Urging DOE to include dual, concurrent enrollment programs in analysis

WASHINGTON (CBS19 NEWS) — Several members of the U.S. Senate, including Mark Warner, want the U.S. Department of Education to expand a planned analysis of federal K-12 education spending.

According to a release, the senators want the analysis to include dual and concurrent enrollment programs and early college high schools.

In a letter, the senators urge the department to look at utilization, outcomes and best practices of college in high school programs that get funding from the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, which was reauthorized in 2015 by the Every Study Succeeds Act.

“As strong supporters of college in high school programs such as dual enrollment, concurrent enrollment and early college high school programs, we write to urge the U.S. Department of Education to examine how school districts are using federal funding opportunities created by the Every Student Succeeds Act to support increasing student access to high-quality programs that promote academic success,” wrote the senators in their letter. “ESSA recognizes the important roles that these college in high school programs can play in preparing students, particularly those from low-income and underrepresented backgrounds, for success in college and career. Through these programs, high school students gain exposure to the academic challenges of college, earning transcripts, transferable college credit often at reduced or no tuition cost.”