Cook
State Rep. Tony Cook’s (R-Cicero) bill providing students with access to additional specialty courses and programs that their schools may not provide, could soon be law.
Cook said this policy would help balance the educational playing field for students by allowing them to take courses at a different school or through an online program, while remaining enrolled in their current school. The Indiana Department of Education would have the power to create a Course Access Program that will catalog specialty classes in subject areas and business or trade certification programs that students may enroll in.
“Students shouldn’t be denied the opportunity to experience quality and specialty classes because of their geographical setting or lack of teacher access,” Cook said. “I want to give students and their families more choices that would benefit students in pursuing their dreams and ambitions.”
According to Cook, small or rural schools, and those in urban areas, may lack the necessary resources to provide specialty classes or trade programs in high teacher demand areas. The Department of Education still has the authority to oversee courses and course providers, but students would be able to enroll in an approved class without needing authorization from their school corporation.
House Enrolled Act 1007 now moves to the governor’s desk for consideration as a new law.
State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero) represents House District 32, which includes all of Tipton County and portions of Hamilton, Madison, Delaware, Howard and Grant counties.