LAC 28:XI.6821. High School Test Cohorts [Formerly LAC 28:CXI.1821]

A. Students who entered traditional grade 9 in 2010–2011 through 2016-2017 are required to score level 2 (approaching basic/fair) or above on English II or English III, algebra I or geometry, and biology or U.S. history to be eligible for a standard high school diploma. B. Students who enter traditional grade 9 in 2017-2018 through 2023-2024 are required to score level 2 (approaching basic/fair) or above on English I or English II, algebra I or geometry, and biology or U.S. history to be eligible for a standard high school diploma. 1. For high school seniors enrolled during spring 2021 and graduating by August 31, 2021, and for high school seniors enrolled during spring 2022 and graduating by August 31, 2022, the following may be substituted for the LEAP 2025 high school assessment requirement, provided the student has initially participated in all LEAP 2025 high school assessments. a. an ACT composite score of 17 or higher for all students; or b. a score of Silver or higher on ACT WorkKeys for students pursuing a Career Diploma; or c. an ACT subject score of 17 or higher in the corresponding LEAP 2025 high school assessment pair, as follows: i. a score of 17 or higher on the ACT English or Reading tests shall satisfy the English I/English II LEAP 2025 high school assessment requirement; ii. a score of 17 or higher on the ACT Mathematics test shall satisfy the Algebra I/Geometry LEAP 2025 high school assessment requirement; and iii. a score of 17 or higher on the ACT Science test shall satisfy the Biology/U.S. History LEAP 2025 high school assessment requirement; or d. the student participates in 20 or more extended learning hours per LEAP 2025 high school assessment subject pair for which the student has yet to achieve level 2 (approaching basic) or above, with such instruction provided by a qualified teacher. i. The instruction must take place following the academic year, and the student must demonstrate proficiency corresponding to level 2 (approaching basic) or above, as determined by either the school or school system. ii. For purposes of this Section, a qualified teacher is defined as a teacher holding a valid and current Louisiana teaching certificate or has received a final COMPASS evaluation of effective: emerging or higher. C. For incoming freshmen in 2026-2027 and beyond, participation in comprehensive high school exams for ELA and math is required. The exams shall be administered in the spring semester of the second year of the cohort, beginning in spring 2028. Participation in LEAP Biology and LEAP Civics assessments shall be required upon completion of each course.