Senate Bill 591 aims to enhance dual enrollment programs in Wisconsin by establishing the Council on Dual Enrollment within the Department of Workforce Development (DWD). This council will consist of various appointed members from educational institutions and organizations, tasked with studying and recommending methods to improve access to dual enrollment opportunities for high school students. The bill also mandates DWD to create a dedicated online portal to provide information about dual enrollment programs, including application processes and available courses, and to produce printed materials for students and families.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing dual enrollment programs, such as the Early College Credit Program (ECCP) and Start College Now Program (SCNP), by allowing 9th and 10th graders to participate, extending deadlines for notifying schools about course enrollment, and permitting summer session courses under SCNP. It also requires the Board of Regents to ensure that postsecondary credits earned through these programs are transferable among institutions, with specific agreements established for core general education courses. Notably, the bill includes provisions for the transfer of credits earned by high school students, ensuring that these credits satisfy general education requirements at receiving institutions.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 36.11(3)(cm)5, 36.11, 36.31(2m)(b), 36.31, 36.31(2m)(c), 36.65(3), 36.65, 38.12(14)(a)1, 38.12, 38.12(14)(a)3, 38.12(14)(c), 38.12(14)(d)