AB 2056: Cal Grant Program: graduation verification.
- Session Year: 2015-2016
- House: Assembly
- Latest Version Date: 2016-09-14
The Cal Grant Program establishes the Cal Grant A and B Entitlement awards, the California Community College Transfer Entitlement awards, the Competitive Cal Grant A and B awards, the Cal Grant C award, and the Cal Grant T award under the administration of the Student Aid Commission, and establishes eligibility requirements for awards under these programs for participating students attending qualifying institutions. As part of these eligibility requirements, existing law authorizes the commission to require the verification of high school graduation or its equivalent to be electronically submitted to the commission for all former grade 12 pupils who graduated from public schools, including charter schools, in the prior academic year, except for pupils who have opted out, as specified. Existing law states the intent of the Legislature that high schools or high school districts verify the graduation of their pupils in time to meet specified deadlines.
This bill would require the commission, if it requires the verification of high school graduation or its equivalent, to provide guidance to high schools or high school districts to ensure that high schools and high school districts verify the graduation of their pupils as soon as possible upon a pupils graduation and no later than August 31 of the academic year following the pupils graduation, as specified.
The Cal Grant Program establishes the Cal Grant A and B Entitlement awards, the California Community College Transfer Entitlement awards, the Competitive Cal Grant A and B awards, the Cal Grant C award, and the Cal Grant T award under the administration of the Student Aid Commission, and establishes eligibility requirements for awards under these programs for participating students attending qualifying institutions. As part of these eligibility requirements, existing law authorizes the commission to require the verification of high school graduation or its equivalent to be electronically submitted to the commission for all former grade 12 pupils who graduated from public schools, including charter schools, in the prior academic year, except for pupils who have opted out, as specified. Existing law states the intent of the Legislature that high schools or high school districts verify the graduation of their pupils in time to meet specified deadlines.
This bill would require the commission, if it requires the verification of high school graduation or its equivalent, to provide guidance to high schools or high school districts to ensure that high schools and high school districts verify the graduation of their pupils as soon as possible upon a pupils graduation and no later than August 31 of the academic year following the pupils graduation, as specified.
The Cal Grant Program establishes the Cal Grant A and B Entitlement awards, the California Community College Transfer Entitlement awards, the Competitive Cal Grant A and B awards, the Cal Grant C award, and the Cal Grant T award under the administration of the Student Aid Commission, and establishes eligibility requirements for awards under these programs for participating students attending qualifying institutions. As part of these eligibility requirements, existing law authorizes the commission to require the verification of high school graduation or its equivalent to be electronically submitted to the commission for all former grade 12 pupils who graduated from public schools, including charter schools, in the prior academic year, except for pupils who have opted out, as specified. Existing law states the intent of the Legislature that high schools or high school districts verify the graduation of their pupils in time to meet specified deadlines.
This bill would require the commission, if it requires the verification of high school graduation or its equivalent to be electronically submitted, as specified, to allow a school district to submit the verification as many times as necessary to ensure that each pupils graduation information is transmitted and received and to require that high schools or high school districts verify the graduation of their pupils no later than October 1 of the academic year immediately following the pupils graduation. equivalent, to provide guidance to high schools or high school districts to ensure that high schools and high school districts verify the graduation of their pupils as soon as possible upon a pupils graduation and no later than August 31 of the academic year following the pupils graduation, as specified.
The Cal Grant Program establishes the Cal Grant A and B Entitlement awards, the California Community College Transfer Entitlement awards, the Competitive Cal Grant A and B awards, the Cal Grant C award, and the Cal Grant T award under the administration of the Student Aid Commission, and establishes eligibility requirements for awards under these programs for participating students attending qualifying institutions. As part of these eligibility requirements, existing law authorizes the commission to require the verification of high school graduation or its equivalent to be electronically submitted to the commission for all former grade 12 pupils who graduated from public schools, including charter schools, in the prior academic year, except for pupils who have opted out, as specified. Existing law states the intent of the Legislature that high schools or high school districts verify the graduation of their pupils in time to meet specified deadlines.
This bill would require the commission, if it requires the verification of high school graduation or its equivalent to be electronically submitted, as specified, to allow a school district to submit the verification as many times as necessary to ensure that each pupils graduation information is transmitted and received. received and to require that high schools or high school districts verify the graduation of their pupils no later than October 1 of the academic year immediately following the pupils graduation.
