The original instrument was prepared by Cheryl M. Serrett. The following digest,
which does not constitute a part of the legislative instrument, was prepared by
Benjamin A. Huxen, II.
DIGEST
SB 209 Reengrossed 2017 Regular Session Walsworth
Present law provides for the articulation and transfer of credit between and among public secondary
and postsecondary institutions.
Present law requires the Board of Regents (BoR) and the State Board of Elementary and Secondary
Education (BESE) to enter into a statewide articulation agreement to govern the articulation and
transfer of credit between and among the state's public secondary and postsecondary educational
institutions and defines the minimum expectations contained in the agreements. Additionally
requires the Board of Regents to annually report to the house and senate education committees.
Proposed law retains present law.
Proposed law requires the public postsecondary education management boards, BESE, BoR, and
local education agencies (LEAs) to collaborate and coordinate efforts to provide dual-enrollment
courses. Provides that such courses may include:
(1)Postsecondary education courses that lead to credits that will apply toward an associate's or
bachelor's degree.
(2)Remedial and developmental courses to assist students in acquiring skills necessary to
successfully complete entry-level college English or mathematics courses.
(3)Career and technical courses aligned with the career major diploma.
Proposed law requires the Board of Regents, each public postsecondary management board, and each
postsecondary institution, as appropriate, to:
(1) Approve academic requirements for dual-enrollment courses.
(2) Annually establish and publish maximum tuition costs which may be charged to a LEA for
dual-enrollment courses. Prohibits postsecondary institutions from charging tuition costs to
a LEA for dual-enrollment courses taught by an employee of the LEA, but allows an
institution to charge for required textbooks, course materials, costs associated with applying
course credit to a postsecondary transcript, and costs associated with instructor training.
Further prohibits institutions from charging an LEA more for a dual-enrollment course than
it charges for a similar postsecondary course.
(3)Require each postsecondary institution serving as a course choice provider to annually provide to the state Department of Education a list of dual-enrollment courses offered,
including prerequisites, course delivery method, and location where the course will be
offered.
Proposed law requires BESE to direct each LEA to establish a process to:
(1)Identify high school students who are academically prepared for college coursework and
identify high school students who are not on track to be college ready.
(2)Notify each identified student of the availability of dual-enrollment courses through the
Individual Graduation Plan development process.
(3)Provide access to such dual-enrollment courses at no cost to the student. Prohibits an LEA
from paying any costs on behalf of a student awarded state or federal financial assistance that
funds dual-enrollment courses.
Proposed law directs BESE to require the state Department of Education to assist LEAs to identify
state and federal funds that can be used to supplement local funds to support student participation
in dual-enrollment courses.
Proposed law requires the BoR to ensure consistency of content and rigor across all courses,
including dual-enrollment courses, for which postsecondary credit is awarded. Additionally requires
BoR to include the following dual-enrollment information in its annual articulation and transfer
report to the senate and house education committees:
(1)The number and percentage of high school students enrolling in dual-enrollment courses.
(2)The number and percentage of high school students who pass dual-enrollment courses,
including data by student subgroups.
(3)The number of postsecondary credits earned through dual enrollment.
(4)The number and percentage of high school students who take and pass CLEP examinations.
(5)Postsecondary degree attainment for students who did and did not participate in dual-
enrollment courses.
(6)The amount charged to LEAs for dual-enrollment courses.
(7)The estimated savings to the state and students attributable to dual-enrollment courses.
Requires BESE to assist the Board of Regents in reporting this information.
Proposed law deletes obsolete provisions in present law relative to dual enrollment and articulation
and transfer. Proposed law permits a local education agency to independently and directly enter into an agreement
with a regionally accredited nonpublic postsecondary institution for the provision of dual-enrollment
courses.
Proposed law shall become effective only if the legislature provides an appropriation for such
purposes.
Effective upon signature of the governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Adds R.S. 17:3165.3 and 3168(7); repeals R.S. 17:187.1-187.5, R.S. 17:2929 and 3137)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Education to the original bill
1. Requires Bd. of Regents and postsecondary boards and institutions to "approve"
instead of "establish" academic eligibility requirements for dual-enrollment courses.
2. Allows postsecondary institutions to charge LEAs for costs associated applying dual-
enrollment credits to postsecondary transcripts and costs for instructor training, in
addition to charging for textbooks and course materials.
3. Revises the list of required information to be provided by postsecondary institutions
with regard to dual-enrollment courses.
4. Prohibits LEAs from paying costs on behalf of a student receiving state or federal
financial aid that funds dual-enrollment costs.
5. Requires BESE to assist the Bd. of Regents in reporting required information.
Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Finance to the engrossed bill
1. Allows a local education agency to independently and directly enter into an
agreement with a regionally accredited nonpublic postsecondary institution for the
provision of dual-enrollment courses.
2. Provides that the provisions of the proposed law shall become effective only if the
legislature provides an appropriation for such purposes.