Westmoreland Review

Legislation aimed at enhancing dual enrollment programs in Pennsylvania schools has advanced through the House Education Committee with unanimous support. Co-sponsored by Representative Jill Cooper, House Bill 1258 seeks to amend current regulations that require students in dual enrollment programs to be excluded from their school's average daily membership (ADM). The ADM influences state funding for local school districts.

Cooper highlighted the negative impact of this requirement, stating, "Requiring students be removed from their school’s daily count creates a disincentive for school districts to have dual enrollment programs." She emphasized the need for innovation rather than hindrance.

Dual enrollment programs enable high school students to take college-level courses and earn credits while still attending high school. These courses can sometimes be taught by certified teachers within the high school setting.

House Bill 1258 proposes a two-year suspension of the rule that removes dually enrolled students from the ADM. During this period, the Department of Education would collect data to help establish a more permanent solution.

The issue was initially raised by administrators at Franklin Regional School District. Cooper expressed gratitude towards Superintendent Dr. Jamie Piraino for bringing it to her attention, noting that early college credit acquisition can significantly reduce student debt.

Representative Stephen Kinsey collaborated with Cooper on drafting the bill and co-chairs the Pennsylvania House Bipartisan “Meet Me in the Middle” Caucus alongside Reps. Patty Kim and Jamie Flick. Cooper described the proposal as bipartisan and necessary: "Fixing a problem like this transcends party lines."