Virginia Law

Article 3. Adult Education.

As used in this article:

"Adult basic education" means education for individuals over the age of compulsory school attendance specified in § 22.1-254 that enables them to express themselves orally and in writing, read, access information and resources, make decisions, act independently and interact with others, and continue lifelong learning to cope with and compete successfully in a global economy.

"Adult education program" means an instructional program below the college credit level provided by public schools for individuals who are not enrolled in the regular public school program, including adult basic education, credit programs, cultural adult education, external diploma programs, general adult education, and high school equivalency programs.

"Credit program" means a program of academic courses that are available to individuals over the age of compulsory school attendance specified in § 22.1-254 to enable them to complete the regular requirements for a high school diploma.

"Cultural adult education" means English for speakers of other languages (ESOL), the preparation of foreign-born adults for participation in American life or for becoming American citizens, and other educational services for foreign-born individuals over the age of compulsory school attendance specified in § 22.1-254.

"External diploma program" means a program in which individuals over the age of compulsory school attendance specified in § 22.1-254 who did not complete high school may earn a high school diploma by demonstrating with 100 percent mastery the 65 competencies established and validated by the American Council on Education.

"General adult education" means academic, cultural, and avocational instruction for individuals over the age of compulsory school attendance specified in § 22.1-254 that may be obtained through programs other than credit programs, high school equivalency programs, or external diploma programs.

"High school equivalency program" means a program of preparation and instruction to take a high school equivalency examination approved by the Board of Education for individuals over the age of compulsory school attendance specified in § 22.1-254 who did not complete high school, individuals who have been granted permission by the superintendent of the school division in which they are or were last enrolled to take a high school equivalency examination approved by the Board of Education, individuals who are at least 16 years of age, and individuals who have been ordered by a court to participate in the program.

Code 1950, § 22-360; 1978, c. 522; 1980, c. 559; 1999, c. 564; 2006, c. 335; 2014, c. 84; 2018, c. 717.

The Board of Education shall:

1. Require the development of adult education programs in every school division;

2. Encourage coordination in the development and provision of adult education programs between school boards and other state, federal, and local public and private agencies;

3. Promulgate appropriate standards and guidelines for adult education programs;

4. Accept and administer grants, gifts, services, and funds from available sources for use in adult education programs; and

5. Assist school divisions with all diligence in meeting the educational needs of individuals participating in adult education programs to master the requirements for and earn a high school diploma or to pass a high school equivalency examination approved by the Board of Education.

Code 1950, § 22-361; 1978, c. 522; 1980, c. 559; 1999, c. 564; 2014, c. 84; 2018, c. 717.

A. Local school boards shall provide adult education programs, in compliance with subdivision D 8 of § 22.1-253.13:1, for residents of the school division and, in their discretion, may charge appropriate fees to persons admitted to such programs.

B. With such funds as may be appropriated for the purposes of this article, school boards shall seek to ensure that every individual participating in such program has an opportunity to earn a high school diploma or pass a high school equivalency examination approved by the Board of Education.

Code 1950, § 22-362; 1978, c. 522; 1980, c. 559; 1999, c. 564; 2004, cc. 939, 955; 2009, c. 802; 2014, c. 84; 2018, c. 717.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the Department shall authorize a Virginia-based nonprofit organization with demonstrated evidence of positive student outcomes to provide schools for adults to earn (i) (a) an industry-recognized credential awarded through a partnership with a Virginia-based community college or an approved training provider or (b) dual college credit awarded through a partnership with a Virginia-based community college and (ii) a high school diploma on one or more diploma pathways set forth in subdivision 3 of 8VAC20-30-20 in which enrollment is open, on a space-available basis, to adults who reside throughout the Commonwealth.

2023, cc. 453, 454.

Repealed by Acts 2010, c. 61, cl. 2.