Bill to allow Academically Advanced Students to get a Jump Start on a College Passes Education Committee

Hartford, CT – State Senator Toni Boucher (R-Wilton) applauds the passage of her bill to allow academically advanced students to test out of 12th grade and move onto college early. Today, the Education Committee voted to unanimously pass the legislation out of committee and will now await a vote by the full General Assembly.

“The proposal is to have academically advanced 11th graders take a qualifying test or use current grades and PSAT/SAT/ACT and apply to waive their final year of high school. This would allow them to begin college early,” said Sen. Boucher.

Proposed Bill No. 397; AN ACT CONCERNING THE CREATION OF AN ACADEMICALLY ADVANCED PROGRAM would amend the law to create the program and provide students a vehicle to begin college early.

“Qualified students should also receive a full scholarship for tuition in a possible future enhancement to this program which puts a special emphasis on math, science and engineering,” added Sen. Boucher.

Boucher points to the need for highly skilled workers in Connecticut in the areas of science, technology, engineering and manufacturing also known as STEM. Data shows that from 2000 to 2010, STEM jobs grew three times faster than non-STEM jobs, and unemployment in the STEM fields are 4.4 percent lower. Responding to the needs of business, the administration’s plan intends to increase STEM graduates by 47 percent, turning out a workforce that is trained for real-world jobs.

“It would be wonderful to foster this learning pipeline early and allow our academically advanced students the opportunity to learn and live here in Connecticut,” said Sen. Boucher.