Thursday, September 20, 2018

Dual Enrollment Lets Students Get Ahead

by Mary T., sophomore

Dual enrollment courses are classes that allow students to earn high school and college credits at the same time. Depending on what dual enrollment class is being taken, a different number of credits can be obtained. One credit is all that can be earned for each class towards a high school diploma, but multiple credits can be obtained towards college. Once in college, the credits earned during high school will be transferred to whatever college the student attends. Taking these courses looks impressive to colleges, and can also represent to students what a college class would be like.

To be eligible for dual enrollment, all freshmen take the placement test given by the college. Different qualifications are required depending on what course is being taken. If the requirements are not reached on the placement test, retakes are available.

The dual enrollment classes offered here on the Burton campus are typically taken online through Elite Learning, a platform on which a teacher communicates through the website and gives students assignments. For example, I'm taking Psychology this semester as a dual enrollment class through Elite Learning. The class is pretty fast paced, but once I got used to it, it's really simple. 

Another dual enrollment class I've taken is Computer Applications. Computer Applications is actually taught by teachers in the school instead of online, but it's still considered a dual enrollment course. Most students take this class their freshman year, like I did. The class is really easy and fun, and allows students to learn more about how to use a computer, Microsoft Word, and online software, which is a very useful skill throughout high school and college. 

I interviewed three students who take dual enrollment courses. All three students are enrolled in the United States history course that is offered through Elite Learning. I asked them what inspired them to take a dual enrollment class and they all did it for the credits, which is a very common reason as to why many students take these courses.

When asked what's the greatest benefit of being in a dual enrollment class, Sarah Bevins responded "It's more laid back and you get to go at your own pace."

 Lydia Blair-James says, "There isn't as much pressure, and it helps my GPA." Students get an extra point toward their G.P.A. for a dual enrollment class
 For example, making a B in a dual enrollment class is like making an A in a regular high school class. If a student makes an A in the dual enrollment class, they get 5 points toward their GPA, so their overall GPA can end up being higher than a 4.0.

I then asked them what the hardest part of these courses is, Regan Phipps responded, "You sometimes don't remember the material you go over." Lydia and Sarah both feel as if it can be more challenging to learn. All three students agree that taking dual enrollment courses has more pros than cons.

There's a very wide range of options as to what courses are offered through dual enrollment. These classes are separated into categories depending on what this course material is.

Literature courses:
 English 1 & 2 (6 credits), Creative Writing (3 credits), and Survey of American Literature 1 & 2 (6 credits.)

Human Behavior courses:
Principles of Psychology (3 credits), Principles of Sociology (3 credits) Survey of Criminal Justice (3 credits), and Survey of Criminology (3 credits.)

History courses:
 United States Government 1 & 2 (6 credits), United States History 1 & 2 (6 credits), Civil War and Reconstruction (3 credits), and America in the Gilded Age (3 credits.)

Math courses:
Statistical Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning (3 credits.)

All of the courses listed here are the classes that are only offered on the Elite Learning website.

Computer Information courses (taught by teachers in classrooms):
Computer Applications, Computer Information Systems, Personal Finance, Computer Accounting, Design/Multimedia (Yearbook 1), and Advanced Design/Multimedia (Yearbook 2.)

Math courses (taught by teachers in classrooms):
Calculus (one semester), and Pre-Cal 161/162 (yearlong) are math courses offered as dual enrollment also.

All these dual enrollment classes listed, instead of being offered online, are taught in school by teachers certified to teach the course.

Overall, I believe that taking dual enrollment classes is very useful. Some classes that are not offered by a teacher in the high school can be taught through Elite Learning. These classes allow high school students to earn both high school and college credits at the same time. Dual enrollment is an amazing choice for high school schedules.