Bill description: SB 1060 would allow high school students to graduate early or take a flexible schedule if they meet certain requirements established by the Idaho State Board of Education.
Rating: +1
Does it give government any new, additional, or expanded power to prohibit, restrict, or regulate activities in the free market? Conversely, does it eliminate or reduce government intervention in the market?
SB 1060 would allow students to do what they think is best for their situation. If a student and their parents believe that they are ready to finish high school and move on to college, career preparations, or otherwise engage in opportunities that they cannot without a high school diploma, SB 1060 would give them that flexibility.
If a student who is at least 16 years old has at least a 3.5 GPA, submits an application (including an essay), and has a college and career readiness score acceptable to the state Board of Education, they could move to a flexible schedule or early graduation. Both the flexible schedule and early graduation would give a student greater opportunities to work, prepare for a career, and otherwise maximize the use of their time.
(+1)
Does it directly or indirectly create or increase any taxes, fees, or other assessments? Conversely, does it eliminate or reduce any taxes, fees, or other assessments?
If a student graduates early under the provisions of SB 1060, they would be eligible to receive 65 percent of the funding that would otherwise have been spent on their high school education. For example, if the average amount of money spent each year on Idaho high school students is $5,500, a student who graduates before their senior year starts could take $3,575 with them to put toward further educational endeavors. The school district the student would have attended would receive the remaining 35 percent.
(+1)
Does it violate the principle of equal protection under the law? Examples include laws which discriminate or differentiate based on age, gender, or religion or which apply laws, regulations, rules, or penalties differently based on such characteristics. Conversely, does it restore or protect the principle of equal protection under the law?
SB 1060 would give preferential treatment to the corporations that operate the ACT and SAT, as they are the examinations the state would use to determine if a student is college-ready. By putting these tests specifically in statute, SB 1060 would give them a leg up over competing college entrance examinations.
(-1)
This analysis reflects the House and Senate amendments made to the legislation.
