SENATE BILL 391

54th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2019

INTRODUCED BY

Craig W. Brandt

AN ACT

RELATING TO EDUCATION; AUTHORIZING THE PUBLIC EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO SELECT AN EXTERNAL DIPLOMA PROGRAM FOR ADULTS WHO HAVE NOT GRADUATED FROM HIGH SCHOOL.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

     SECTION 1. Section 22-2-8.8 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1999, Chapter 193, Section 1, as amended) is amended to read:

     "22-2-8.8. HIGH SCHOOL EQUIVALENCY CREDENTIAL--EXTERNAL DIPLOMA.--

          A. The department shall issue a high school equivalency credential to any candidate who is at least sixteen years of age and who has successfully completed the high school equivalency credential tests.

          B. The department shall authorize an external diploma program for adults who have not graduated from high school but who want a program that:

                (1) documents their educational attainment through college and career readiness standards;

                (2) assesses high school-level skills in applied life and work contexts;

                (3) prepares them to enter college or the workforce, upgrade their skills, advance to a better job or move from one field of work to another; and

                (4) results in a diploma awarded by the department."

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