00HOUSE BILL NO. 146                                                                                                      
01 "An Act relating to competency testing requirements for secondary students; and                                         
02 providing for an effective date."                                                                                       
03 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:                                                                
04    * Section 1.  AS 14.03 is amended by adding a new section to read:                                                   
05  Sec. 14.03.075.  Secondary pupil competency testing.  (a)  A pupil may not                                            
06 be issued a secondary school diploma unless the pupil passes a competency                                               
07 examination in the areas of reading, English, mathematics, science and social science.                                  
08 The department shall determine the form and contents of the examination and shall                                       
09 score completed examinations.  A pupil who fails to pass the examination required                                       
10 under this subsection and who is no longer in attendance shall receive a certificate of                                 
11 attendance from the school district indicating the years of attendance and that the pupil                               
12 has not passed a competency examination or received a diploma.                                                          
13  (b)  A pupil who fails the examination required under this section may be                                             
14 reexamined.  A reexamination may not be offered more often than once every three                                        

01 months and must occur within three years after the date the pupil is no longer in                                       
02 attendance.  A pupil who passes the reexamination  and who meets any other                                              
03 graduation requirements shall receive a diploma from the school district.                                               
04    * Sec. 2.   This Act takes effect July 1, 1997.