered January 18, 1995
Requesting the Department of Education and the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia to study high school graduation requirements and admission standards at the Commonwealth’s colleges and universities.
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Patrons--Orrock, Crouch, Dudley and Nixon
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Referred to Committee on Education
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WHEREAS, pursuant to the Standards of Quality, receipt of a high school diploma from a public school in the Commonwealth is contingent upon earning the required 21 credits prescribed by the Board of Education in the Standards of Accreditation, passing the literacy tests, and meeting any additional local division requirements approved by the Board; and

WHEREAS, each school division is required to offer an elective advanced studies program, which requires the completion of a minimum of 23 units of credit, including advanced math and science courses leading to the Advanced Studies Diploma; and

WHEREAS, enrollment in one of the Commonwealth’s 79 colleges and universities, including public and private two- and four-year institutions, is contingent upon meeting a variety of academic preparation and achievement requirements, which may include not only evidence of scholastic achievement, such as receipt of a high school diploma, but also the satisfactory completion of specific courses; and

WHEREAS, the admissions standards and preparation requirements at these institutions vary, reflecting the unique missions and governance of each institution; and

WHEREAS, changing instructional methods and educational approaches, such as interdisciplinary courses, equivalency classes, and satellite programs, have created new opportunities for learning and mastering various disciplines and skills; and

WHEREAS, examination of Virginia’s current high school graduation and college admission requirements, methods of granting academic credit, and new instructional initiatives may enhance coordination between the Commonwealth’s secondary and higher education systems and may ensure that high school coursework effectively prepares Virginia’s students for successful college careers and lifelong learning; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the Department of Education and the State Council of Higher Education of Virginia be requested to study high school graduation requirements and admission standards at the Commonwealth’s colleges and universities. The Department and SCHEV shall consider, among other things, current high school graduation and collegiate admissions practices in the Commonwealth and other states and changing methods of instruction and the appropriate award of credit for curriculum and measurable competencies learned in a variety of ways, such as through interdisciplinary programs, equivalency courses, and the academic components of vocational and technical classes.

All agencies of the Commonwealth shall provide assistance to the Department and SCHEV, upon request.

The Department and SCHEV shall complete their work in time to submit their findings and recommendations to the Governor and the 1996 Session of the General Assembly as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for processing legislative documents.