FL S0162

Requires high schools to award at least 75 percent credit toward their graduation rate for each student who receives a high school equivalency diploma, beginning with the 2013-2014 school year.

Establishes that high school equivalency diplomas have equal status with traditional high school diplomas for all state purposes, including admission to state universities and Florida College System institutions.

Modifies the school grading system to include the 75 percent credit for equivalency diploma recipients as part of the high school graduation rate calculation used in determining school grades.

Effective July 1, 2013.