(a) Not later than July 1, 2022, each local and regional board of education shall adopt a challenging curriculum policy. A challenging curriculum policy shall include, but need not be limited to, (1) criteria for the identification of students in grades eight and nine who may be eligible to take or enroll in an advanced course or program, as defined in § 10-221w, and (2) a provision requiring the creation of an academic plan, in accordance with the provisions of subsection (b) of this section.

(b) Each local and regional board of education shall create an academic plan for each student identified under the criteria described in subdivision (1) of subsection (a) of this section. In creating an academic plan for a student, such plan shall be designed to enroll such student in one or more advanced course or programs and allow such student to earn college credit or result in career readiness. Each academic plan shall be aligned with (1) the courses or programs offered by the local or regional board of education, (2) such student’s student success plan created pursuant to subsection (j) of § 10-221a, (3) the high school graduation requirements under § 10-221a, and (4) any other policies or standards adopted by the board relating to the eligibility for student enrollment in advanced courses or programs. A student, or the parent or guardian of a student, may decline to implement the provisions of an academic plan created for such student.

(c) A challenging curriculum policy adopted and implemented under this section shall be in accordance with guidance provided by the Department of Education.