Section 16-NEW - [Newly enacted section not yet numbered] Workforce Pathways diploma(a) The State Board of Education shall establish a new Workforce Pathways diploma pathway at the :k-12 level.(b) Following the establishment of the Workforce Pathways diploma, the State Department of Education shall develop the curriculum for this program within 120 days after its approval by the State Board of Education. The curriculum may include a listing of required credits, courses, competencies, and experiences necessary to earn a diploma though the workforce pathway.(c) All K-12 students in this state shall earn the same high school diploma, regardless of which diploma pathway they follow; however, students enrolled in the Workforce Pathways diploma pathway shall only be required to complete two math credits and two science credits to earn their high school diploma instead of the four math and four science credits required of other students. The State Department of Education shall develop an identifying seal that is to be placed on any high school diploma earned by a student following the workforce pathway.(d) In lieu of the math and science credits, students enrolled in the Workforce Pathways diploma pathway may earn credits that apply toward graduation by completing career and technical education courses, which help prepare those students to go directly into employment in their chosen field following high school graduation.(e) The State Department of Education shall work with local boards of education throughout the state to implement the Workforce Pathways diploma pathway at the local level.(f) Students who earn a diploma through the Workforce Pathway shall be eligible for admission to any postsecondary institution or public university in the state; provided, however, each institution and university shall maintain the ability to set its own admission requirements.(g) When an alternative assessment is developed for students in the Workforce Pathways diploma pathway, that assessment may be considered in assigning an academic achievement grade to a school or school system.Ala. Code § 16-NEW (1975)
Added by Act 2024-126,§ 2, eff. 10/1/2024.