Bill > H4984

This bill, titled the "South Carolina Dual Enrollment Opportunity Act," establishes a comprehensive statewide policy for dual enrollment, which allows eligible high school students to take college-level courses that count towards both high school graduation and a postsecondary credential like a degree or certificate. The act defines various terms related to dual enrollment, including "industry-recognized credentials" (certifications valued by employers), "early college" and "middle college" (programs where students earn both high school and college credits), and different "tracks or pathways" for academic or career-focused learning. It mandates that by the 2029-2030 school year, all dual enrollment courses must be approved by the Education Oversight Committee, and by the 2027-2028 school year, state boards will implement a policy covering student eligibility (generally 11th and 12th graders, with exceptions for younger students in specific programs or with parental and administrative approval), course requirements, instructor qualifications, and grading standards, while prohibiting developmental, recreational, or mixed enrollment courses. The bill also requires higher education institutions to accept dual enrollment credit for universally transferable courses, participate in a national initiative to facilitate reverse transfer of credits for associate degrees, and enter into agreements with school districts detailing program information, course offerings, eligibility, student support, and funding. Furthermore, it mandates that dual enrollment courses be weighted equally to Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate courses for GPA calculations, ensures students have access to advising, tutoring, and disability services, and requires institutions to report annual data on dual enrollment programs. The bill also outlines audit procedures for compliance and mandates tuition-free dual enrollment opportunities for eligible students, covering books and fees, and repeals an existing section related to articulation agreements between school districts and public higher education institutions.

Education

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=4984&session=126&summary=B