HB3296 Summary

• School districts enrolling students in grades 6-12 must adopt a postsecondary and career expectations framework aligned to a state model by July 1, 2025 (or July 1, 2024 for certain districts), with the framework posted prominently on their website.

• Districts with grades 9-12 must implement College and Career Pathway Endorsements on a phased schedule: at least 1 endorsement area by 2027, at least 2 by 2029, and at least 3 by 2031 for districts with enrollment over 350 students (or elect to opt out).

• School boards may opt out of implementation requirements by adopting findings that consider current college/career readiness systems, implementation costs, business and higher education partnerships, teacher availability, and access to work experiences through a state database.

• School districts must report their implementation decisions to the State Board of Education, with the option to reverse opt-out decisions at any time.

• The State Board of Education must maintain a database of employer champions for work-based learning and an inventory of resources to support districts in implementing College and Career Pathway Endorsements.