2016 -- H 7449

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LC004303

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2016

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO EDUCATION -- DUAL ENROLLMENT EQUAL OPPORTUNITY ACT

     Introduced By: Representatives Roberts, Chippendale, and Price

     Date Introduced: February 03, 2016

     Referred To: House Health, Education & Welfare

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Sections 16-100-2 and 16-100-3 of the General Laws in Chapter 16-100

entitled "Dual Enrollment Equal Opportunity Act" are hereby amended to read as follows:

     16-100-2. Definition. -- "Dual Enrollment" means that a student is enrolled in a

secondary school or at-home instruction at the secondary level, while simultaneously enrolled

part-time or full-time at a local institution of higher learning, such as a community college or

university.

     16-100-3. Policy implemented. -- (a) The Board of Education shall prescribe by

regulation a statewide dual enrollment policy that shall allow students to enroll in courses at

postsecondary institutions to satisfy academic credit requirements in both high school, including

at-home instruction at the secondary level, and the aforementioned postsecondary institutions.

The regulations shall address the postsecondary institution's graduation requirements, if any; the

institution's ability to award degrees/certificates in Rhode Island; the minimum course grade to

receive credit at the student's secondary school or at-home instruction; and any other criteria that

the Board deems appropriate.

      (b) The board shall convene a workgroup, including, but not limited to, representatives

from the department of elementary and secondary education, the office of higher education,

superintendents, school committees, public higher education institutions, guidance counselors,

and teachers. The purpose of the workgroup is to consider and advise the board as to a dual

enrollment policy and its possible effect on school funding pursuant to section 16-7.2, academic

supports, transportation, possible shared costs of the education, possible fee schedules, manners

in which low-income students could access the program and, possible contracted tuition costs

with our public higher education institutions.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO EDUCATION -- DUAL ENROLLMENT EQUAL OPPORTUNITY ACT

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     This act would extend the benefits of the dual enrollment equal opportunity act to cover

students who participate in at-home instruction.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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