Committee advances ‘‘Move On When Ready’’ bill modeled on Georgia program

Senate Bill 196, introduced by Senator Orr, received a favorable committee report after debate over implementation, student supports and potential effects on K–12 funding.

The bill would let eligible high school students — principally rising 11th- and 12th-graders — enroll in college coursework that counts toward both high school and college credit, a model the sponsor described as based on Georgia’s ‘‘Move On When Ready’’ program. Senator Orr and supporters said the initiative would allow students who are academically ready to begin college coursework earlier and could enable some students to graduate with both a high school diploma and two-year college credentials.

Committee members asked how students who need additional academic supports (for example, in English) would receive tutoring or other services if they left the traditional high school setting. Senator Orr said the bill grants broad rule-making authority to the State Board of Education and the chancellor to work out operational details and that the version presented to the committee was a streamlined, introductory measure.

Members also raised budget and school-choice questions, including whether the state’s choice act funding would follow students who enrolled in college coursework and whether that could reduce funds available to struggling K–12 schools. Senator Smith warned committee members that expanding choice funding could strain resources for failing schools and urged caution. Supporters pointed to potential parent and student savings on college costs and cited Kentucky and Georgia as examples where some students completed two-year degrees alongside their high school credentials.

After discussion about amendments and follow-up work with education stakeholders, the committee voted 16 ayes, 0 nays and gave SB196 a favorable report.