ATLANTA (February 3, 2015) | Sen. Burt Jones (R- Jackson) applauds the recent passage of Senate Bill 2, a bill that will authorize local boards of education to award a high school diploma to a student that completes certain requirements relating to postsecondary coursework.
“Today, the Senate passed a bill that will have long-lasting and positive effects on our students,” said Sen. Jones. “By allowing students different educational paths for success, we are continuing to lower Georgia’s dropout rates and raise graduation rates. This is yet another measure by the State Senate to allow students flexibility and options while supplying companies with a skilled and trained workforce.”
Senate Bill 2 will allow students that have completed the requirements for postsecondary work to receive both a high school diploma, and an associate’s degree. In order to receive the degrees, the student must comply with current Georgia Code sections related to enrollment and course work requirements. The student must be at least 16 years of age, or older, and have completed state required ninth and tenth grade courses in the core subjects of English, mathematics, sciences, social studies, and one health and physical education courses. Test scores associated with the courses must meet the required scores by the postsecondary institution. Finally, the student must have an associate’s degree, a technical diploma, or have completed two technical college certificates of credit programs.
The bill passed the Senate unanimously by a vote of 56-0. It will now travel to the House of Representatives where it will await approval.
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For Immediate Release:
February 3, 2015
For Information Contact:
Jennifer Yarber, Director
Emily Williams, Communications Specialist
Emily.williams@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028