The proposed bill, if enacted, would amend existing statutes related to high school graduation requirements in Arizona. It would require the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) to establish a method and standard for determining a minimum performance level on the statewide assessment, which would then be included as a competency requirement for high school graduation. Additionally, the bill mandates that the ADE provide at least two opportunities for students to take the statewide assessment in grades 11 and 12. It also outlines specific exemptions from the assessment requirement for students who achieve passing scores on approved technical skills assessments or industry certifications, as well as for those with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or Section 504 plans.

Furthermore, the bill would modify the criteria for high school graduation set by school district governing boards to include the minimum performance level established by the ADE or the outlined exemption requirements. It would also allow governing boards to provide preparatory instruction for the statewide assessment to students in grades 9 and 10. The bill aims to ensure that the academic standards for graduation incorporate both the established competencies and the new performance level requirements, thereby updating the current framework for high school graduation in Arizona.

Statutes affected:
Introduced 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
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