AZ HB2642

Changes article heading from "Joint Technological Education Districts" to "Joint Technical Education Districts" and amends definitions and requirements for joint technical education courses and programs in Arizona Revised Statutes sections 15-391 and 15-393.

Adds new comprehensive requirements for joint technical education courses and programs including: instructor certification, minimum 60% passing score on assessments, majority of instruction in laboratory/field/work-based environments, specialized equipment needs, and demonstrated high-need vocational or industry alignment.

Establishes new section 15-393.01 requiring joint technical education districts to be included in annual achievement profiles with specific performance indicators including graduation rates, program completion rates, assessment performance, and post-graduation employment rates.

Creates a career and technical education task force consisting of legislators, policy experts, and joint district representatives to study uniformity in course offerings, financing, and other reform issues, with annual reporting requirements through December 31, 2018.

Requires the Department of Education to immediately review compliance of all current joint technical education programs and courses with new requirements, with quarterly progress reports to the joint legislative budget committee through December 31, 2018; authorizes the Auditor General to conduct a special audit of joint technical education districts.