Assigned to ED                                                                                                                  AS PASSED BY COW

ARIZONA STATE SENATE

Fifty-Fourth Legislature, First Regular Session

AMENDED

FACT SHEET FOR S.B. 1111

fine arts proficiency; state seal

(NOW: arts proficiency; state seal)

Purpose

            Creates a State Seal of Arts Proficiency Program (Program) recognizing students who achieve a high level of proficiency in the arts.

Background

            The State Board of Education (SBE) initiates and enforces policies that regulate the conduct of Arizona's public-school system. In particular, the SBE prescribes the minimum course of study and determines high school graduation requirements (A.R.S. § 15-203).

            The SBE establishes 22 credits as the minimum credits needed to graduate from high school, including 1 credit of fine arts (R7-2-302).

            There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation. 

Provisions

1. Establishes the Program to recognize students who:

a) attain a high level of proficiency in the arts; and

b) graduate from a school district or charter school.

2. Requires the Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) to:  

a) create a State Seal of Arts Proficiency (Seal) to be placed on a qualifying student's diploma and noted on their transcript; and 

b) deliver the Seal to each participating school district or charter school.

3. Requires SBE in collaboration with the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) and experts in arts education to adopt minimum requirements and adopt necessary rules for the Program.

4. Allows any school district or charter school to voluntarily participate in the Program by notifying the SPI. 

5. Requires each participating school district or charter school to:

a) identify the students meeting the Program requirements; and

b) place the Seal on a qualifying student's high school diploma and note it on their transcript.

6. Terminates the Program on July 1, 2029.  

7. Becomes effective on the general effective date.

Amendments Adopted by Committee of the Whole

1. Requires SBE, ADE and experts in arts education to establish minimum requirements and adopt necessary rules for the State Seal of Arts Proficiency Program.

2. Makes technical changes.

Senate Action 

ED                 1/29/19      DP     8-0-0

Prepared by Senate Research

February 8, 2019

JO/CP/kja