A. The department shall establish a readiness assessment system to measure the readiness of every New Mexico high school student for success in higher education or a career no later than the 2008-2009 school year. The department shall ensure that the readiness assessment system is aligned with state academic content and performance standards, college placement tests and entry-level career skill requirements. The readiness assessment system shall include, for grade eleven, in the fall, one or more of the following components chosen by the student:

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(1)     a college placement assessment;

(2)     a workforce readiness assessment; or

(3)     an alternative demonstration of competency using standards-based indicators.

B. Students shall participate in the readiness assessment system at no cost to the student.

C. Reports of assessment results shall be provided to students and parents in writing whenever possible but, if necessary, orally in the language best understood by each student and parent.

D. The department shall adopt standards for reasonable accommodations in the administration of readiness assessments for students with disabilities and limited English proficiency, including when and how accommodations may be applied.

E. In developing, selecting or approving the high school or college readiness assessments for school district or charter school use, the department may adopt commercially available standards-based assessments or approve a school district’s or charter school’s short-cycle assessments that meet the requirements of this section. The department shall involve appropriate licensed school employees in the development or selection of readiness assessments.