S257 - 2026 Appropriations Act. (SL 2026-41)

If local boards provide advanced learning opportunities in grades three through five, then the local boards must provide the advanced learning opportunity in the next school year to students who score at the highest level on an end-of-grade (EOG) test. If advanced courses are offered in grades six and higher, then local boards must enroll students who score at the highest level on an EOG or end-of-course (EOC) test in an advanced course the next school year.

A school cannot remove a qualifying student from an advanced learning opportunity or course unless the qualifying student's parent or guardian provides written consent for the removal.

The Department of Public Instruction must annually report to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee on the number, demographics, and socioeconomic status of students who were eligible for advanced courses, including information on the eligible students who were placed or not placed in the advanced courses.  

This section became effective July 7, 2026, and applies beginning with the 2027-2028 school year.