High school equivalency diploma program.

(1) The State Board of Education shall adopt rules that prescribe performance standards and provide for comprehensive examinations to be administered to candidates for high school equivalency diplomas. Such rules shall include, but are not limited to, provisions for fees, frequency of examinations, and procedures for retaking an examination upon unsatisfactory performance.

(2) The department may award high school equivalency diplomas to candidates who meet the performance standards prescribed by the State Board of Education.

(3) Each district school board shall:

(a) Offer and administer the high school equivalency diploma examinations and the subject area examinations to all candidates pursuant to rules of the State Board of Education.

(b) Notify each candidate of adult secondary and postsecondary education options available in or near the school district, including the Graduation Alternative to Traditional Education Program under s. 1004.933. The candidate must also be informed of the eligibility requirements and any minimum academic requirements for each available option.

(4)(a) A candidate who has filed a formal declaration of intent to terminate school enrollment pursuant to s. 1003.21(1)(c) may take the examination after reaching the age of 16.

(b) A district school board may not require a student who has reached the age of 16 to take any course before taking the examination unless the student fails to achieve a passing score on the GED practice test as established by State Board of Education rule.

(5) Each district school board shall develop, in cooperation with the area Florida College System institution board of trustees, a plan for the provision of advanced instruction for those students who attain satisfactory performance on the high school equivalency examination or the subject area examinations or who demonstrate through other means a readiness to engage in postsecondary-level academic work. The plan shall include provisions for the equitable distribution of generated funds to cover personnel, maintenance, and other costs of offering the advanced instruction. Priority shall be given to programs of advanced instruction offered in high school facilities.

(6) All high school equivalency diplomas issued under the provisions of this section shall have equal status with other high school diplomas for all state purposes, including admission to any state university or Florida College System institution.