2014 -- H 7564 SUBSTITUTE A

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2014

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO EDUCATION - ADULT EDUCATION

     Introduced By: Representatives Diaz, Slater, Almeida, Williams, and Cimini

     Date Introduced: February 26, 2014

     Referred To: House Finance

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Chapter 16-63 of the General Laws entitled "Adult Education [See Title 16

Chapter 97 - The Rhode Island Board of Education Act]" is hereby amended by adding thereto

the following section:

     16-63-18. High school equivalency testing. – (a) In selecting which tests shall be

utilized and recognized by the state in the granting of high school equivalency diplomas, the

board shall consider all available high school equivalency tests that meet and adhere to Rhode

Island academic standards and shall give priority to those tests that are provided at the lowest cost

for test takers. In selecting said tests, the board shall consider:

     (1) The recognition of the test, or lack thereof, by other states;

     (2) The portability of the test; and

     (3) Such other criteria that meet the needs of the test takers.

     (b) The board shall adopt a rule or regulation granting a waiver of fees associated with

the high school equivalency test for individuals with limited income and who can prove a

financial hardship; provided, however, that to be eligible for a fee waiver, an individual must

have received at least a minimum passing score on the high school equivalency practice test, or

pertinent section of the test. The waiver may be based on a sliding scale based on the individual's

income.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO EDUCATION - ADULT EDUCATION

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     This act would require the board of education to consider several factors in determining

which high school equivalency test would be recognized by the state. Such facts would include

cost, the recognition of the test by other states, and other criteria.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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