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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Fourth Legislature, Second Regular Session
graduation; delinquent juveniles; incorrigible children
Purpose
Directs the State Board of Education (SBE) to collaborate with outlined entities to examine and make recommendations on high school graduation for delinquent juveniles and incorrigible children.
Background
A school district governing board (governing board) prescribes curricula that include academic standards as prescribed by SBE for the graduation of students from high school. Governing boards must also prescribe criteria that include academic standards in at least reading, writing, mathematics, science and social studies, as determined by district assessment. Other criteria may include additional measures of academic achievement and attendance (A.R.S. § 15-701.01).
SBE establishes 22 credits as the minimum number of credits necessary for high school graduation. This includes: 1) four credits of English or ESL; 2) three credits of social studies; 3) four credits of mathematics; 4) three credits of science; 5) one credit in the arts or career and technical education and vocational education; and 6) seven credits of additional courses prescribed by the local district board (A.A.C. § R7-2-302).
Current law defines a delinquent juvenile as a child who is adjudicated to have committed a delinquent act (A.R.S. § 8-201).
An incorrigible child is defined as a child who: 1) is adjudicated as a child who refuses to obey the reasonable and proper orders or directions of a parent, guardian or custodian and who is beyond the control of that person; 2) is habitually truant from school; 3) is a runaway from the child's home or parent, guardian or custodian; 4) habitually behaves in such a manner as to injure or endanger the morals or health of self or others; 5) commits any act constituting an offense that can only be committed by a minor and that is not designated as a delinquent act; or 6) fails to obey any lawful order of a court of competent jurisdiction given in a noncriminal action (A.R.S. § 8-201).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Requires SBE, in collaboration with state universities, community colleges and the juvenile court system, to examine, research and make recommendations to the Legislature regarding the graduation of delinquent juveniles and incorrigible children from high school who have been ordered by a court to:
a) a probation department;
b) a private agency or institution;
c) the Department of Juvenile Corrections; or
d) receive residential treatment services.
2. Requires, by December 15, 2020, SBE to report its findings and recommendations to the Governor, the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate and transmit a copy of the report to the Secretary of State.
3. Repeals the study on January 15, 2021.
4. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Prepared by Senate Research
February 14, 2020
JO/MB/gs