
SB1717, sponsored by Steve Kaiser (R-2), would give incentive bonuses to teachers and district and charter schools for students who pass a qualifying dual enrollment course (which allows high school students to earn credit for college classes). Only about half of Arizona schools offer dual enrollment; low-income and rural students have the biggest access gaps. This makes the program just another kind of inequitable “results-based funding” — reinforcing the achievement gap in public schools instead of narrowing it. If lawmakers wish to truly support this program, they should dedicate resources up front to help families pay for dual enrollment and help districts recruit and hire certified teachers to teach courses. Scheduled for Senate Appropriations Committee, Thursday. OPPOSE.