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1996 SESSION

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SB 150 Requirements for high school graduation.

Introduced by: Benjamin J. Lambert III | all patrons    ...    notes | add to my profiles

SUMMARY:

Requirements for high school graduation. Establishes new, strengthened academic requirements for high school graduation. Students must complete at least four units of mathematics, of which one mathematics course shall be Algebra I, pass the prescribed literacy tests, and meet such other requirements as may be prescribed by the Board of Education and by the local school board. Local school boards are required to begin in the 1996-97 school year, preparing first-time entering students to meet the new academic requirements for the diploma. Students currently enrolled may also complete the new requirements if they desire. The bill provides that students who are enrolled in a vocational or technical program of study may use the units of credit earned in these programs to satisfy the new academic course requirements provided the school board determines that the vocational or technical program curriculum and courses are comparable in content and rigor to courses the student would have pursued in the college preparatory program. References to multiple diplomas have been removed; however, the authority of school boards to award certificates to students who do not qualify for the diploma, and the exceptions provided students with disabilities have not been affected. The new graduation requirements are consistent with reforms in public and higher education to prepare students to meet the new demands of a global economy and to compete successfully in the 21st century. The Board of Education is required to develop guidelines by July 1, 1996, to assist local school boards in phasing in the new requirements during the intervening period prior to the effective date of this bill. The Board is also required to promulgate regulations for the implementation of the new provisions, to be effective on July 1, 2004. The extended delayed effective date is designed to provide school divisions the time necessary to prepare for the new requirements.

This bill is the recommendation of the Joint Subcommittee Studying the Status of and Need for Academic Preparation, Financial Assistance, and Incentive Programs to Encourage Minorities to Pursue Postsecondary Education and Training.


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