SB1466 is a bill that amends current Arizona law regarding high school graduation requirements. The bill mandates the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) to establish a method and standard for determining the minimum performance level on the statewide assessment that is required for high school graduation. It also prescribes a schedule for administering the statewide assessment to high school students, ensuring at least two opportunities to take the assessment in grades 11 and 12.

The bill provides exemptions from the minimum performance level requirement for students who either obtain a passing score on a technical skills assessment test for an ADE-approved career and technical education (CTE) program or obtain an industry certification through an ADE-approved CTE program. Additionally, students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a Section 504 plan are exempt from passing the statewide assessment for high school graduation, with their IEP or Section 504 plan including any necessary testing accommodations. The State Board of Education (SBE) is required to include the minimum performance level as a competency requirement for high school graduation, and school district governing boards must include this performance level or the outlined exemptions in their criteria for high school graduation. The bill also allows governing boards to provide instruction, materials, or services to students in grades 9 or 10 to prepare for the statewide assessment. Technical and conforming changes are made to align with these provisions, and the bill becomes effective on the general effective date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-701.01, 15-702, 15-808, 15-741, 15-741.02, 15-342, 15-1401, 15-203, 15-792.03, 15-746
Senate Engrossed Version: 15-701.01, 15-702, 15-808, 15-741, 15-741.02, 15-731, 15-763, 15-342, 15-1401, 15-203, 15-792.03, 15-746