House passes Berg bill to extend College in the High School credit to 9th graders
OLYMPIA –On February 23 the Washington House of Representatives passed legislation extending College in the High School eligibility to 9th-grade students.
House Bill 1302, sponsored by Rep. April Berg, D-Mill Creek, ensures that 9th graders who take advanced classes through the College in the High School program will receive college credit for their work. Currently, 9th-grade students can take the classes but do not receive college credit.
“Helping students graduate high school with college credits supports them in graduating college earlier and with less student debt,” said Berg. “Dual Credit programs like College in the High School are a cost-effective way to help students accomplish this goal.”
“Right now, 9th graders don’t get college credit for doing the same work as older students,” continued Berg. “Students should get the same credit for the same work. It is only fair and is a small step to help us address college affordability and student debt.”
In addition to College in the High School, Washington also offers other dual enrollment programs for high school students, including Running Start and CTE Dual Credit. House Bill 1302 will now head to the Senate for consideration.