Adult education offices would direct most state funding to programs

The Office of Adult Education would use at least 85% of its state general fund money for adult education programs. The rule covers general fund money that the General Assembly appropriates to the Office of Adult Education. The office may use remaining general fund money for administrative operations.

The Office of Adult Education would run programs leading to high school equivalency diplomas and offer a qualifying test on paper or electronically. The rules cover students in adult education programs authorized by the Office of Adult Education. Programs must follow specified adult education readiness standards or similar federal standards. A student who passes a qualifying test would be entitled to a high school equivalency diploma. The diploma would count the same as a state high school diploma for public employment. The office would issue a diploma without charge after successful program completion, but could charge for duplicate diplomas and score reports.

The Commonwealth would treat previously recognized or issued high school equivalency and external diplomas as high school equivalency diplomas. The rule covers diplomas recognized or issued by Kentucky before the stated date. The text also says an issued diploma would remain valid despite later changes in test selection. The retroactive recognition applies as of June 29, 2017.

The Center of American Civics at the University of Kentucky would develop and distribute materials for a three-credit American government or history course, while a specified prior provision would have no legal effect. The curriculum would be distributed to each Kentucky public institution of higher education and would cover major events and turning points in American history and government. The course must cover the entire U.S. Constitution and Declaration of Independence, at least five Federalist Papers essays, the Emancipation Proclamation, the Gettysburg Address, and other documents foundational to the American Civil Rights movement. The text states that 2026 RS SB 4/VO, Section 15, is repealed and must not be codified.