State House lawmakers passed the Bridge Act on Monday. The bill requires high schools to offer college and career program tracks to students.
The bill requires students in the ninth grade to have an individual graduation plan. Supporters say curb the number high school dropouts by letting students decide which focus of study fits them best.
The bill's sponsor, Republican Fran Millar from Dunwoody, says right now, two out of every three high school students fail to graduate. And that, he says, shapes Georgia's image.
"The biggest problem we have in this state for economic development is not transportation, it's not water. It's the fact that our work force is perceived as uneducated. And until we can prove to people we have an educated workforce, we'll continue to have two Georgias."Millar says no matter which path is chosen, each student would receive the same rigorous diploma.
The bill garnered near-unanimous support in the House and now moves on to the Senate.
