BILL NUMBER: SB 699	INTRODUCED
	BILL TEXT


INTRODUCED BY   Senator Runner

                        FEBRUARY 18, 2011

   An act to amend Section 51225.3 of the Education Code, relating to
pupil instruction.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   SB 699, as introduced, Runner. Pupil instruction: graduation
requirements: pupil in foster care.
   Existing law requires a pupil to complete specified courses while
in grades 9 to 12, inclusive, in order to receive a diploma of
graduation from high school. Existing law authorizes the governing
board of a school district to adopt rules specifying additional
coursework requirements. Existing law also provides that a school
district shall exempt a pupil in foster care from all coursework and
other requirements adopted by the governing board of the district
that are in addition to the statewide coursework requirements for
graduation if the pupil, while he or she is in grade 11 or 12,
transfers into the district from another school district or between
high schools within the district, unless the district makes a finding
that the pupil is reasonably able to complete the additional
requirements in time to graduate from high school while he or she
remains eligible for foster care benefits.
   This bill would instead provide that a school district shall
exempt a pupil from all coursework and other requirements adopted by
the governing board of the district that are in addition to the
statewide coursework requirements for graduation if the pupil, while
he or she is in grade 11 or 12, and while he or she is in foster
care, involuntarily transfers into the district from another school
district or between high schools within the district, unless the
district makes a finding that the pupil is reasonably able to
complete the additional requirements in time to graduate from high
school on or before his or her 18th birthday. The bill would also
provide that the pupil shall not be exempt if the school will
continue to enroll the pupil until his or her 19th birthday and the
district makes a finding that the pupil is reasonably able to
complete the additional requirements on or before his or her 19th
birthday.
   By requiring school districts to perform additional duties in
complying with the exemption requirement, this bill would impose a
state-mandated local program.
   The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local
agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the
state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that
reimbursement.
   This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates
determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state,
reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to these
statutory provisions.
   Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: yes.
State-mandated local program: yes.


THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

  SECTION 1.  Section 51225.3 of the Education Code is amended to
read:
   51225.3.  (a) A pupil shall complete all of the following while in
grades 9 to 12, inclusive, in order to receive a diploma of
graduation from high school:
   (1) At least the following numbers of courses in the subjects
specified, each course having a duration of one year, unless
otherwise specified:
   (A) Three courses in English.
   (B) Two courses in mathematics.
   (C) Two courses in science, including biological and physical
sciences.
   (D) Three courses in social studies, including United States
history and geography; world history, culture, and geography; a
one-semester course in American government and civics; and a
one-semester course in economics.
   (E) One course in visual or performing arts or foreign language.
For the purposes of satisfying the requirement specified in this
subparagraph, a course in American Sign Language shall be deemed a
course in foreign language.
   (F) Two courses in physical education, unless the pupil has been
exempted pursuant to the provisions of this code.
   (2) Other coursework requirements adopted by the governing board
of the school district.
   (b) The governing board, with the active involvement of parents,
administrators, teachers, and pupils, shall adopt alternative means
for pupils to complete the prescribed course of study that may
include practical demonstration of skills and competencies,
supervised work experience or other outside school experience, career
technical education classes offered in high schools, courses offered
by regional occupational centers or programs, interdisciplinary
study, independent study, and credit earned at a postsecondary
institution. Requirements for graduation and specified alternative
modes for completing the prescribed course of study shall be made
available to pupils, parents, and the public.
   (c) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a school district
shall exempt a pupil  in foster care  from all
coursework and other requirements adopted by the governing board of
the district that are in addition to the statewide coursework
requirements specified in this section if the pupil, while he or she
is in grade 11 or 12, and while he or she is in foster care,
involuntarily  transfers into the district from another school
district or between high schools within the district, unless the
district makes a finding that the pupil is reasonably able to
complete the additional requirements in time to graduate from high
school  while he or she remains eligible for foster care
benefits pursuant to state law   on or before his or her
18th birthday. The pupil shall  not   be exempt if
the school will continue to enroll the pupil until his or her 19th
birthday and the district makes a finding that the pupil is
reasonably able to complete the additional requirements on or before
his or her 19th birthday  . A school district shall notify a
pupil in foster care who is granted an exemption pursuant to this
subdivision, and, as appropriate, the person holding the right to
make educational decisions for the pupil, if any of the requirements
that are waived will affect the pupil's ability to gain admission to
a postsecondary educational institution and shall provide information
about transfer opportunities available through the California
Community Colleges.
  SEC. 2.  If the Commission on State Mandates determines that this
act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local
agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant
to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of
the Government Code.