HB 75

Present law authorizes various entities to use ACT and SAT test scores to evaluate a student's eligibility for scholarships, grant funding, and higher education admissions. This bill adds the Classic Learning Tes t administered by Classic Learning Initiatives, LLC , to the list of authorized tests by which students may be measured for such purposes. HOPE SCHOLARSHIP To be eligible for a HOPE scholarship , present law requires an entering freshman to meet certain requirements, including a composite ACT score of at least 21 or a concordant equivalent score on the SAT. This bill adds a concordant equivalent score on the CLT. MERIT SCHOLARSHIP To be eligible for a general assembly merit scholarship as an enterin g freshman, a student must meet certain requirements, including a composite ACT score of at least 29 or a concordant equivalent score on the SAT. This bill adds a concordant equivalent score on the CLT . HOPE ACCESS GRANT To be eligible for a Tennessee HOPE access grant, an entering freshman must meet certain requirements including an adjusted gross income attributable to the student that does not exceed $36,0 00 and a composite ACT score of at least 18 or a concordant equivalent score on the SAT . This b ill adds a concordant equivalent score on the CLT . TENNESSEE TRI-STAR SCHOLAR Present law provides that if a student earns a composite score of 19 or higher on the ACT, or an equivalent score on the SAT, and earns a capstone industry certification as pr omoted by the department of education, then such student must be recognized as a Tennessee Tri-Star Scholar upon graduation from high school. This bill adds an equivalent score CLT to the list of acceptable tests. PUBLIC UNIVERSITY ADMISSIONS This bill authorizes p ublic higher education institutions to accept a student's score on the ACT, CLT, or SAT for purposes of admission to the institution. TSAC REQUIREMENTS Present law authorizes the Tennessee student assistance corporation (TSAC) to conduct a lottery scholarship day each school year. The purpose of the lottery scholarship day must be to inform high school students and their parents of financial assistance available from net lottery proceeds for attendance at eligible postsecondary institutions. TSAC, with the assistance of the department of education, must develop and provide grade - appropriate information concerning t esting dates for the ACT and SAT, the differences between these tests, and the use of the tests in admission decisions by eligible postsecondary institutions. This bill requires that TSAC inform students and parents of the CLT and its testing dates. RULEMAKING This bill authorizes TSAC to promulgate rules to effectuate this bill, including rules to establish scores on the CLT that are the concordant equivalent to scores achieved by students on the ACT or SAT.