Beginning with the 2010-2011 school year, remedial courses will no longer be paid for with scholarship money from the Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program if legislation passedout of the House this week becomes law.
House Bill 3102, by Rep. Gary Banz, makes sure tax dollars are not used to pay for courses that do not count toward degree attainment.
"The remediation problem we have is real," said Banz, R-Midwest City. "I want as many Oklahoma children to receive this scholarship as possible, and that means investing state taxpayer dollars in courses that count toward a degree."
Students would still be allowed to take remedial courses, but they would not be able to use OHLAP money to pay for those classes.
"We are trying to find a common sense approach for the taxpayers who are footing the bill," said Banz. "I don't want to hinder children who are honestly trying to receive a college degree. But we have to balance that with a finite supply of money to pay for the program."
Banz urged local school districts to make a concerted effort to be proactive in their assistance for OHLAP students in preparing them for college so they don't need remedial classes.
Rep. Ray McCarter, D-Marlow, supported the bill because it encourages personal responsibility among students.
"I believe students will respond to the challenge of being prepared for college-level work, and will more fully appreciate what they earn when they invest in themselves," said McCarter, a former school teacher and administrator.
The bill passed the House this week and will now head to the Senate for consideration.
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