Federal Policy and Legislation

Recent Developments

Race to the Top has emerged as one of the most noteworthy developments in federal education policy in years. States are competing with each other for the largest education grant competition ever — based on their commitment to the U.S. Department of Education’s four priorities for comprehensive state education reform. Numerous states have included concurrent enrollment as part of their Race to the Top applications submitted in January 2009. The Department’s guide on the use of stimulus funds calls on states and Local Education Agencies to “increase student participation in rigorous advanced courses,” particularly “dual enrollment in postsecondary credit-bearing courses and provide professional development for teachers and counselors to make the expansion possible.” The Notice Inviting Applications published in the Federal Register in November highlights the importance of increasing rigor in low-achieving secondary schools undergoing school transformation, “by offering opportunities for students to enroll in advanced coursework” including dual enrollment programs.

As of the end of 2009, at least 9 bills have been introduced in the U.S. Senate or House of Representatives during the 111th Congress encouraging further development of concurrent enrollment programs.

The Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2009 passed the U.S. House of Representatives in September 2009, and is currently before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Student aid reform has been promoted by the Obama Administration as a source of funds to significantly increase the number of college graduates. The Act would increase funding for Pell Grants, establishes a College Access and Completion Innovation Fund, and creates the $630 million American Graduation Initiative (AGI) to fund community college innovation and reform. Competitive challenge grants from AGI would encourage community colleges “Building or enhancing linkages, including the development of dual enrollment programs and early college high schools.”

Other bills that have been introduced in the 111th Congress include the:

• Fast Track to College Act of 2009 [H.R. 1578 – Rep. Kildee and S. 627 – Sen. Kohl]
To authorize the Secretary of Education to make grants to support early college high schools and other dual enrollment programs.

• Secondary School Innovation Fund Act [H.R. 2239 – Reps. Loebsack and S. 968 – Sen. Reid]
To award competitive grants to eligible partnerships to enable the partnerships to implement innovative strategies at the secondary school level to improve student achievement and prepare at-risk students for postsecondary education and the workforce.

• Reengaging Americans in Serious Education by Uniting Programs Act [H.R. 3982 – Rep. Kildee and S. 1608 – Sen. Stabenow].
To prepare young people in disadvantaged situations for a competitive future.

• Graduation for All Act [H.R. 4122 – Rep. George Miller]
To support high-need middle and high schools in order to improve students’ academic achievement, graduation rates, postsecondary readiness, and preparation for citizenry.