HI HR148

Urges the Department of Education to expand dual credit programs that allow high school students to earn college credits or an associate's degree before graduating high school.

Requests the Department of Education to submit annual reports on dual credit program expansion to the Legislature no later than 20 days prior to each Regular Session beginning in 2020, with reports to be made available on the department's website.

Emphasizes the need for special attention to expanding dual credit programs for rural schools by leveraging technological advances to overcome distance barriers to participating colleges.

Cites research from the What Works Clearing House of the United States Department of Education showing dual enrollment programs have positive effects on degree attainment, college access and enrollment, credit accumulation, high school completion, and academic achievement.

Requires certified copies of the resolution to be transmitted to the Superintendent of the Department of Education, Board of Education Chairperson, Hawaii P-20, Jobs For the Future, and other educational providers.