Dual Credit Phenomenon

Many critics of the secondary school system in America are suggesting the last two years of high school are a waste of time for many students. In addition, leaders in almost every state's educational system along with state legislators are looking for ways to shorten the time it takes to earn a baccalaureate degree. It is common for students to graduate in four-and-one-half to five-and-one-half years rather than the four intended for the degree.Community colleges and a few universities have undertaken reform through the creative program of dual-credit. This program allows those bright students to take college level classes that secondary schools now count toward high school diploma completion. In short, the student gets credit both ways. Other students enroll in technical and vocational programs with the community colleges and seek out potential new job skills or a career choice.The state of Washington, for example, has analyzed the state's appropriation savings to be $38 million or more a year in their dual-credit program titled ?Running Start.' This figure increases to $50 million a year saved when the $12 million saved in tuition by parents and students is added to the formula. Other states are just now beginning to see the savings when students can complete two years of schooling (senior year and first year of college) in one year.Over 40 states have now identified dual-credit programs taking place in their states. Students, parents, administrators and legislators are demanding programs that challenge these students.The Dual-Credit Phenomenon is the first comprehensive study published on this fascinating new nationally-growing educational movement.The dual-credit movement is one of the most significant educational innovations to take place over the past 50 years. It adds a significant new dimension to the school reform movement started in the 1980s. It brings secondary schools and higher education into the same arena in terms of improving learning opportunities for students.Andrews, Hans A. is the author of 'Dual Credit Phenomenon' with ISBN 9781581070446 and ISBN 1581070446.