If a student has been out of school for more than two school years and qualifies as a “TAAS” student, does the student still have to attempt the TAKS before he/she can be enrolled in the HSEP?

Yes. A student participating in an HSEP program, other than a student ordered to participate under Subsection (d)(1), must have taken the assessment instruments specified by TEC §39.023(a) for grade 9 before entering the program and must take each grade level assessment instrument administered during the period in which the student is enrolled in the program.

Can the requirement of completion of less than 1/3 of the student's graduation plan be waived?

No. A student must have completed fewer than 1/3 of the credits required for graduation under the district's or the open enrollment charter school's minimum graduation plan. According to TEC §7.056(e)(3)(H), a school campus or district or open enrollment charter school may not receive an exemption or waiver under this section from a requirement, restriction, or prohibition relating to at-risk programs under Subchapter C, Chapter 29 which includes §29.087 High School Equivalency Programs.

For students who are court ordered and Texas Youth Commission students, the TAKS testing is waived for the students to enroll in the HSEP. Do they have to be held to the 1/3 or less requirement in order to be enrolled in the HSEP?

Students ordered by a court under Code of Criminal Procedure Article 45.054 or by the Texas Youth Commission do not have to meet the 1/3 or less credit requirement.

Does a student who is ordered by the court to be placed in a HSEP have to meet the eligibility requirements of Texas Education Code (TEC) §29.087(d)(2)?

A student ordered by the court under TEC 29.087(d)(1) does not have to meet the eligibility requirement of 29.087(d)(2) and the TAKS for enrollment is waived.

Can a 16 year old recovered dropout, who has never been enrolled in high school, be allowed to enroll in a HSEP?

Yes. A student is eligible to participate in a HSEP if at least three years have elapsed since the student was last enrolled in Grade 8, or four years since the student was last enrolled in Grade 7, or five years since the student was last enrolled in Grade 6. The student participating in the program may not take the high school equivalency unless the student has taken the assessment instrument specified by Section 39.023(a).

If a student meets all enrollment requirements by having taken the TAKS and by having less than one-third of the credits required to be enrolled, does the student have to attempt the TAKS at the next available test date before he/she can take the GED test?

The student must have taken the assessment instrument specified by Section 39.023(a) before taking the high school equivalency examination and must take the TAKS while enrolled in the program when given.

Do students have to attempt all sections of the TAKS before they can enroll in the HSEP or can they attempt the first TAKS and then be eligible to enroll in HSEP?

The student has to take the entire TAKS test to meet enrollment requirements.

What if a student is enrolled in HSEP, drops out of the HSEP, and wants to re-enter HSEP?

The student must meet all the enrollment criteria to re-enter the HSEP.

If a student is participating in a HSEP class, and does not receive his GED, will he/she be counted as a dropout under No Child Left Behind?

As long as the student is coded enrolled in a public school, even if enrolled in HSEP, and not as a leaver, he is defined as a continuing student.

How does a HSEP make provisions for students classified as special education?

The provisions for a student in special education must be specified in his/her Individual Education Plan (IEP). The federal regulations for special education supercede state regulations. The federal laws and regulations for special education must be implemented.

What is the role of the ARD committee in the placement of Special Education students in a HSEP? Do Special Education students have to meet all the requirements to enroll in and participate in a HSEP?

The ARD committee has the authority to place a special education student in a HSEP. Therefore, special education students may not need to meet assessment requirements specified by HSEP law 29-087(f). When special education students are ready to take the GED test, they must have a HSEP Authorization Form to be admitted. For the date of the admistration of the TAKS assessment, enter September 1, 2001. This will indicate that the student is not required to take the TAKS.

Student Eligibility to take the GED Test

Do 18-year-old students need approval by their parents or guardian to take the GED Test?

Generally, no, unless the 18 year-old is under a guardianship, then it may require the permission of the guardian in place of the adult student.

Are 16-year-old students allowed to take the GED Test?

No, except as provided by TEC §7.111(a)(2)(3).

Can a 16 year old recovered dropout, who has never been enrolled in high school, be allowed to enroll in a HSEP?

Yes. A student is eligible to participate in a HSEP if at least three years have elapsed since the student was last enrolled in Grade 8, or four years since the student was last enrolled in Grade 7, or five years since the student was last enrolled in Grade 6. The student participating in the program may not take the high school equivalency unless the student has taken the assessment instrument specified by Section 39.023(a).

Would a student have to complete the HSEP during the year in which the student entered the program in order to not be classified as a dropout?

No. Each student's plan should be developed to meet the educational needs of the student in school. They will be defined as a continuing student.

If a student enrolled in the HSEP withdraws from the program before taking the exit level assessment, how long does the student have to wait before being allowed to take the GED Test?

This student will not be eligible to take the GED TEST until after their 18th birthday.

What type of picture identification does a student need in order to be admitted to a GED Test Site?

"Acceptable forms of identification include government-issued identification (both national and foreign), provided that the identification includes date of birth, photograph, address and signature. Examples of acceptable identification include drivers' licenses, passports, and military and other government-issued identification cards. Comparable forms of government-issued identification, such as that provided by motor vehicle departments to nondrivers which show name, date of birth, photograph, address, and signature, are also acceptable forms of identification."