20-3-110. State high school diploma -- duties of superintendent of public instruction -- rulemaking. (1) The superintendent of public instruction shall develop a process through which a resident of the state who has exhausted, in the determination of the superintendent, the possibility of earning a diploma from a high school accredited by the board of public education can pursue a Montana proficiency-based diploma by demonstrating:

(a) proficiency of the content standards adopted by the board of public education through alternative means; and

(b) perseverance and dedication in accomplishing a rigorous, long-term goal requiring maturity and the application of knowledge to real-world situations.

(2) When an individual demonstrates proficiency, perseverance, and dedication as determined by the superintendent of public instruction under subsection (1), the superintendent may issue to the individual a Montana proficiency-based diploma.

(3) An individual enrolled in a home school or nonpublic school is not eligible for a Montana proficiency-based diploma under this section.

(4) The superintendent of public instruction shall by rule prescribe the eligibility and qualifications for pursuing a Montana proficiency-based diploma under this section.