Notice is hereby given in accordance with § 2.2-4007.01 of the Code of Virginia that the State Board of Education intends to consider amending 8VAC20-30, Regulations Governing Adult High School Programs and repealing 8VAC20-680, Regulations Governing the General Achievement Diploma. The purpose of the proposed action is to promulgate regulations to implement the provisions of Chapters 454 and 642 of the 2012 Acts of Assembly. The legislation amended § 22.1-253.13:4 of the Code of Virginia to strengthen postsecondary education and workplace readiness opportunities for all students and to consolidate the number of Board of Education-approved diplomas. The legislation eliminated the general achievement diploma by folding it into the adult high school diploma, which would be renamed the general achievement adult high school diploma. The legislation added a requirement that adult students would need to earn a Board of Education-approved career and technical education credential, such as the successful completion of an industry certification, a state licensure examination, a national occupational competency assessment, or the Virginia workplace readiness skills assessment in order to be awarded the diploma. The legislation further provided that the general achievement adult high school diploma would include the following requirements:

1. Achievement of a passing score on the GED examination;

2. Successful completion of an education and training program designated by the Board of Education;

3. Achievement of a Board of Education-approved career and technical education credential such as the successful completion of an industry certification, a state licensure examination, a national occupational competency assessment, or the Virginia workplace readiness skills assessment; and

4. Completion of other requirements as may be established by the board.

The agency intends to hold a public hearing on the proposed action after publication in the Virginia Register.

Statutory Authority: §§ 22.1-224 and 22.1-253.13:4 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Comment Deadline: July 17, 2013.

Agency Contact: Anne Wescott, Assistant Superintendent for Policy and Communication, Department of Education, P.O. Box 2120, Richmond, VA 23218, telephone (804) 225-2403, or email anne.wescott@doe.virginia.gov.