Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that authorizes the formation of charter schools and allows for early high school graduation upon the meeting of specified criteria.

Highlights:

-Authorizes charter schools in Kentucky, and states that they shall do the following (Sec. 3):

-Expand learning experiences for students who are identified as academically "low-achieving;" -Implement "high, rigorous standards" for pupil performance; -Provide parents and students with expanded choices in the types of education opportunities that are available within the public school system; and -Be allowed freedom and flexibility in exchange for "exceptional" levels of "results-driven" accountability.

-Specifies that local boards of education shall have the power to approve or deny applications to start a charter school, and that a new charter school may be approved by such a board for a period of 3 to 5 years and renewed for a period not to exceed 5 years (Sec. 6). -Allows public school students to graduate from high school early and qualify for an Early Graduation Scholarship Certificate for use in a Kentucky public 2 year community and technical college or a Kentucky 4 year institution that is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools if they meet the following requirements (Sec 13):

-Successfully complete 18 credits including specified courses; -Have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.2 on a 4-point scale; -Score on the ACT examination at or above benchmarks set by the Council on Postsecondary Education for mathematics and English; and -Complete at least 2 AP courses, 2 IB courses, or 1 AP course and 1 IB course.

Full Bill Text