The Cal Grant Program establishes the Cal Grant A and B Entitlement awards, the California Community College Transfer Entitlement awards, the Competitive Cal Grant A and B awards, the Cal Grant C award, and the Cal Grant T award under the administration of the Student Aid Commission, and establishes eligibility requirements for awards under these programs for participating students attending qualifying institutions. As part of these eligibility requirements, existing law authorizes the commission to require the verification of high school graduation or its equivalent to be electronically submitted to the commission for all former grade 12 pupils who graduated from public schools, including charter schools, in the prior academic year, except for pupils who have opted out, as specified.
This bill would require the commission, if it requires the verification of high school graduation or its equivalent to be electronically submitted, as specified, to allow a school district to submit the verification as many times as necessary to ensure each pupils graduation information is transmitted and received.
(a)The commission may require verification of high school graduation or its equivalent to be electronically submitted for all former grade 12 pupils who graduated from public schools, including charter schools, in the prior academic year, except for pupils who have opted out as provided in subdivision (d) of Section 69432.9.
(b)If the commission requires verification of high school graduation or its equivalent pursuant to subdivision (a), the commission shall provide guidance to high schools or high school districts to ensure that high schools and high school districts verify the graduation of their pupils as soon as possible upon a pupils graduation and no later than August 31 of the academic year following the pupils graduation. This subdivision also applies to pupils who graduate during the summer following the grade 12 academic year.
(a)The commission may require verification of high school graduation or its equivalent to be electronically submitted for all former grade 12 pupils who graduated from public schools, including charter schools, in the prior academic year, except for pupils who have opted out as provided in subdivision (d) of Section 69432.9.
(b)If the commission requires verification of high school graduation or its equivalent pursuant to subdivision (a), the commission shall provide guidance to high schools or high school districts to ensure that high schools and high school districts verify the graduation of their pupils as soon as possible upon a pupils graduation and no later than August 31 of the academic year following the pupils graduation. This subdivision also applies to pupils who graduate during the summer following the grade 12 academic year.
(a)The commission may require verification of high school graduation or its equivalent to be electronically submitted for all former grade 12 pupils who graduated from public schools, including charter schools, in the prior academic year, except for pupils who have opted out as provided in subdivision (d) of Section 69432.9.
(b)If the commission requires verification of high school graduation or its equivalent pursuant to paragraph (1), then both of the following shall occur:
(1)The commission shall allow a school district to submit the verification as many times as necessary to ensure that each pupils graduation information is transmitted and received.
(2)High schools or high school districts shall verify the graduation of their pupils no later than October 1 of the academic year immediately following the pupils graduation.
(b)If the commission requires verification of high school graduation or its equivalent pursuant to subdivision (a), the commission shall provide guidance to high schools or high school districts to ensure that high schools and high school districts verify the graduation of their pupils as soon as possible upon a pupils graduation and no later than August 31 of the academic year following the pupils graduation. This subdivision also applies to pupils who graduate during the summer following the grade 12 academic year.
(a)(1)The commission may require verification of high school graduation or its equivalent to be electronically submitted for all former grade 12 pupils who graduated from public schools, including charter schools, in the prior academic year, except for pupils who have opted out as provided in subdivision (d) of Section 69432.9.
(2)If the commission requires verification of high school graduation or its equivalent pursuant to paragraph (1), the commission shall allow a school district to submit the verification as many times as necessary to ensure each pupils graduation information is transmitted and received.
(b)It is the intent of the Legislature that high schools or high school districts verify the graduation of their pupils in time to meet the deadlines imposed by subdivision (e) of Section 69433.9.
(b)If the commission requires verification of high school graduation or its equivalent pursuant to paragraph (1), then both of the following shall occur:
(1)The commission shall allow a school district to submit the verification as many times as necessary to ensure that each pupils graduation information is transmitted and received.
(2)High schools or high school districts shall verify the graduation of their pupils no later than October 1 of the academic year immediately following the pupils graduation.
(a)(1)The commission may require verification of high school graduation or its equivalent to be electronically submitted for all former grade 12 pupils who graduated from public schools, including charter schools, in the prior academic year, except for pupils who have opted out as provided in subdivision (d) of Section 69432.9.
