Students and advocates warn proposed dual‑credit checks could create barriers; staff offers notification and appeal

Several witnesses at the March 23 hearing urged caution about proposed changes to the way districts review and accept college courses (PSEO/dual credit) for high‑school graduation credit.

Student and community witnesses said existing district resistance to PSEO limits access for students who rely on college courses for advanced instruction. One student warned that giving districts authority to deny credit after a student completes a course could "take away a child's education," while advocates urged better clarity and support to avoid geographic or socioeconomic disparities.

Committee staff described the draft language as attempting to bring consistency to an inconsistent practice: if a district determines a course will not meet graduation requirements, the district must notify the student within 15 days of receiving materials and the family would have an appeal to the commissioner, staff said. Stakeholders requested a broader review, including data on current denials, and asked for a task force or legislative auditor review of dual‑credit processes to avoid creating new barriers.

No final action was taken; the committee asked staff to provide data on how frequently districts have denied credit after course completion and to work with stakeholders on amendment language before Wednesday’s markup.