Colorado House Bill HB1282

Colorado 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/13/24
• Report Pass: 3/6/24
• Refer: 2/13/24
• Report Pass: 4/30/24
• Refer: 3/6/24
• Refer: 4/30/24
• Engrossed: 5/1/24
• Report Pass: 5/3/24
• Refer: 5/1/24
• Report Pass: 5/4/24
• Refer: 5/3/24
• Refer: 5/4/24
• Engrossed: 5/8/24
• Passed: 5/18/24
• Enrolled: 5/8/24

Caption

Ninth-Grade Success Grant & Performance Reporting

Impact

The implementation of HB 1282 signifies a proactive approach to educational policy, aiming to better support students during a pivotal transition phase in their academic careers. By appropriating $2 million annually from the state education fund specifically for the Ninth-Grade Success Grant Program, the bill seeks to allocate resources effectively towards programs designed to improve ninth-grade outcomes. This funding could help schools develop targeted interventions and support systems for students who may be struggling early in their high school education.

Summary

House Bill 1282, titled 'Ninth-Grade Success Grant & Performance Reporting,' seeks to enhance the academic success rates of ninth-grade students in Colorado public high schools. The bill introduces a framework for student performance reporting, mandating that data on first-time ninth graders' academic achievements, including the earning of core credits, be collected and analyzed. This includes reporting by various demographic factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, and special education status. The overarching goal is to identify and address obstacles that hinder students from achieving academic success during their critical ninth-grade year.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1282 has generally been positive, with a recognition of the importance of supporting students at a crucial juncture in their education. Legislators from both sides of the aisle have expressed support for measures that aim to bolster educational success. However, there are concerns regarding the adequacy of funding and the effectiveness of the proposed strategies in genuinely improving student performance, which were points of discussion and potential contention among the committee members as the bill progressed.

Contention

A notable point of contention relates to the ongoing discussion about educational funding priorities and the effectiveness of grant programs in achieving desired educational outcomes. While many support the intentions behind the bill, questions have been raised about whether the proposed financial investment will lead to measurable improvements in student success. Critics argue that without a clear and comprehensive plan outlining how the funding will be utilized and assessed, the bill may not produce the intended results. Additionally, there are concerns surrounding the potential administrative burden on schools as they adjust to new reporting requirements.