A sunset over the Denny Chimes on the campus of the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Alabama on Thursday June 20, 2024. The Alabama House Thursday overwhelmingly approved a bill requiring local boards of education to allow students to participate in dual enrollment programs. (Will McLelland for Alabama Reflector)
The Alabama House of Representatives Thursday passed a bill aimed at improving Alabama high school students’ access to college courses they can take for credit.
HB 102, sponsored by Rep. Jeana Ross, R-Guntersville, passed the chamber on a 102-0 vote. The legislation requires local boards of education to allow students to participate in dual enrollment programs offered by institutes of higher education.
Currently, the program is only available to students at K-12 schools that have partnerships with local community colleges, although Ross said she was not aware of any instances where students have been denied access to the dual credit program.
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“House Bill 102 would require dual enrollment classes to be available to eligible high school students through all education agencies,” Ross said.
In dual enrollment, students are enrolled in a course that is equivalent to college and will earn credit for having passed the class for both high school and college. It is separate from an Advanced Placement class where students can earn college credit if they receive a high-enough grade on an AP exam given near the end of the school year.
Ross’ bill does not require the high school to incorporate the course into its curriculum. It requires the student to meet with either a school counselor or career coach who “shall evaluate the dual enrollment courses selected by the student and shall determine the appropriateness of those courses based on the preferred college and career interests of the student.”
Students must also speak with staff of their preferred dual enrollment program. The school does not have to pay for the cost for offering the dual enrollment course.
The House Education Policy Committee approved the bill on Wednesday.
Several Democrats voiced support for the legislation.
“I just want to say that you came out of the shoot with a great bill,” said Rep. Barbara Drummond, D-Mobile as it was Ross’ first bill introduced on the House floor. “As I said to you in committee, this is a bill that I think Alabama has it right. And I think this bill is going to benefit every student that is qualified.”
The bill moves to the Senate.
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