Earlier this week the House Education Committee approved House Bill 1146, which would ensure that the “Dropout Recovery Concurrent Enrollment Program” can continue to serve a small group of Colorado’s at-risk high school students. Some people had expressed concerns about the original fiscal note that showed the bill would raise the burden on taxpayers.

However, the legislation only makes another opportunity available to youths who otherwise would not have their educational needs served and could end up as a burden on society as high-school dropouts. We know that the traditional public school setting does not meet the needs of every child.

Under the amended version of HB 1146, per-pupil revenue (PPR) will follow students, allowing them to “complete their high school diploma while simultaneously earning credits toward an associate’s degree or certificate at their local community college.”

The “Dropout Recovery Concurrent Enrollment Program” allowed by HB 1146 will provide an option for students who for various reasons are at risk of dropping out of school or who have already dropped out. Since only PPR will be used to pay for the program, there will be no additional cost to the state. The furtherance of such an educational program is worthy of support.