(2)If the commission requires verification of high school graduation or its equivalent pursuant to paragraph (1), the commission shall allow a school district to submit the verification as many times as necessary to ensure each pupils graduation information is transmitted and received.
(b)It is the intent of the Legislature that high schools or high school districts verify the graduation of their pupils in time to meet the deadlines imposed by subdivision (e) of Section 69433.9.
|
Date
|
Status
|
|---|---|
| May 19, 2016 | Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. (Ayes 76. Noes 0. Page 4870.) |
| Sep 14, 2016 | Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 351, Statutes of 2016. |
| Sep 14, 2016 | Approved by the Governor. |
| Aug 30, 2016 | Enrolled and presented to the Governor at 4 p.m. |
| Aug 23, 2016 | In Assembly. Ordered to Engrossing and Enrolling. |
| Aug 22, 2016 | Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Assembly. (Ayes 39. Noes 0. Page 5244.). |
| Aug 22, 2016 | Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Assembly. |
| Aug 15, 2016 | Read second time. Ordered to third reading. |
| Aug 11, 2016 | From committee: Do pass. (Ayes 7. Noes 0.) (August 11). |
| Aug 1, 2016 | In committee: Referred to APPR. suspense file. |
| Jun 15, 2016 | From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 9. Noes 0.) (June 15). Re-referred to Com. on APPR. |
| May 26, 2016 | Referred to Com. on ED. |
| May 19, 2016 | Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. (Ayes 76. Noes 0.) |
| Feb 17, 2016 | Read first time. To print. |
| May 19, 2016 | Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. |
| May 19, 2016 | In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. |
| May 12, 2016 | Read second time. Ordered to Consent Calendar. |
| May 11, 2016 | From committee: Do pass. To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 20. Noes 0.) (May 11). |
| Apr 25, 2016 | Re-referred to Com. on APPR. |
| Apr 21, 2016 | Read second time and amended. |
| Apr 20, 2016 | From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 13. Noes 0.) (April 19). |
| Apr 12, 2016 | In committee: Set, first hearing. Hearing canceled at the request of author. |
| Mar 29, 2016 | Re-referred to Com. on HIGHER ED. |
| Mar 28, 2016 | From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on HIGHER ED. Read second time and amended. |
| Feb 29, 2016 | Referred to Com. on HIGHER ED. |
| Feb 18, 2016 | From printer. May be heard in committee March 19. |
|
Date
|
Description
|
Location
|
Votes
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 22, 2016 | Assembly 3rd Reading AB2056 Eduardo Garcia By Lara | Senate Floor |
Passed |
|
| Aug 11, 2016 | Do pass | Senate Standing Committee on Appropriations |
Passed |
|
| Aug 1, 2016 | Placed on suspense file | Senate Standing Committee on Appropriations |
Passed |
|
| Jun 15, 2016 | Do pass, but first be re-referred to the Committee on [Appropriations] with the recommendation: To Consent Calendar | Senate Standing Committee on Education |
Passed |
|
| May 19, 2016 | AB 2056 GARCIA, E. Consent Calendar Second Day Regular Session | Assembly Floor |
Passed |
|
| May 11, 2016 | Do pass. To Consent Calendar. | Assembly Standing Committee on Appropriations |
Passed |
|
| Apr 19, 2016 | Do pass as amended and be re-referred to the Committee on [Appropriations] | Assembly Standing Committee on Higher Education |
Passed |
This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.
Positions by individuals are not included.
|
Organization
|
Position
|
Date
|
|---|---|---|
| Association Of California School Administrators | ** Support | Aug 22, 2016 |
| California Community Colleges Chancellors Office, | ** Support | Aug 22, 2016 |
| California Student Aid Commission | ** Support | Aug 22, 2016 |
| u None received. | ** Against | Aug 22, 2016 |
Office of Senate Floor Analyses (916) 651-1520 Fax: (916) 327-4478 | AB |
THIRD READING
Bill No: AB 2056
:
SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE: 9-0, 6/15/16
AYES: Liu, Block, Hancock, Huff, Leyva, Mendoza, Monning, Pan, Vidak
SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: 7-0, 8/11/16
AYES: Lara, Bates, Beall, Hill, McGuire, Mendoza, Nielsen
ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 76-0, 5/19/16 (Consent) - See last page for vote
DIGEST: This bill requires the California Student Aid Commission (Commission), if it requires the verification of high school graduation to be submitted electronically—as permitted under current law, for purposes of meeting the eligibility requirements for a Cal Grant award, to provide guidance to school districts so the verification of graduation is submitted as soon as possible but no later than August 31st, as specified.
