Assembly Bill 1951, The Pathways to College Act, by Assemblymember Patrick O’Donnell (D – Long Beach) to provide access to college admissions tests, such as the SAT or ACT, during the school day, passed the Assembly Tuesday, O’Donnell’s office announced today.

The bill now awaits referral to its first Senate policy committee.

“AB 1951 is about opening the door to higher education for all California students,” O’Donnell said in a statement.

AB 1951 would allow school districts to offer college admissions exams instead of the  11th grade assessment required by the state. Currently, the Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) offers the SAT during school to 11th graders free of charge showing significant student success, according to the announcement.

The bill is supported by a coalition of school districts, superintendents, school board members, teachers and students, according to O’Donnell’s office, while a dozen other states plan to use a college admission test to meet state and federal accountability requirements.

“As a parent and a teacher, I understand the importance of local choice and flexibility to offer assessments that provide the most college and career benefits to every student, no matter where they are from or how much their parents make,” O’Donnell stated. “I am grateful for the overwhelming support we have received for this bill, and I especially want to thank LBUSD Superintendent Chris Steinhauser for his leadership and support of this effort.”