Section R7-2-307. High School Equivalency Diplomas

A.      For the purposes of this rule, the following definitions shall apply:

1.        “DANTES” means the Defense Activity for Non-Tradi- tional Education Support.

2.        “Department” means the Adult Education Services Divi- sion of the Arizona Department of Education.

3.        “Equivalency Test” means a High School Equivalency Test approved by the State Board of Education.

4.        “High School Equivalency Testing Center” means a test- ing center established by the Department for the purpose of administering High School Equivalency tests and pro- viding High School Equivalency testing services pursuant to the requirements established by a State  Board approved testing provider and state jurisdictional rules.

5.        “USAFI” means the United States Armed Forces Insti- tute.

B.       Eligibility requirements. Any individual who is 16 years of age or older and who has officially been withdrawn from school may take a High School Equivalency Test.

1.        Individuals shall be required to provide the High School Equivalency Testing Center with positive identification and proof of age, and

2.        Individuals who are at least 16 years of age and under 18 years of age shall also be required to provide:

a.         A signed and notarized statement of consent from a parent or legal guardian, and

b.        A letter from the last school attended verifying that the individual has officially withdrawn from the school.

C.      Issuance of a diploma. The Department shall issue a high school equivalency diploma to any individual who has not received a high school diploma or high school equivalency certificate or diploma if the individual:

1.        Meets the eligibility requirements specified in subsection

(B) and has received passing scores on a High School Equivalency Test; or

2.        Is a member of the U.S. Armed Forces and has received passing  scores  on  a  High  School  Equivalency   Test

through USAFI or DANTES provided that the individ- ual’s last high school enrollment was in an Arizona high school. Individuals who have taken a High School Equiv- alency Test through USAFI or DANTES shall send their military permanent record and application card to DAN- TES with a request that the official High School Equiva- lency Test scores and application card be forwarded to the Department; or

3.        Has received passing scores on a High School Equiva- lency Test taken at an approved testing provider’s site, provided that the Department receives an official tran- script directly from the approved testing provider.

D.      The Department shall keep a record of test scores for each individual who has taken a High School Equivalency Test.

E.       The Arizona Department of Education may collect fees for the issuance of High School Equivalency Diplomas and Tran- scripts. Fees established pursuant to this Section shall not exceed $20.

1.        The State Board of Education will deposit, pursuant to

A.R.S. §§ 35-146 and 35-147, fees collected under this Section in the High School Equivalency Testing Revenue Account within the Arizona Department of Education budget, to be used to offset costs of providing these ser- vices.

2.        If the state fee for General High School Equivalency Diplomas and/or Transcripts presents a financial hardship for the examinee, the examinee may request a fee waiver.

3.        A fee waiver shall be granted if all of the following apply:

a.         Applicant presents documented proof of Arizona residency.

b.        Applicant submits a completed Fee Waiver Request Form, available from the State High School Equiva- lency Testing Office or from any official High School Equivalency Testing Center.

c.         Applicant demonstrates sufficient need for a fee waiver. This may include, but is not limited to the following:

i.         Proof of eligibility for public assistance and/or federally subsidized housing,

ii.        Residence in a foster home,

iii.      Enrollment in a program for the economically disadvantaged such as Upward Bound, or

iv.       Participation in a free or reduced lunch pro- gram.

Historical Note

Adopted effective August 20, 1981 (Supp. 81-4).

Amended subsections (A), (C), and (G) effective October 2, 1984 (Supp. 84-5). Amended effective December 22,

1997 (Supp. 97-4). Amended effective December 31,

1998 (Supp. 98-4). Amended by exempt rulemaking at 18

A.A.R. 1023, effective October 24, 2011 (Supp. 12-2). Amended by final exempt rulemaking at 21 A.A.R. 1781,

effective September 23, 2013 (Supp. 15-3).