Chapter 441

2014 -- S 2182 SUBSTITUTE A

Enacted 07/03/14

 

A N   A C T

RELATING TO EDUCATION -- ADULT EDUCATION

Introduced By: Senators Goodwin, Archambault, Goldin, Pichardo, and E O`Neill

Date Introduced: January 30, 2014

 

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, and provide funding for, 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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LC003648/SUB A
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