(a) Beginning with the 2018-2019 school year, every LEA shall make available to students enrolled in its high schools opportunities to take at least four (4) early postsecondary opportunities, as defined by the department of education. These opportunities may be provided through traditional classroom instruction, online or virtual instruction, blended learning, or other educationally appropriate methods.

(b) LEAs are encouraged to partner with other LEAs or institutions of higher education to provide early postsecondary credit courses.

(c) Each LEA shall:

(1) Notify students and parents of students enrolled in grades nine through twelve (9-12) of all early college and career experiences offered by the LEA for the upcoming school year;

(2) Provide the notification required in subdivision (c)(1) by January 1 or at least one (1) week before students enrolled in grades nine through twelve (9-12) register for classes for the upcoming school year, whichever is earlier. The LEA shall provide the notification electronically or by mail; and

(3) Provide a list of all early college and career experiences offered by the LEA for the upcoming school year on the LEA's website.

(d) Each LEA is encouraged to advise students and parents of students enrolled in grades nine through twelve (9-12) of the benefits of participating in early college and career experiences.

(e) As used in this section:

(1) “Early college and career experiences” include, but are not limited to, early postsecondary opportunities, as defined by the department of education, work-based learning opportunities, apprenticeships, dual credit courses, dual enrollment courses, and courses and examinations for which a student may earn college credit; and

(2) “Parent” means the parent, guardian, or legal custodian who is required under § 49-6-3001 to enroll the child in school.