KRS 151B.403: Adult education programs aligned with federal college and career

readiness standards -- High School Equivalency Diploma -- Programs and

examinations -- Previously issued equivalency or external diploma to be

considered High School Equivalency Di ploma -- Validity of diplomas after

changes in test selection.

(1) The Office of Adult Education within the Department of Workforce Development

in the Education and Labor Cabinet shall promulgate administrative regulations to

establish programs align ed with the College and Career Readiness Standards for

Adult Education, or any other similar standards adopted by the federal Office of

Career, Technical, and Adult Education, which upon successful completion, shall

result in the issuance of a High School Equivalency Diploma.

(2) (a) At least one (1) program authorized under subsection (1) of this section shall

include a test aligned with the College and Career Readiness Standards for

Adult Education, or any other standards adopted by the federal Office of

Career, Technical, and Adult Education, to serve as a qualifying test, which

upon passing, shall entitle students to receive a High School Equivalency

Diploma.

(b) A qualifying test meeting the requirements of paragraph (a) of this subsection

shall provide an option for students to be administered a written or paper test

in lieu of an electronic administration.

(3) For purposes of any public employment, a High School Equivalency Diploma shall

be considered equal to a high school diploma issued under the pro visions of KRS

158.140.

(4) A High School Equivalency Diploma shall be issued without charge upon

successfully completing a High School Equivalency Diploma program. A fee may

be assessed by the Office of Adult Education for the issuance of a duplicate High

School Equivalency Diploma and for issuance of a duplicate score report. All fees

collected for duplicate diplomas and score reports shall be used to support the adult

education program.

(5) The Office of Adult Education is authorized to contract annually with an institution

of higher education or other appropriate agency or entity for scoring High School

Equivalency Diploma program examinations.

(6) On June 29, 2017, any high school equivalency diploma or external diploma

previously recognized or issued b y the Commonwealth shall be considered

retroactively as a High School Equivalency Diploma.

(7) Upon issuance, a High School Equivalency Diploma shall not be invalidated by any

subsequent changes in test selection under this section.