SUMMARY:

Provides a program for eleventh and twelfth grade public school students to attend postsecondary colleges and schools for high school credit.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Eligible institutions are Georgia two or four-year degree-granting public college or universities; state operated postsecondary technical institutions; or for eligible students who live more than 25 miles from a degree-granting public college or university, and two or four-year regionally accredited degree-granting nonproprietary college or university.
• Eligible students are those entering eleventh or twelfth grade who spent the prior year in attendance at a Georgia public high school.
• Eligible students may apply to eligible institutions to enroll full time in courses approved for secondary credit by the Department of Education, and shall receive secondary credit for such courses successfully completed.
• Annually, by April 1, local school systems shall provide information about the program to all tenth and eleventh-grade students, and shall provide counseling services to students and parents before the students enroll in the program. Parents and students must certify in writing that such service has been provided and that they understand their responsibilities to be assumed in participating in the program.
• Students are responsible for requesting that the postsecondary institution notify the student's local school system regarding his or her grade in the course.
• Credits gained through participating in this system shall count toward graduation and subject area requirements.
• If course requirements are met, local school systems shall award a high school diploma to the student.
• The Department of Education shall pay to the eligible institution the lesser of the following amounts for each participating eligible student (less a  $200 records fee for administration costs of the local school system):
  • The actual cost of tuition, materials, and fees directly related to the courses taken by the eligible student; or
  • The amount the eligible student would have earned if he or she had been enrolled in equivalent instructional programs in the local school system.
  • The local allotment shall be reduced in an equivalent amount of state funds appropriated to the eligible institution.
• An eligible institution shall not charge the student for coursework taken.
• The State Board of Education shall establish rules relating to state and federal testing requirements.
• The student is not eligible for any other state financial aid for courses taken under this program.
• Hours granted by the institution shall not count against any maximum hourly caps applicable for HOPE scholarships or grants.

POINTS TO CONSIDER:

• The bill clarifies several issues related to dual enrollment programs.
• Students attending private schools are not eligible.
• High schools must notify students and parents about the program.
• Maturity levels of participating students may be a factor.
• Requires additional paperwork for high schools and the Department of Education.
• State FTE funds are transferred to the post-secondary institution.
• Issues related to participation in extracurricular activities will need to be resolved.

EFFECTIVE DATE:

Upon approval of the Governor or by becoming law without such approval.