Summary

SB130 (Vermont Legislature or Open States) establishes statewide dual enrollment and early college programs. Thes bill amends the state’s high school completion program by allowing students to pursue pathways to graduation that include applied or work-based learning opportunities, including internships. It also calls for career exploration to no later than seventh grade for all students.  Online and blended learning technology programs can be used to provide the opportunities to students.

This legislation directs the Secretary to develop and guidance and support (best practices, models) for school districts to use in supporting students in grades 7-12.

Legislative Analysis

Personalized Learning
The Flexible Pathways Initiative intends to help give a student more freedom over his or her own education. It offers opportunities for secondary students to pursue flexible pathways to graduation through a personalized learning planning process that:

• identifies the student’s emerging abilities, aptitude, and disposition;
• includes participation by families and other engaged adults;
• guides decisions regarding course offerings and other high-quality educational experiences; and
• is documented by a personalized learning plan

This legislation increases the number of college courses students can take from one to two, and sets the stage for establishing early college programs — where students complete their senior of high school and their first year of college at the same time. The bill also makes “personalized learning plans” mandatory for all Vermont students, starting in kindergarten.   Online and blended learning models are allowed under the legislation.

Dual Enrollment
This legislation creates the dual enrollment program which is a potential component of a student’s flexible pathway. The program will include online courses and courses offered at a postsecondary institution and courses offered by a postsecondary institution on the campus of a secondary school. Participating colleges include University of Vermont, the Vermont State Colleges, and some private in-state colleges

An eligible student may enroll in up to two dual enrollment courses prior to completion of secondary school for which neither the student nor the student’s parent or guardian shall be required to pay tuition.

Legislative History

Detailed Vote History: Legiscan | Open States

Signed by Governor Peter Shumlin (D) on 6/6/2013