Under existing law, there are limited alternative pathways through which a student who has withdrawn from high school may earn a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent. This bill would create the Restoring Educational Advancement of Completing High School (REACH) Act and would provide for a nontraditional high school diploma option and program as an additional means through which a student who withdraws from high school before graduation may obtain a traditional high school diploma through the Adult Education Division of the Alabama Community College System. This bill would require certain information to be provided to a student during the high school exit interview. This bill would require the sharing of data between the State Department of Education and the Adult Education Division of the Alabama Community College System regarding students who have withdrawn from high school. This bill would also include proof of participating in a nontraditional high school diploma option program as a reason to allow an individual under the age of 19 to receive a driver's license or learner's license.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 16-28-3, 16-28-40