HB 15-1270 Summary

• Authorizes Colorado local education providers to operate Pathways in Technology Early College (P-TECH) schools, which allow students to graduate with a high school diploma and industry-recognized associate degree simultaneously.

• Requires joint approval from the Commissioner of Education and Executive Director of Higher Education; P-TECH schools must involve collaboration between a local education provider, community college, and one or more high-growth industry employers.

• P-TECH school applications must address curriculum design, student selection plans that encourage socioeconomic and racial diversity plus inclusion of first-generation college students and English language learners, and employer partnership roles including potential funding and workplace education experiences.

• Students enrolled in grades 9-12 in a P-TECH school count toward the school district's pupil enrollment for funding; students in grades 13-14 count as extended high school pupil enrollment and are eligible for College Opportunity Fund stipends.

• Repeals the article effective July 1, 2017, if the Commissioner of Education does not notify the Revisor of Statutes by January 1, 2017, that at least one P-TECH school application has been approved.