Virginia 2024 Regular Session

Virginia Senate Bill SB627

Introduced
1/10/24  
Refer
1/10/24  
Report Pass
2/8/24  
Report Pass
2/12/24  
Engrossed
2/13/24  
Refer
2/16/24  
Report Pass
2/19/24  
Engrossed
2/22/24  
Engrossed
3/8/24  
Engrossed
3/9/24  
Enrolled
3/25/24  
Chaptered
4/8/24  

Caption

College and Career Ready Virginia Program and Fund; established and created.

Impact

The passage of SB627 will amend various sections of the Virginia Code related to education, creating a systematic approach to dual enrollment that includes a career and technical education work group. This work group will develop pathways between high school and community college programs to align curricula with workforce needs. The bill underscores a commitment to providing equitable access to education and training, particularly for underrepresented groups, thereby contributing to workforce readiness in the state.

Summary

SB627, known as the College and Career Ready Virginia Program, is aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for high school students in Virginia through dual enrollment in postsecondary courses. The bill establishes a fund dedicated to supporting this initiative, allowing qualified high school students to earn college credit at no cost. By formalizing the structure for dual enrollment programs, it aims to facilitate a seamless transition from high school to college, ultimately reducing time and costs associated with earning a postsecondary credential.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB627 appears to be generally positive, particularly among educators and policymakers who advocate for increased access to higher education. Supporters argue that the program will enhance the skills and readiness of students, aligning educational outcomes with economic demands. However, concerns have been raised about the efficacy of implementation, funding sustainability, and whether all local schools will have the resources necessary to fully participate in the program.

Contention

While SB627 is largely supported, there are points of contention regarding the financial implications for local school divisions and the expected outcomes of the programs. Critics are particularly concerned about ensuring that the quality of education is maintained across various school divisions and that the transition to postsecondary courses does not disadvantage students in struggling districts. The effectiveness of the proposed career education pathways and whether they will adequately meet the demands of the current job market remains a topic of ongoing discussion.

Companion Bills

VA HB1087

Similar To College and Career Ready Virginia Program and Fund; established and created.

Previously Filed As

VA HB1823

College and Career Readiness for English Language Learners Grant Program and Fund; established.

VA SB1109

College and Career Readiness for English Language Learners Grant Program and Fund; established.

VA HB1887

Local school boards and comprehensive community colleges; compensation structure for instructors.

VA HB1644

Public high schools; college and career specialist required.

VA SB1461

Virginia College Opportunity Endowment and Fund; established.

VA HB271

School bds. & comprehensive community colleges, local; compensation structure for adjunct professor.

VA SB819

Public schools; Standards of Quality, early intervention services for reading and mathematics.

VA HB2195

Workforce development; consolidation of policies and programs, etc.

VA SB1470

Workforce development; consolidation of policies and programs, etc.

VA SB1102

Middle & high schools; DOE to evaluate options for implementing hazing prevention training program.

Similar Bills

VA HB1087

College and Career Ready Virginia Program and Fund; established and created.

VA HB2455

High school students; postsecondary opportunities, transferable meta-major associate degrees.

VA SB563

Regional career and technical education program; establishing in Planning District 2.

VA HB1051

Public education; dual enrollment and concurrent enrollment, high school graduation.

VA HB1051

Public education; dual enrollment and concurrent enrollment, high school graduation.

VA SB563

Regional career and technical education program; establishing in Planning District 2.

VA HB83

Comprehensive community colleges and school boards; dual enrollment agreements, parameters.

VA HB2338

Public education; changes relating to graduation from a public high school, etc.