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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Seventh Legislature, Second Regular Session
accommodation schools; high school equivalency
Purpose
Authorizes a county school superintendent to offer high school equivalency (HSE) preparation instruction through an accommodation school to students in any of grades 10, 11 or 12, rather than only grade 12. Requires a student to be at least 16 years old to participate in HSE preparation instruction through an accommodation school as outlined.
Background
Statute allows a county school superintendent to offer HSE preparation
instruction through an accommodation school to grade 12 students who are
enrolled in the accommodation school
if: 1) before providing HSE preparation instruction, the county school
superintendent obtains written consent from the student's parent or, if
emancipated, the student; and 2) each student who participates in HSE
preparation instruction is also enrolled in a career and technical course or
program that leads to a certification, license or credential (A.R.S.
§ 15-305).
An individual who is at least 16 years old and passes an equivalency test adopted by the State Board of Education (SBE) will be awarded an Arizona HSE diploma by the SBE and Superintendent of Public Instruction (A.R.S. § 15-702). An individual is eligible to take an HSE test if the individual: 1) is at least 16 years old; 2) has officially been withdrawn from school; and 3) provides the HSE Testing Center with positive identification and proof of age. Individuals who are between 16 and 18 years old must also provide: 1) a signed and notarized statement of consent from a parent or legal guardian; and 2) a letter from the last school attended verifying that the individual has officially withdrawn from the school (A.A.C. R7-2-307).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Authorizes a county school superintendent to offer HSE preparation instruction through an accommodation school to students enrolled in the accommodation school in any of grades 10, 11 or 12, rather than only grade 12.
2. Adds a requirement for students who participate in the HSE preparation instruction as outlined to be at least 16 years old.
3. Makes technical and conforming changes.
4. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Prepared by Senate Research
January 26, 2026
MH/SM/hk