Including individuals who receive a high school equivalency (HSE) credential in performance-based payments for certain postsecondary educational institutions.
Impact
If enacted, SB84 will significantly impact funding for postsecondary institutions by creating a financial model that rewards not just the completion of vocational training but also the attainment of basic educational benchmarks such as GEDs. This aligns with broader educational goals to improve access to advanced training and workforce readiness. Moreover, it has provisions for scholarships to support students enrolled in career technical education programs, which could lead to increased enrollment and graduation rates in such programs across the state.
Summary
Senate Bill 84 aims to enhance the performance-based payment structure for eligible postsecondary educational institutions in Kansas by including metrics related to high school equivalency (HSE) credentials. Specifically, the bill outlines how institutions can certify the number of students who have obtained GEDs or HSE credentials as part of their educational programs. The legislation sets monetary incentives for institutions based on these certifications, thereby encouraging the development of programs that help students achieve their educational and vocational goals.
Conclusion
Overall, SB84 represents a significant step forward in aligning Kansas's postsecondary education funding with measurable outcomes related to student success. By incorporating HSE credentials into the criteria for performance-based payments, the bill aims to promote educational attainment and improve career readiness, although careful attention will be needed to address any potential disparities in implementation and funding.
Contention
Some potential points of contention surrounding SB84 may stem from discussions about equitable resource allocation among different educational programs and institutions. Critics may question whether such performance-based incentives adequately accommodate the diverse needs of students and the varying capacities of institutions to deliver career technical education. Additionally, there may be concerns regarding the sustainability of funding for these incentives, especially if linked to state appropriations that could vary annually.
Senate Substitute for HB 2060 by Committee on Education - Authorizing payments from the state safety fund to community colleges for the provision of driver's education, authorizing the provision of tools, supplies and examinations to AO-K career pathway program participants and including high school equivalency credentials in performance-based payments for postsecondary educational institutions.
Enacting the Kansas adult learner grant act to establish a grant program for adult learners to pursue certain fields of study, enacting the career technical education credential and transition incentive for employment success act to require school districts to pay for the cost of assessments for students to obtain an approved career technical education credential, designating military veterans and spouses or dependents of such veterans who were stationed in Kansas for at least 11 months as residents for purposes of tuition and fees at postsecondary educational institutions and expanding the eligible fields of study under the Kansas promise scholarship act.
Certain policy changes provision to postsecondary attainment goals, student financial aid, institutional licensure provisions, and institutional grant programs
Expanding the eligible fields of study and establishing a maximum scholarship amount for certain private postsecondary educational institutions in the Kansas promise scholarship act.
Senate Substitute for HB 2060 by Committee on Education - Authorizing payments from the state safety fund to community colleges for the provision of driver's education, authorizing the provision of tools, supplies and examinations to AO-K career pathway program participants and including high school equivalency credentials in performance-based payments for postsecondary educational institutions.