Requires certain school districts to enter into dual enrollment agreements with one or more institutions of higher education.
Impact
The bill amends existing legislation regarding dual enrollment, changing the status from permissive to mandatory for school districts with high schools. By mandating these agreements, the bill aims to enhance educational opportunities and increase the academic rigor for students. This change is expected to align with state educational goals of improving college readiness and addressing the skills gap in the workforce by allowing students to obtain career certificates in various fields.
Summary
Assembly Bill A4301 requires certain high school districts in New Jersey to enter into dual enrollment agreements with public institutions of higher education. This legislation aims to facilitate higher educational access for high school students, allowing them to take college-level courses while still enrolled in high school. The initiative is anticipated to help prepare students for higher education by providing them with opportunities to earn college credits or career certificates.
Contention
Some points of contention surrounding A4301 may involve the implications of requiring mandatory dual enrollment agreements, particularly related to funding and resource allocation for schools. Concerns exist regarding whether all districts can adequately support dual enrollment programs given varying levels of funding and resources. Furthermore, there might be debates on ensuring equitable access to these programs for all students, especially considering socioeconomic factors that could affect participation rates.
Establishes "Dual Enrollment Grant Program" for NJ institutions of higher education to expand opportunities for students to earn college credits while in high school.
Establishes "New Jersey College Ready Students Program Act"; provides tuition-free dual enrollment opportunities at county college for certain high school students.
Establishes "New Jersey College Ready Students Program Act"; provides tuition-free dual enrollment opportunities at county college for certain high school students.
Establishes "New Jersey College Ready Students Program Act"; provides tuition-free dual enrollment opportunities at county college for certain high school students.
Establishes "New Jersey College Ready Students Program Act"; provides tuition-free dual enrollment opportunities at county college for certain high school students.
Revises Statewide transfer agreements for transfer of academic credit and reverse credit at participating institutions of higher education; establishes New Jersey Transfer Ombudsperson within Office of Secretary of Higher Education.
A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying provisions related to the sale of real property by school districts, charter school and open enrollment funding, and the participation in school activities by students enrolled in charter schools. (Formerly SSB 3157.) Effective date: 07/01/2024.