28B.50.534 - High school completion pilot program.

High school completion pilot program.

(1) A pilot program is created for two community or technical colleges to make available courses or a program of study, on the college campus, designed to enable students under the age of twenty-one who have completed all state and local high school graduation requirements except the certificate of academic achievement or certificate of individual achievement to complete their high school education and obtain a high school diploma.

     (a) The colleges participating in the pilot program in this section may make courses or programs under this section available by entering into contracts with local school districts to deliver the courses or programs. Colleges participating in the pilot program that offer courses or programs under contract shall be reimbursed for each enrolled eligible student as provided in the contract, and the high school diploma shall be issued by the local school district;

     (b) Colleges participating in the pilot program may deliver courses or programs under this section directly. Colleges that deliver courses or programs directly shall be reimbursed for each enrolled eligible student as provided in RCW 28A.600.405, and the high school diploma shall be issued by the college;

     (c) Colleges participating in the pilot program may make courses or programs under this section available through a combination of contracts with local school districts, collaboration with educational service districts, and direct service delivery. Colleges participating in the pilot program may also make courses or programs under this section available for students at locations in addition to the college campus; or

     (d) Colleges participating in the pilot program may enter into regional partnerships to carry out the provisions of this subsection (1).

     (2) Regardless of the service delivery method chosen, colleges participating in the pilot program shall ensure that all eligible students located in school districts within their college district as defined in RCW 28B.50.040 have an opportunity to enroll in a course or program under this section.

     (3) Colleges participating in the pilot program shall not require students enrolled under this section to pay tuition or services and activities fees; however this waiver of tuition and services and activities fees shall be in effect only for those courses that lead to a high school diploma.

     (4) Nothing in this section or RCW 28A.600.405 precludes a community or technical college from offering courses or a program of study for students other than eligible students as defined by RCW 28A.600.405 to obtain a high school diploma, nor is this section or RCW 28A.600.405 intended to restrict diploma completion programs offered by school districts or educational service districts. Community and technical colleges and school districts are encouraged to consult with educational service districts in the development and delivery of programs and courses required under this section.

     (5) Community and technical colleges participating in the pilot program shall not be required to administer the Washington assessment of student learning.

[2007 c 355 § 3.]

Notes: Finding -- Intent -- 2007 c 355: "The legislature finds that the goal of Washington's education reform is for all students to meet rigorous academic standards so that they are prepared for success in college, work, and life. Educators know that not all students learn at the same rate or in the same way. Some students will take longer to meet the state's standards for high school graduation. Older students who cannot graduate with their peers need an appropriate learning environment and flexible programming that enables them simultaneously to earn a diploma, work, and pursue other training options. Providing learning options in locations in addition to high schools will encourage older students to complete their diplomas. Therefore the legislature intends to create a pilot high school completion program at two community and technical colleges for older students who have not yet received a diploma but are eligible for state basic education support." [2007 c 355 § 1.]