Existing law:
- Authorizes the Cal Grant program, administered by the Commission, to provide grants to financially needy students to attend a college or university. The Cal Grant programs include both the entitlement and the competitive Cal Grant awards. The program consists of the Cal Grant A, Cal Grant B, and Cal Grant C programs, and eligibility is based upon financial need, grade point average (GPA), California residency and other criteria. (Education Code § 69430-69433)
- Prohibits school districts from permitting access to student records without written parental consent but makes some exceptions, as specified. School districts may release information from student records to agencies or organizations in connection with the application of a pupil for, or receipt of, financial aid. However, information permitting the personal identification of a pupil or his or her parents, may be disclosed only as necessary for the purpose to determine the eligibility of the pupil for financial aid, to determine the amount of the financial aid, to determine the conditions that will be imposed regarding the financial aid, or to enforce the terms or conditions of the financial aid. (EC § 49076)
- Authorizes the Commission to require that GPAs be submitted electronically for all high school seniors attending public schools unless the student or parent opts out. (EC § 69432.9)
- Authorizes the Commission to require verification of high school graduation or equivalent to be submitted electronically for all grade 12 pupils who graduated from public schools in the prior academic year, except for pupils that have opted out. Establishes legislative intent that high schools verify graduation of their pupils in time to meet the applicable deadline. (EC § 69432.92)
This bill:
- Requires the Commission, if it requires the verification of high school graduation to be electronically submitted--as allowed under current law, for purposes of meeting eligibility requirements for a Cal Grant award, to provide guidance to school districts so the verification is submitted as soon as possible but no later than August 31 following the students’ graduation.
- Specifies that its provisions also apply to students who graduate during the summer following grade 12.
Comments
- Need for the bill. Graduation from a California high school is a requirement for a Cal Grant award. This requirement needs to be verified, before an award is paid and late submission could delay payment of a Cal Grant award. The California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, in a support letter states, the verification of graduation for many students who attend summer school in order to meet high graduation requirements, is either never received by the Commission or it is submitted after the Cal Grant application deadline resulting in delays of Cal Grant award payments. This bill seeks to ensure that all high school graduates are reported to the Commission resulting in timely Cal Grant award payments.
- Existing process for verification. Typically, a student in high school is notified of his or her Cal Grant award during grade 12. Current law authorizes the Commission to require verification of high school graduation to be submitted electronically for purposes of meeting the eligibility requirements for a Cal Grant award. According to the Commission, graduation verification is submitted to the Commission in a variety of ways, each of which has its own unique challenges.
- Schools and school districts. Some high schools and schools districts submit verification of high school graduation directly to the Commission. Other districts submit the information through the California Department of Education. In both cases, however, the Commission may not receive the data within the time frame needed to process a timely Cal Grant award payment.
- Students. If the Commission has not received verification from either the college or school, a student can self-certify through the Commission’s Web site. However, most students are not aware of this process or may become aware after an award payment is missed.
- Some universities. Depending on where a student is enrolled the University may verify graduation. This is not the case for colleges where graduation from high school is not a requirement like at the California Community Colleges.
It appears that the variation in the submission process could unintentionally exclude students who need to be verified soon after graduation. As mentioned, under current law, the Commission may require verification of high school graduation to be submitted electronically. This bill goes further by requiring the Commission to provide guidance to schools and school districts so as to ensure students’ are verified as soon as possible but no later than the end of summer (August 31). This process may provide clarity and potentially reduce late Cal Grant award payments.
FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: Fiscal Com.: Local:
According to the Senate Appropriations Committee, this bill will impose the following costs:
- To the extent this bill results in more Cal Grant awards being paid to students, this bill could result in potentially significant costs to the state. (General Fund)
- Local cost pressure for high schools or high school districts to verify the graduation of their students as soon as possible upon a student’s graduation, but no later than August 31 of the academic year following the student’s graduation. These costs are not reimbursable under state mandate law as this deadline is provided to school districts as guidance from the Commission and therefore not a state mandated requirement.
