(a) As used in this section:

(1) “Advanced course or program” means an honors class, advanced placement class, International Baccalaureate program, Cambridge International program, dual enrollment, dual credit, early college or any other advanced or accelerated course or program offered by a local or regional board of education in grades nine to twelve, inclusive; and

(2) “Prior academic performance” means the course or courses that a student has taken, the grades received for such course or courses and a student’s grade point average.

(b) Not later than July 1, 2022, each local and regional board of education shall adopt a policy, or revise an existing policy, concerning the eligibility criteria for student enrollment in an advanced course or program. Such policy shall provide for multiple methods by which a student may satisfy the eligibility criteria for enrollment in an advanced course or program, including, but not limited to, recommendations from teachers, administrators, school counselors or other school personnel. Such eligibility criteria shall not be based exclusively on a student’s prior academic performance and that any use of a student’s prior academic performance shall rely on evidence-based indicators of how a student will perform in an advanced course or program.

(c) Any policy adopted or revised and implemented under this section shall be in accordance with guidance provided by the Department of Education.