School boards; participation in SAT School Day program required, student participation.

This legislation mandates that all Virginia public school boards participate in the SAT School Day program, ensuring students have the opportunity to take the college entrance exam during the school day. Under the bill, school divisions must offer the SAT to all students in grades 11 and 12 at least once per academic year. While the state covers the costs for economically disadvantaged students, this requirement seeks to eliminate scheduling and transportation barriers that often prevent students from accessing higher education assessment opportunities. By integrating the test into the regular school schedule, the measure aims to increase college readiness and participation rates across diverse student populations in Arlington and throughout the Commonwealth, providing a more equitable path for students planning to pursue post-secondary education after graduation.