- Minor costs to the Commission to provide required guidance.
Association of California School Administrators
California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office
California Student Aid Commission
OPPOSITION: (Verified 8/11/16)
None received
ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 76-0, 5/19/16
AYES: Achadjian, Alejo, Travis Allen, Arambula, Atkins, Baker, Bigelow, Bloom, Bonilla, Bonta, Brough, Brown, Burke, Calderon, Campos, Chau, Chávez, Chiu, Chu, Cooley, Cooper, Dababneh, Dahle, Daly, Dodd, Eggman, Frazier, Beth Gaines, Gallagher, Cristina Garcia, Eduardo Garcia, Gatto, Gipson, Gomez, Gonzalez, Gordon, Gray, Grove, Hadley, Harper, Roger Hernández, Holden, Irwin, Jones, Jones-Sawyer, Kim, Lackey, Levine, Linder, Lopez, Low, Maienschein, Mayes, Medina, Melendez, Mullin, Nazarian, Obernolte, O'Donnell, Olsen, Patterson, Quirk, Ridley-Thomas, Rodriguez, Salas, Santiago, Steinorth, Mark Stone, Thurmond, Ting, Wagner, Waldron, Weber, Wilk, Wood, Rendon
NO VOTE RECORDED: Chang, Mathis, McCarty, Williams
8/15/16 20:17:26
**** END ****
SENATE COMMITTEE ON
Senator Ricardo Lara, Chair
2015 - 2016 Regular Session
AB 2056 (Eduardo Garcia) - Cal Grant Program: graduation verification
Version: | Policy Vote: |
Urgency: | Mandate: |
Hearing Date: | Consultant: |
This bill meets the criteria for referral to the Suspense File.
Bill Summary:
This bill requires the California Student Aid Commission (Commission), if it requires the verification of high school graduation to be submitted electronically—as permitted under current law, for purposes of meeting the eligibility requirements for a Cal Grant award, to provide guidance to school districts so that the verification of graduation is submitted as soon as possible but no later than August 31st, as specified.
Fiscal Impact:
- To the extent this bill results in more Cal Grant awards being paid to students, this bill could result in potentially significant costs to the state. (General Fund)
- Local cost pressure for high schools or high school districts to verify the graduation of their students as soon as possible upon a student’s graduation, but no later than August 31 of the academic year following the student’s graduation. These costs are not reimbursable under state mandate law as this deadline is provided to school districts as guidance from the Commission and therefore not a state mandated requirement.
- Minor costs to the Commission to provide required guidance.
Background:
Graduation from a California high school, among other things, is required for a Cal Grant award. This requirement needs to be verified, before an award is paid and late submission could delay payment of the award. The California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, in a support letter states, the verification of graduation for many students who attend summer school in order to meet high graduation requirements, is either never received by the Commission or it is submitted after the Cal Grant application deadline resulting in delays of Cal Grant award payments. This bill seeks to ensure that all high school graduates are reported to the Commission resulting in timely Cal Grant award payments.
The variation in the graduation submission process could unintentionally exclude students who need to be verified soon after graduation. Under current law the Commission may require verification of high school graduation to be submitted electronically. This bill goes further by requiring the Commission to provide guidance to schools and school districts so as to ensure students’ are verified as soon as possible but no later than August 31. This process may provide clarity and potentially reduce late Cal Grant award payments.
To apply for a Cal Grant award, students (or parents of dependent students) are required to complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and file a verified GPA with CSAC. In 2014, AB 2160 (Ting), Chapter 679, required all high schools to submit a GPA for all high school seniors to CSAC electronically (electronic submission occurs through the CSAC WebGrants system). Last year, AB 1091 (Garcia), Chapter 637, Statutes of 2015, authorized CSAC to require electronic submission of students' graduation verification data (an eligibility condition of Cal Grant) and established legislative intent that high schools verify graduation of their pupils in time to meet the applicable deadline. This bill is intended to ensure that school districts understand their responsibility to verify high school graduation, and do so by August 31, including verification for those high school students who have to attend summer school in order to fulfill their graduation requirements.
Proposed Law:
This bill requires that if the Commission requires verification of high school graduation or its equivalent, it is required to provide guidance to high schools or high school districts to ensure that they verify the graduation of their students as soon as possible upon a student’s graduation and no later than August 31 of the academic year following the student’s graduation. This deadline also applies to students who graduate during the summer following the 12th grade academic year.
