The answer is, we are working to pass Senate Bill 497. When I was in school, things were a little different. But that is what is so great about our education system-it's constantly evolving, with new opportunities knocking at the door. Senate Bill 497, for example, would provide an Early Graduation Scholarship to students who graduate from high school before grade 12. Today's generation of students are not only going to college, but they are finding new ways to get there sooner. Senate Bill 497 helps them with that mission. It brings new opportunities for today's students that best suits their needs. To be eligible, students would have to reside in Indiana and attend a publicly-funded school full-time for two semesters before graduating from high school; meet at least the minimum graduation requirements by the State Board of Education (SBOE); and enroll in a postsecondary educational institution (2 or 4 year program) in Indiana. The scholarship amount would be equal to the amount that applies to the determination of state tuition support distributions in the calendar year in which the scholarship is awarded. The bill would require the Department of Education to transfer tuition support to State Student Assistance Commission of Indiana (SSACI) for Early Graduation Scholarship students that are accepted at a higher education institution. Scholarship recipients would be able to use the scholarship for tuition fees, books, supplies and equipment required for courses of instruction, and require that any unused balance of a scholarship shall be applied to educational costs in a subsequent school year. In order for students to graduate early from high school, the bill would require the SBOE to amend its rules to facilitate graduation from high school in less than seven semesters. In addition, SBOE would allow students to participate in early college, dual credit or duel enrollment programs during any grade of high school. Senate Bill 497 is sponsored in the House by the Chairman of the House Education Committee, Representative Bob Behning. As vice-chairman of the committee, I am a co-sponsor, along with several other House members-one of which is a Democrat. Senate Bill 497 is closely aligned with our goal to continue progress on ensuring that education dollars are funding students, not school buildings. But more importantly, this legislation gives students new options so they can choose a secondary and postsecondary educational path that best suits their needs. In addition, an accelerated graduation program may also help reduce dropout rates and increase college completion rates. The bill is scheduled for a hearing on the House floor on Monday-where it may be amended or changed-and will most likely be scheduled for a final vote later this week. |
