HB1617 Summary

• Expands postsecondary preparatory programs to eligible students in grades 8-11 who score below college readiness benchmarks in mathematics, English, or reading.

• Authorizes school districts, institutions of higher education, or partnerships between them to operate postsecondary preparatory programs under State Board of Education rules.

• Requires public schools to identify eligible students using college readiness assessments and provide counseling to encourage enrollment in preparatory programs.

• Mandates the Department of Education to collect and analyze data on program participation, student progress, placement test scores, and funding distribution, with annual reporting to legislative committees.

• Awards one elective unit of credit to students who successfully complete a postsecondary preparatory program, though this credit does not count toward graduation requirements; declares the act an emergency effective immediately.