As used in this article: “Adult basic education” means education for individuals over the age of compulsory school attendance specified in § 22.1-254 that enables them to express themselves orally and in writing, read, access information and resources, make decisions, act independently and interact with others, and continue lifelong learning to cope with and compete successfully in a global economy. “Adult education program” means an instructional program below the college credit level provided by public schools for individuals who are not enrolled in the regular public school program, including adult basic education, credit programs, cultural adult education, external diploma programs, general adult education, and high school equivalency programs. “Credit program” means a program of academic courses that are available to individuals over the age of compulsory school attendance specified in § 22.1-254 to enable them to complete the regular requirements for a high school diploma. “Cultural adult education” means English for speakers of other languages (ESOL), the preparation of foreign-born adults for participation in American life or for becoming American citizens, and other educational services for foreign-born individuals over the age of compulsory school attendance specified in § 22.1-254. “External diploma program” means a program in which individuals over the age of compulsory school attendance specified in § 22.1-254 who did not complete high school may earn a high school diploma by demonstrating with 100 percent mastery the 65 competencies established and validated by the American Council on Education. “General adult education” means academic, cultural, and avocational instruction for individuals over the age of compulsory school attendance specified in § 22.1-254 that may be obtained through programs other than credit programs, high school equivalency programs, or external diploma programs. “High school equivalency program” means a program of preparation and instruction to take a high school equivalency examination approved by the Board of Education for individuals over the age of compulsory school attendance specified in § 22.1-254 who did not complete high school, individuals who have been granted permission by the superintendent of the school division in which they are or were last enrolled to take a high school equivalency examination approved by the Board of Education, individuals who are at least 16 years of age, and individuals who have been ordered by a court to participate in the program.