KRS 158.143: High school equivalency diploma -- Eligibility -- State agency child --

Student enrolled in district-operated alternative education program.

(1) Notwithstanding any other statute to the contrary, a state agency child, as defined in

KRS 158.135(1), who is at least seventeen (17) years of age shall be eligible to seek

attainment of a High School Equivalency Diploma.

(2) Notwithstanding any other statute to the contrary, a student enrolled in a district -

operated alternative education program shal l be eligible to seek attainment of a

High School Equivalency Diploma if the student:

(a) Is at least seventeen (17) years of age;

(b) Is not on track to graduate, as defined by the local board of education policy;

and

(c) Has previously attained a passing score on an official readiness test for a High

School Equivalency Diploma program authorized by the Office of Adult

Education pursuant to KRS 151B.403.

(3) Notwithstanding KRS 159.010 or any school district policy adopted pursuant to

KRS 159.010, a studen t who has attained a High School Equivalency Diploma in

accordance with subsection (1) or (2) of this section shall be exempt from

compulsory attendance.

(4) A local board of education shall adopt a policy to define when a student enrolled in

a district -operated alternative education program is not on track to graduate. The

Kentucky Board of Education may publish a recommended model policy for local

boards of education but shall not impose any restrictions or requirements upon the

content of the local board policy.