Staff Comments:
According to the Commission, this bill will primarily affect California Community College students as most other schools verify graduation as a condition of admission. If this bill resulted in a more efficient verification process for high school graduation, as intended, and resulted in fewer students having to manually provide follow up information to the Commission, it is possible that additional grants could be paid out to students who would have otherwise not followed-up. If for example about 30 more students were awarded a Cal Grant B access award of $1,656 to help pay for books and other community college costs in their first year of college, this would result costs of about $50,000.
-- END --
SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION
Senator Carol Liu, Chair
2015 - 2016 Regular
Bill No: AB 2056
Author: | |||
Version: | April 21, 2016 Hearing Date: June 15, 2016 | ||
Urgency: | No | Fiscal: | Yes |
Consultant: | Olgalilia Ramirez | ||
Subject: Cal Grant Program: graduation verification
SUMMARY
This bill requires the California Student Aid Commission (Commission), if it requires the verification of high school graduation to be submitted electronically—as permitted under current law, for purposes of meeting the eligibility requirements for a Cal Grant award, to provide guidance to school districts so the verification of graduation is submitted as soon as possible but no later than August 31st, as specified.
BACKGROUND
Existing law:
- Authorizes the Cal Grant program, administered by the Commission, to provide grants to financially needy students to attend a college or university. The Cal Grant programs include both the entitlement and the competitive Cal Grant awards. The program consists of the Cal Grant A, Cal Grant B, and Cal Grant C programs, and eligibility is based upon financial need, grade point average (GPA), California residency and other criteria. (Education Code § 69430-69433)
- Prohibits school districts from permitting access to student records without written parental consent but makes some exceptions, as specified. School districts may release information from student records to agencies or organizations in connection with the application of a pupil for, or receipt of, financial aid. However, information permitting the personal identification of a pupil or his or her parents, may be disclosed only as necessary for the purpose to determine the eligibility of the pupil for financial aid, to determine the amount of the financial aid, to determine the conditions that will be imposed regarding the financial aid, or to enforce the terms or conditions of the financial aid.
(EC § 49076)
- Authorizes the Commission to require that GPAs be submitted electronically for all high school seniors attending public schools unless the student or parent opts out. (EC § 69432.9)
- Authorizes the Commission to require verification of high school graduation or
equivalent to be submitted electronically for all grade 12 pupils who graduated from public schools in the prior academic year, except for pupils that have opted out. Establishes legislative intent that high schools verify graduation of their pupils in time to meet the applicable deadline. (EC § 69432.92)
ANALYSIS
This bill:
- Requires the California Student Aid Commission (Commission), if it requires the verification of high school graduation to be electronically submitted--as allowed under current law, for purposes of meeting eligibility requirements for a Cal Grant award, to provide guidance to school districts so the verification is submitted as soon as possible but no later than August 31 following the students’ graduation.
- Specifies that its provisions also apply to students who graduate during the summer following grade 12.
STAFF COMMENTS
- Need for the bill. Graduation, among other things, from a California high school is required for a Cal Grant award. This requirement needs to be verified, before an award is paid and late submission could delay payment of a Cal Grant award. The California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, in a support letter states, the verification of graduation for many students who attend summer school in order to meet high graduation requirements, is either never received by the Commission or it is submitted after the Cal Grant application deadline resulting in delays of Cal Grant award payments. This bill seeks to ensure that all high school graduates are reported to the Commission resulting in timely Cal Grant award payments.
- Existing process for verification. Typically, a student in high school is notified of his or her Cal Grant award during grade 12. Current law authorizes the Commission to require verification of high school graduation to be submitted electronically for purposes of meeting the eligibility requirements for a Cal Grant award. According to the Commission, graduation verification is submitted to the Commission in a variety of ways, each of which has its own unique challenges.
- Schools and school districts. Some high schools and schools districts submit verification of high school graduation directly to the Commission. Other districts submit the information through the California Department of Education. In both cases, however, the Commission may not receive the data within the time frame needed to process a timely Cal Grant award payment.
- Students. If the Commission has not received verification from either the college or school, a student can self-certify through the Commission’s Web site. However, most students are not aware of this process or may become aware after an award payment is missed.
