HB 2396 - DIGEST

Requires the student achievement council to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the running start program, and include in the analysis: (1) A review of the barriers that students face in participating in the program;

(2) Identification of best practices in making the program accessible and preparing students academically for the program; and

(3) The degree completion outcomes of students who participate in the program.

Requires participation plans to be developed to increase enrollment of underrepresented students in the running start program.

Requires school districts to meet with participating institutions of higher education located within their district and identify a plan for increasing enrollment of underrepresented students in the running start program.

Requires the office of the superintendent of public instruction to: (1) Provide guidelines to the appropriate committees of the legislature for improving outreach to students who have been underrepresented in the running start program and for collaboration among middle and high schools and participating institutions of higher education based on the plans reported by school districts and participating institutions of higher education; and

(2) Collect current demographic data from school districts related to student participation in the running start program.