CO HB1254

Requires the state board of education to include in high school graduation guidelines a mandate that all public high school students achieve either a proficient or higher score on 10th-grade statewide assessments in reading, writing, and mathematics, or pass a postsecondary and workforce readiness assessment.

Exempts certain students with disabilities (as identified in Section 22-7-409) and students participating in nonpublic, home-based educational programs from the assessment requirement.

Requires the department and public schools to provide reasonable accommodations allowing students who fail to meet requirements to retake assessments as many times as necessary.

Applies to comprehensive state high school graduation guidelines adopted by December 15, 2009, while allowing individual school districts to maintain authority to develop local graduation requirements that meet or exceed state minimum standards.

Takes effect 90 days after final adjournment of the general assembly (August 11, 2010, if sine die adjournment occurs May 12, 2010), subject to voter approval if a referendum petition is filed within the 90-day period.