Iowa Admin. Code r. 281-32.7

Current through Regsiter Vol. 46, No. 26, June 12, 2024
Rule 281-32.7 - High school equivalency diploma program based on attainment of high school credits

The department will award a high school equivalency diploma to an applicant who demonstrates completion of an approved program consisting of at least 36 high school credits. The approved program will be inclusive of the graduation requirements established under 281-Chapter 12 and consist of at least eight high school credits in English or communications; six credits in mathematics; six credits in science; six credits in social studies, including government; and ten elective credits that meet the requirements of subrule 32.7(4).

(1)Award of prior credit. The applicant is to provide certified, translated transcripts from any Iowa school district, accredited public or nonpublic high school, or regionally accredited college or university to document completion of credits earned that are equivalent to those required in an approved program established under this rule. Additional documentation may be requested to validate credits earned.
(2)Minimum participation requirement. An eligible applicant is to demonstrate competence through continuous enrollment in an approved program for a minimum of two high school credits.
(3)Minimum graduation requirements. If the applicant is not continuously enrolled in an approved program, the applicant becomes subject to the minimum graduation requirements applicable to the date of reenrollment.
(4)Electives.
a. Coursework for electives will align with twenty-first century learning skills and be classified in one of the following five areas:
(1) Civic literacy;
(2) Health literacy;
(3) Technology literacy;
(4) Financial literacy;
(5) Employability skills.
b. Work-site learning may be counted toward an elective, under the following conditions:
(1) Evidence of prior work-site learning will be evaluated using a state-developed assessment tool and may be awarded a maximum of two high school credits. Credit earned for prior work-site learning will not be counted toward the minimum participation requirement, as described in subrule 32.7(2).
(2) Current work-site learning will be evaluated using a state-developed assessment tool and may be awarded a maximum of two high school credits. Credit earned for current work-site learning may be counted toward the minimum participation requirement, as described in subrule 32.7(2).
(5)Postsecondary credit. Credit awarded by a regionally accredited postsecondary institution for the successful completion of a course that applies toward the requirements of a postsecondary credential, including a certificate or diploma, or associate, bachelor, or graduate-level degree program, will be accepted to fulfill the requirements for the satisfactory completion of a program as follows:
a. One postsecondary semester credit or its equivalent is equal to one-third high school credit. The resulting high school credit may be used to satisfy either a core or elective credit requirement of an approved program.
b. Twenty contact hours of noncredit postsecondary coursework is equal to one-third high school credit provided the coursework is aligned to regional career pathways and occupational needs. This credit can be used to satisfy an elective credit requirement of an approved program.

Iowa Admin. Code r. 281-32.7

ARC 9903B, lAB 12/14/11, effective 1/18/12
Amended by IAB February 14, 2018/Volume XL, Number 17, effective 3/21/2018
Amended by IAB March 6, 2024/Volume XLVI, Number 18, effective 4/10/2024