- Some universities. Depending on where a student is enrolled the University may verify graduation. This is not the case for colleges where graduation from high school is not a requirement like at the California Community Colleges.
The variation in the submission process could unintentionally exclude students who need to be verified soon after graduation. As mentioned, under current law the Commission may require verification of high school graduation to be submitted electronically. This bill goes further by requiring the Commission to provide guidance to schools and school districts so as to ensure students’ are verified as soon as possible but no later than the end of summer (August 31). This process may provide clarity and potentially reduce late Cal Grant award payments.
SUPPORT
Association of California School Administrators
California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office
California Student Aid Commission
OPPOSITION
None received.
-- END --
Date of Hearing: May 11, 2016
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
Lorena Gonzalez, Chair
ABPCA Bill Id:AB 2056
Author:(Eduardo Garcia) – As Amended Ver:April 21, 2016
Policy Committee: | Higher Education | Vote: | 13 - 0 |
Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: No Reimbursable: No
SUMMARY:
This bill requires the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC), if it requires—as allowed under current law, for purposes of high school graduates meeting the eligibility requirements for a Cal Grant award—that school districts electronically submit verification of high school graduation for grade 12 pupils from the prior academic year, to provide guidance to school districts so the verification is provided as soon as possible after graduation, but no later than August 31 following graduation.
FISCAL EFFECT:
Negligible fiscal impact.
COMMENTS:
Background/Purpose. To apply for a Cal Grant award, students (or parents of dependent students) are required to complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and file a verified GPA with CSAC. In 2014, AB 2160 (Ting), Chapter 679, required all high schools to submit a GPA for all high school seniors to CSAC electronically (electronic submission occurs through the CSAC WebGrants system). Last year, AB 1091 (Garcia), Chapter 637, Statutes of 2015, authorized CSAC to require electronic submission of students' graduation verification data (an eligibility condition of Cal Grant) and established legislative intent that high schools verify graduation of their pupils in time to meet the applicable deadline.
This bill is intended to ensure that school districts understand their responsibility to verify high school graduation, and to do so by August 31, which would include those high school students who have to attend summer school in order to fulfill their graduation requirements.
Analysis Prepared by: Chuck Nicol / APPR. / (916) 319-2081
Date of Hearing: April 19, 2016
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION
Jose Medina, Chair
ABPCA Bill Id:AB 2056 (
Author:Eduardo Garcia) – As Amended Ver:March 28, 2016
SUBJECT: Cal Grant Program: graduation verification
SUMMARY: Requires, for the purposes of the Cal Grant Awards Program, the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) to allow a school district to electronically submit high school graduation verification for former grade 12 students as many times as necessary to ensure information is transmitted and received, and requires high schools to verify graduation by October 1 of the academic year immediately following the students graduation.
EXISTING LAW: Authorizes CSAC to require verification of high school graduation or equivalent to be submitted electronically for all grade 12 pupils who graduated from public schools in the prior academic year, except for pupils that have opted out. Establishes legislative intent that high schools verify graduation of their pupils in time to meet the applicable deadline (December 31 of the academic year immediately following the date of application).
FISCAL EFFECT: Unknown.
COMMENTS: To apply for a Cal Grant award, students (or parents of dependent students) are required to: (1) complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA); and, (2) file a verified GPA with CSAC. In 2013, the Education Trust-West (ETW) issued a report finding that only 54% of California's 12th graders completed a FAFSA in 2012, and only 50% completed both steps of the requirements to apply for a Cal Grant by the March 2nd deadline. ETW found that one high-impact practice to encourage financial aid applications employed by districts is to submit GPAs electronically for all students. ETW research indicates that districts that piloted using electronic GPA verification and other data-driven practices found a 15% increase in Cal Grant completion. In 2014, AB 2160 (Ting), Chapter 679, required all high schools to submit a GPA for all high school seniors to CSAC electronically (electronic submission occurs through the CSAC WebGrants system).
Building upon the foundation of AB 2160, last year AB 1091 (Garcia), Chapter 637, Statutes of 2015, authorized CSAC to require electronic submission of graduation verification data (an eligibility condition of Cal Grant) for students and established legislative intent that high schools verify graduation of their pupils in time to meet the applicable deadline. The bill further established legislative intent that CSAC provide to high schools and school districts a list of all high school pupils who have not completed a FAFSA or Dream Act application.
