(a) The General Assembly hereby recognizes and acknowledges that in recent years a high school diploma has lost credibility as a warranty that the recipient has the basic knowledge and skills necessary for either an entry-level job or for postsecondary education. The General Assembly further recognizes that the State Board of Education, the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, and local school districts have worked diligently to establish and implement a core curriculum in Arkansas secondary schools. Students who complete the core curriculum with a satisfactory grade point average should receive recognition for both perseverance and a job well done. It is the purpose of this legislation to both further that recognition and to increase the confidence of Arkansans in the value of diplomas awarded by the state's public schools.
(b)
(1) A school district shall attach a seal, stamp, or other symbol to diplomas awarded to high school students who have completed the core curriculum with a minimum grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.
(2) Electronic transcripts shall include a designation for students who have completed the core curriculum with a minimum grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.
(c) The state board is authorized to promulgate rules for the implementation of this section.