Assigned to ED FOR COMMITTEE
ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Sixth Legislature, Second Regular Session
FACT SHEET FOR S.B. 1466
high school graduation; requirements
Purpose
Requires the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) to establish a method and standard
for determining the minimum performance level on the statewide assessment and includes the
minimum performance level on the statewide assessment as a competency requirement for high
school graduation. Outlines exemptions from the minimum performance level requirement.
Background
The State Board of Education (SBE) must prescribe a minimum course of study, academic
standards and competency requirements for high school graduation. The competency requirements
must incorporate the academic standards in at least the areas of reading, writing, mathematics,
science and social studies. A school district governing board must prescribe curricula that includes
the SBE-adopted academic standards and prescribe criteria for high school graduation for students
in the school district. The criteria must include accomplishment of the academic standards, as
determined by district assessment (A.R.S. § 15-701.01).
The SBE must adopt and implement annual statewide assessments to measure pupil
achievement of the SBE-adopted academic standards in reading, writing and mathematics and may
administer assessments of the academic standards in social studies and science. The SBE must
ensure that the assessments are uniform throughout Arizona and establish: 1) fair and consistent
methods and standards for evaluating assessment scores from schools within a school district
(district schools); and 2) intervention strategies to assist schools with scores below the acceptable
standard. The SBE must annually review district and school scores and offer assistance to school
districts in analyzing data and implementing intervention strategies (A.R.S. § 15-741).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this
legislation.
Provisions
1. Requires ADE to establish a method and standard for determining the minimum performance
level on the statewide assessment required for high school graduation.
2. Requires ADE to prescribe a schedule for administering the statewide assessment to high
school students that provides at least two opportunities for students to take the statewide
assessment in each of grades 11 and 12.
3. Exempts a student from taking the statewide assessment in grade 11 or 12 for high school
graduation if the student obtains:
a) a passing score on a technical skills assessment test for a career and technical education
(CTE) program approved by ADE; or
b) an industry certification through a CTE program approved by ADE. FACT SHEET
S.B. 1466
Page 2
4. Requires the SBE to include, as a prescribed competency requirement for high school
graduation, the minimum performance level determined by ADE for the statewide assessment.
5. Requires the criteria for high school graduation prescribed by a school district governing board
to include, for determining the accomplishment of academic standards, the minimum
performance level determined by ADE for the statewide assessment or satisfaction of the
outlined requirements for exemption from taking the statewide assessment for high school
graduation.
6. Allows a governing board to provide students in grades 9 or 10, or both, any instruction,
materials or other services necessary to prepare for the statewide assessment.
7. Makes technical and conforming changes.
8. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Prepared by Senate Research
February 12, 2024
MH/slp