(a) There is in the Department of the Youth Authority a correctional education authority for the purpose of carrying out the education and training of wards committed to the youth authority.
(b) The course of study for wards attending any of grades 7 to 12, inclusive, shall include those courses specified in Article 3 (commencing with Section 51220) of Chapter 2 of Part 28 of the Education Code. The course of study shall meet the model curriculum standards adopted by the Superintendent of Public Instruction pursuant to Section 51226 of the Education Code.
(c) (1) The correctional education authority shall adopt standards of proficiency in basic skills for wards attending a course of study for any of grades 7 to 12, inclusive.
(2) Differential standards and assessment procedures may be adopted for wards for whom an individualized education program has been developed and for whom the regular instructional program has been modified or for wards who have been diagnosed with a learning handicap or disability.
(d) The correctional education authority may issue diplomas of graduation from high school to wards who have completed the required course of study and meet the standards of proficiency in basic skills adopted by the correctional education authority. The authority may also administer to wards the general educational development tests that have been approved by the State Board of Education.
(e) For purposes of receiving federal funds, the correctional education authority shall be deemed a local educational agency.
(f) For purposes of receiving state funds pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 8 of Article XVI of the California Constitution in accordance with the definitions set forth in Section 41202 of the Education Code, the correctional education authority shall be deemed a state agency and shall only be entitled to state funding for direct instructional services provided to wards attending a course of study. The correctional education authority may not receive state funds unless the funds are specifically appropriated to the Department of the Youth Authority for direct instructional services, and may not receive additional funds from the State Department of Education under any other program.
(Amended by Stats. 1999, Ch. 78, Sec. 59. Effective July 7, 1999.)