Senate votes 28-7 for early education bill

BOISE (AP) — State senators voted 28-7 for a program to help Idaho students complete one or two years of college by the time they graduate high school.

Students in the "8 in 6 Program" would take online courses — with the state picking up a bulk of the cost — to finish junior high and high school early and get started on college through dual enrollment courses.

Sen. John Goedde says the state wouldn't kick in additional funding for the program next year because the Idaho Digital Learning Academy will provide the courses. But he estimated the program could cost $2.3 million annually in subsequent years, as Idaho gives students more online course options.

Rep. Steve Thayn proposed the program, which was amended in the Senate.

It now returns to the House.