HB 1076-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)

Finds that: (1) Many high school students who wish to earn college credits are unable to participate in the running start program because they live in areas that do not have local colleges; and some students who would like to earn college credits while in high school do not participate in running start because they do not want to leave their high school campus in order to do so.

(2) Some high schools are currently working with colleges to offer dual credit courses on high school campuses to serve those students. However, there is no established statewide program or funding provided, so rules governing these programs vary and high school students pay varying amounts to cover the colleges' costs of working with high schools to offer the classes.

Declares an intent to authorize the college in the high school pilot program to study its viability for expanding dual enrollment options for Washington state high school students.

Directs the superintendent of public instruction, the state board for community and technical colleges, and the higher education coordinating board to, in consultation with the institutions of higher education, and consistent with national standards, jointly develop and adopt rules governing the college in the high school pilot program. The rules shall allow for selection of up to six pilot sites where college in the high school program courses will be offered for three consecutive academic years beginning not later than the 2006-07 academic year. At least four of the pilot sites shall be in rural school districts where students have limited or no options for participation in the running start program.

Provides that, by December 1, 2009, the superintendent of public instruction, the state board for community and technical colleges, and the higher education coordinating board shall report to the legislature regarding the college in the high school pilot program.