An Act to codify minimum requirements for high school graduation.

Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of South Dakota:

Section 1. That chapter 13-33 be amended with a NEW SECTION:

The minimum requirements for high school graduation are:

(1) Four units of English language arts, including:

(a) One unit of writing;

(b) One-half unit of speech or debate;

(c) One-half unit of American literature; and

(d) One-half unit of any literature elective;

(2) Three units of social studies, including:

(a) One unit of United States history;

(b) One unit of United States government;

(3) Three units of mathematics, including one unit of algebra I:

(4) Three units of science, including:

(a) One unit of biology; and

(b) Two units of any other science, one of which may be an advanced computer science course;

(5) One-half unit of personal finance or economics;

(6) One unit of fine arts;

(7) One-half unit of physical education;

(8) One-half unit of health or health integration;

(9) One-unit consisting of any one or a combination of:

(a) An approved career and technical education course;

(b) A world language; or

(c) A capstone experience; and

(10) Five and one-half additional units.

Section 2. That § 13-55-39 be AMENDED:

13-55-39. In order to be eligible for a Richard Hagen-Minerva Harvey memorial scholarship award, a student shall:

(1) Attend or have graduated from a South Dakota accredited high school;

(2) Have met high school graduation requirements established by rules promulgated pursuant to chapter 1-26 by the Department of Education or be enrolled in a course of study such that upon graduation, the student will have met high school graduation requirements established by rules promulgated pursuant to chapter 1-26 by the Department of Education;

(3) Provide evidence to the board that the student has been accepted to attend a public or nonpublic accredited university, college, or technical college located in South Dakota;

(4) Apply for a Richard Hagen-Minerva Harvey memorial scholarship within five years after graduating from high school or within one year of the student's release from active duty with an active component of the armed forces if the release is within five years of the student's graduation from high school; and

(5) Be an enrolled member of an American Indian tribe.