Provides for participation in a dual enrollment program at postsecondary education institutions by certain high school students enrolled in BESE-approved programs (EG +$2,600,000 GF EX See Note)
Impact
One of the significant impacts of HB740 is the removal of restrictions that previously barred the use of state funds for students from nonpublic high schools or home study programs. This means that eligible students from various educational backgrounds can now have their tuition covered when participating in dual enrollment programs, ensuring more equitable access to higher education resources for all students in Louisiana. The requirement that participating students be residents of Louisiana also reinforces state investment in its educational system.
Summary
House Bill 740, introduced by Representative LeBas, seeks to expand participation in dual enrollment programs for high school students in Louisiana. The bill amends existing statutes to allow students enrolled in any Louisiana educational program approved by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) to participate in these programs. This change opens opportunities for more students to earn college credits while still in high school and thereby aims to enhance their educational trajectories.
Sentiment
While HB740 received overwhelming support during voting, sentiment from educational stakeholders varies. Proponents advocate that the bill provides essential opportunities for high school students to engage in postsecondary education and gain advanced knowledge that could ease their transition to college. Critics, although limited in expression, may voice concerns regarding the adequacy of funding or the management of additional participants within existing program structures.
Contention
Notably, there were no significant points of contentious debate recorded during the legislation process, as the bill passed unanimously. However, the implications regarding how well the expanded funding and access would translate into practical educational support for students remain an area for future monitoring and evaluation, ensuring that the increased participation leads to positive educational outcomes.
Provides for participation in a dual enrollment program at postsecondary education institutions by certain high school students enrolled in programs approved by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education
Provides relative to reimbursement to public postsecondary education institutions for dual enrollment programs and remedial education courses (OR SEE FISC NOTE LF EX)
Terminates approval of home study programs by the State Board. of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE), provides for the enrollment of students in homeschools, and provides for one-time notification to BESE upon such enrollment (EG INCREASE GF EX See Note)
Requests that the State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education, in consultation with the Bd. of Regents, study the feasibility and costs of using state funds to pay for students in approved home study programs to participate in certain dual enrollment programs