New Hampshire Senate Bill SB421

New Hampshire 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/30/21
• Refer: 12/30/21
• Report Pass: 2/15/22
• Report Pass: 3/29/22
• Engrossed: 4/1/22
• Refer: 4/1/22
• Report Pass: 4/27/22
• Enrolled: 6/7/22
• Chaptered: 6/22/22
• Passed: 6/22/22

Caption

Relative to dual and concurrent enrollment for career and technical education center students.

Impact

The bill amends the state's education laws to strengthen the role of the Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH) in overseeing dual enrollment programs. By requiring school boards and governing bodies of non-public schools to adopt official policies for student participation, SB421 reinforces the importance of compliance with educational standards and quality assurance measures. This could lead to improved educational outcomes for students while ensuring that these programs meet rigorous accreditation standards.

Summary

Senate Bill 421 aims to enhance the dual and concurrent enrollment opportunities for high school students in New Hampshire by clarifying payment structures and participation policies. Specifically, the bill establishes a tuition rate of $150 per concurrent enrollment course and sets the dual enrollment tuition at half the regular cost. This financial clarity is intended to facilitate greater access to these educational programs for students in grades 10 through 12, particularly those in technical education centers and non-public schools.

Contention

While the bill is largely viewed as a positive step towards expanding educational access, there may be concerns regarding the implementation of the participation policies. Opponents may argue that the increased regulatory oversight could limit flexibility for local districts, especially in smaller or rural school systems. Additionally, ensuring that all participants meet the standards laid out by CCSNH may pose challenges for schools that previously operated with more autonomy in their dual enrollment offerings. The balance between enhancing access and maintaining quality will be a crucial point of discussion as the bill moves forward.