Pupils: diploma alternatives: exceptionally gifted pupils.

Existing law authorizes certain persons, including, among others, any person 16 years of age or older, to have his or her proficiency in basic skills taught in public high schools verified according to criteria established by the State Department of Education. Existing law requires the State Board of Education to award a certificate of proficiency to persons who demonstrate that proficiency. Existing law requires the department to develop standards of competency in basic skills taught in public high schools and to provide for the administration of examinations prepared by, or with the approval of, the department to verify competency. This bill would also authorize a person who is an exceptionally gifted pupil, as defined, to have his or her proficiency in basic skills taught in public high schools verified according to criteria established by the department. Existing law requires the governing board of a community college district to admit to the community college any California resident, and authorizes the governing board of the community college district to admit any nonresident, possessing a high school diploma or the equivalent thereof. This bill would authorize a pupil under 16 years of age who receives a certificate of proficiency to be admitted to attend a community college only if the community college district determines that the pupil meets specified requirements. This bill would also declare the Legislature's intent regarding alternative means of addressing the unique academic needs of exceptionally gifted pupils and would encourage the governing board of a school district, in consultation with the parent or guardian of an exceptionally gifted pupil, to make a specified determination related to addressing the unique academic needs of exceptionally gifted pupils.