Connecticut House Bill HB05405

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/17
• Refer: 1/11/17

Caption

An Act Concerning High School Graduation Credit For Courses Completed At Regional Community-technical Colleges.

Impact

The proposed changes in HB 5405 could significantly alter how high school students engage with vocational and technical education. By enabling credit recognition for courses taken at community colleges, the bill encourages students to pursue more diverse educational pathways beyond traditional academic routes. This is particularly significant in a state where workforce development in tech and trade sectors is increasingly critical. Schools that adopt this bill could produce graduates with meaningful skills that align better with job market demands, thus supporting economic growth within Connecticut.

Summary

House Bill 5405, introduced by Rep. Storms, proposes amendments to the existing educational statutes to allow local or regional boards of education in Connecticut to grant high school graduation credit for coursework completed at regional community-technical colleges. This initiative aims to recognize and incorporate trade, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education into high school graduation requirements. By allowing such credits, the bill seeks to create pathways for students to gain practical skills while still meeting their high school graduation obligations.

Contention

While the intent of HB 5405 is largely seen as positive by supporters who advocate for practical skills training, it may face some contention regarding the adequacy of resources and support systems for implementing this new path. Concerns could arise about the quality and accessibility of courses offered by regional community colleges. Moreover, debates may center around the importance of maintaining traditional core coursework in high schools versus the push for alternative paths that cater to specific job sectors. The broader implications for funding, teacher preparedness, and curriculum changes within high schools will likely be focal points of discussion as the bill progresses.