According to the author, it is not currently a statutory requirement for school districts to verify high school graduation on behalf of their students. This bill is intended to ensure that school districts understand their responsibility to verify high school graduation. This bill is intended to provide another step forward to removing barriers for students and helping students qualify and access financial aid.
According to CSAC, current practice allows a high school to resubmit graduation verification information as many times as necessary to ensure CSAC is in receipt of this data. This portion is consistent with current CSAC operations. The change to require high schools to submit graduation verification data by October 1 of the academic year is intended to provide guidance to school districts; the current due date is December 31 of the year following high school graduation.
Suggested amendments. Consistent with the author's intent, committee staff recommends the following amendments:
(b) If the commission requires verification of high school graduation or its equivalent pursuant to paragraph (1), then both of the following shall occur:
(1) The commission shall allow a school district to submit the verification as many times as necessary to ensure that each pupil’s graduation information is transmitted and received.
(2) the commission should provide guidance to Hhigh schools or high school districts shall to ensure that high schools and high school districts verify the graduation of their pupils as soon as possible upon a pupils graduation, including for pupils' whom graduate during the summer following the grade 12 academic year, and no later than October 1August 31 of the academic year immediately following the pupils’ graduation.
REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:
Support
None on File
Opposition
None on File
Analysis Prepared by: Laura Metune / HIGHER ED. / (916) 319-3960
Date of Hearing: April 12, 2016
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION
Jose Medina, Chair
ABPCA Bill Id:AB 2056 (
Author:Eduardo Garcia) – As Amended Ver:March 28, 2016
SUBJECT: Cal Grant Program: graduation verification
SUMMARY: Requires, for the purposes of the Cal Grant Awards Program, the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) to allow a school district to electronically submit high school graduation verification for former grade 12 students as many times as necessary to ensure information is transmitted and received, and requires high schools to verify graduation by October 1 of the academic year immediately following the students graduation.
EXISTING LAW: Authorizes CSAC to require verification of high school graduation or equivalent to be submitted electronically for all grade 12 pupils who graduated from public schools in the prior academic year, except for pupils that have opted out. Establishes legislative intent that high schools verify graduation of their pupils in time to meet the applicable deadline (December 31 of the academic year immediately following the date of application).
FISCAL EFFECT: Unknown.
COMMENTS: To apply for a Cal Grant award, students (or parents of dependent students) are required to: (1) complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA); and, (2) file a verified GPA with CSAC. In 2013, the Education Trust-West (ETW) issued a report finding that only 54% of California's 12th graders completed a FAFSA in 2012, and only 50% completed both steps of the requirements to apply for a Cal Grant by the March 2nd deadline. ETW found that one high-impact practice to encourage financial aid applications employed by districts is to submit GPAs electronically for all students. ETW research indicates that districts that piloted using electronic GPA verification and other data-driven practices found a 15% increase in Cal Grant completion. In 2014, AB 2160 (Ting), Chapter 679, required all high schools to submit a GPA for all high school seniors to CSAC electronically (electronic submission occurs through the CSAC WebGrants system).
Building upon the foundation of AB 2160, last year AB 1091 (Garcia), Chapter 637, Statutes of 2015, authorized CSAC to require electronic submission of graduation verification data (an eligibility condition of Cal Grant) for students and established legislative intent that high schools verify graduation of their pupils in time to meet the applicable deadline. The bill further established legislative intent that CSAC provide to high schools and school districts a list of all high school pupils who have not completed a FAFSA or Dream Act application.
According to the author, it is not currently a statutory requirement for school districts to verify high school graduation on behalf of their students. This bill is intended to ensure that school districts understand their responsibility to verify high school graduation. This bill is intended to provide another step forward to removing barriers for students and helping students qualify and access financial aid.
According to CSAC, current practice allows a high school to resubmit graduation verification information as many times as necessary to ensure CSAC is in receipt of this data. This portion is consistent with current CSAC operations. The change to require high schools to submit graduation verification data by October 1 of the academic year is intended to provide guidance to school districts; the current due date is December 31 of the year following high school graduation.
REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:
Support
None on File
Opposition
None on File
Analysis Prepared by: Laura Metune / HIGHER ED. / (916) 319-3960
Bill Author
Bill Co-Author(s):