Connecticut Senate Bill SB00332

Connecticut 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/13
• Refer: 1/23/13

Caption

An Act Establishing An Academically Gifted Advancement Program.

Impact

If enacted, this bill could significantly alter the educational trajectory for gifted students by allowing them to accelerate their education and enter college earlier. It aims to provide an academically enriching alternative that embraces the potential of high-achieving students. This advancement could lead to increased numbers of students pursuing higher education in critical fields, thereby potentially addressing skill shortages in STEM areas and fostering a more educated workforce in Connecticut.

Summary

SB00332, also known as the Act Establishing An Academically Gifted Advancement Program, seeks to provide academically-gifted students in eleventh grade with the opportunity to bypass their senior year of high school. The bill proposes that these students, upon passing a qualifying examination, would enroll directly in a state university within the Connecticut State University System or The University of Connecticut. This initiative is especially targeted towards students who exhibit strong interest and proficiency in subjects such as mathematics, science, and engineering, thereby aligning educational advancement with the students' academic abilities.

Contention

While the goal of the bill is to foster academic excellence, there may be points of contention regarding the age and maturity of students entering university-level courses at such a young age. Concerns could arise around the social and emotional readiness of these students for college life, as well as the potential impact on high school education standards. Some educators and parents might argue that the high school experience is critical for personal development and should not be skipped, which could lead to debates regarding the balance between academic acceleration and holistic student development.