Bill > H5056

This bill aims to expand access to college-level coursework and credentials for high school students in Massachusetts. The key provisions are: 1. Public colleges and universities must develop policies to grant college credit for advanced placement (AP) exam scores of 3 or higher, and report any exceptions or disparate impacts from requiring higher scores. The state Board of Higher Education will review these policies annually. 2. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), in consultation with the Department of Higher Education, will establish standards for approving and designating "college in high school" programs. These programs must offer a sequence of courses allowing students to earn a high school diploma and college credits, industry-recognized credentials, or participate in apprenticeships. The bill also requires annual reporting on performance measures for these college in high school programs, sets statewide goals for college degree and credential attainment, and creates a public dashboard to track program outcomes. The goal is to improve college and career readiness, especially for underserved student populations.

Budget and Finance

Committee on Education (J), House Committee on Ways and Means (H)

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H5056