Graduation requirements.

Existing law prohibits a pupil from receiving a diploma of graduation from high school unless he or she completes specified requirements, including, but not limited to, completing one course in visual or performing arts or foreign language. This bill, commencing with the 2011–12 school year and until July 1, 2016, would add completion of a course in career technical education, as defined, as an alternative to the requirement that a pupil complete a course in visual or performing arts or foreign language. The bill would require the governing board of a school district or county office of education that elects to offer career technical education courses pursuant to these provisions to provide parents, teachers, pupils, and the public with specified information relating to the impact that offering these courses would have on graduation requirements and admission requirements to the California State University and the University of California. The bill would require the State Department of Education to report to the Legislature, on or before January 1, 2015, specified information relating to this alternative means of satisfying the requirement. The bill would authorize the Superintendent of Public Instruction to use existing state resources and federal funds for purposes of completing the report, and to apply for and receive grants and donations if existing resources are not available or sufficient.