AZ SB1621

Expands the college credit by examination incentive program to include a new dual enrollment component, allowing students to earn bonuses by completing qualifying dual enrollment courses with passing grades starting in fiscal year 2024-2025.

Establishes a $450 per student bonus for schools where 50% or more students are eligible for free or reduced-price lunches when students complete qualifying dual enrollment courses or pass qualifying examinations; $300 bonus for schools with less than 50% eligibility.

Requires community college district governing boards to maintain and annually submit to the Department of Education a list of qualifying dual enrollment courses in mathematics, English language arts, social studies, and science by September 1 each year.

Mandates that schools distribute at least 50% of incentive bonus money to teachers whose students pass qualifying exams or complete qualifying dual enrollment courses, with remaining funds available for professional development, student support, exam fee reimbursement, or instructional materials.

Appropriates $500,000 from the state general fund in fiscal year 2023-2024 to the Department of Education for the expanded dual enrollment and college credit by examination incentive program.