How to Sign Up for CCP Courses

The process for taking college courses and paying for them has never been easier for our students!  If you would like to take one of the locally available courses below, follow these easy steps:

1. When selecting courses for the next school year through Infinite Campus, select the course you would like.  Please note that some courses have prerequisites that cannot be changed.

2. Apply to the college partner listed for the courses in the “Expected Course Offerings at the High Schools” section by clicking on the name of the college by April 1st.  If you have taken courses through that college previously, you do not need to reapply.

3. Take a placement test and have scores submitted to the district before April 15th to demonstrate college-readiness.  This can be through ACT or SAT.  If you have Accuplacer scores that qualify, those may be used as well.  If you need to take the Accuplacer, you may take it through the college.  Apply for admission online and contact the college to schedule the exam.  The district will not receive scores from the college; students must turn them in to the counseling office.

4. Return your Declaration of Intent Form to the counselors’ office before April 15th.  A new one is required annually.  This form is available in the counseling office at your high school or online.

CCP information specific to student choices will be emailed to the student. Check your email often, both Dover & University.  It is the responsibility of the student to check for messages.

Students choosing to take courses through a college directly, either on a campus or online, should check with the university CCP advisor for more information and insights as different colleges implement CCP differently.

Courses in partnership with:

The University of Akron

(click on college name for its CCP information )

• Composition I CCP

• Composition II CCP

• Personal Communication CCP

• Foundations of Biology CCP

Courses in partnership with:

Kent State University

(click on college name for its CCP information )

• Personal Finance CCP

What kind of student takes these classes?

CCP courses are available to any student, grades 7-12, who qualify as “college ready."

What qualifies a student as “college ready?”

That is determined by the college partner through which the course is offered.  ACT exam results are accepted as evidence for college readiness.  If an ACT score is not available, students may take an ACCUPLACER® exam to demonstrate college readiness.  CCP courses require a test of readiness in advance of the course, while AP courses test for readiness at the end.  Students may take the Accuplacer once per semester.

What other things might limit a student’s access to CCP courses?

The student must have any college prerequisites passed prior to taking a course.  These are college courses, taught by appropriately credentialed teachers in the local schools.  Participation in “dual enrollment” courses requires students to be part of all involved institutions.  They are bound by the same college academic standards, sequences, and expectations as any other student in the college.

Please note that “ready” and “prepared” do not share the same meaning.  Aptitude does not necessarily translate to the maturity and work ethic, and students testing into college courses might not be prepared for the increased level of rigor and faster pace.  The skill set and self-responsibility required of the independent learner is necessary for successful work as a college student.  Those skills are not tested on a standardized test, but rather through honest insight and observation of the student, parent, and reflection of previous work.

What are some differences between a CCP course and high school courses with placement exams like AP?

The compressed time frame does not allow for as many assessment opportunities, and the assessments must mirror the form of our college partners.  This means that exams, papers, or other assessments have more significant value and are higher stakes.  AP courses are excellent, rigorous courses that allow students the opportunity to grow through a wider variety of assessments and a longer period of time and have consistently demonstrated value in developing study skills and testing strategies to prepare for college.

Students that receive supports through Individualized Education Plans or 504 plans are able to use the plans, but must work with the Office of Disability Services for the college partner for any CCP course. Federal laws that give civil protections to these students requires that the college approve the form of assistance that students will receive.  It is an excellent opportunity for students to practice self-advocacy in the college environment.  AP courses are solely within the high school curriculum and do not require special approval from additional agencies for students to receive supportive services in their AP courses.

I think this is a great idea and would prefer that my student’s high school teachers provide the first introduction to college courses.  Since this is locally taught by local employees, everything is still the same, right?

No.  There are significant changes in the teacher-parent relationship.  As these are college courses taught by local teachers in an adjunct instructor role on behalf of a college, the primary exchange of information regarding student progress is shared between the student and  instructor.  The co-location of the college courses on the Dover Schools campus does not change the college dynamic.

Parents may attend face-to-face conference meetings with the instructors, but the student must be present for any conversation.  Parents cannot expect any direct communication with the instructor through email or phone conversations.

Students that have success that is dependent on frequent phone calls home and periodic progress reporting might not be prepared for the college environment as college policies and regulations require much greater student responsibility and self-advocacy.  Students gain educational and legal independence in going to college, so they are expected to be independent learners in these locally-offered college courses.

Should my student take these classes?

It is a great opportunity for students to earn college credits early and save time and money later, but it can also be a stressful transition for students.  If a student is ready for the course by the college’s measures and is confident in the subject matter, then it may be a terrific choice.  In other subject areas, a student may be college-ready, but less confident about skills in the content area.  An option such as an Advanced Placement course that may yield college credit but allow time to more fully develop and explore skills in the content might be an excellent choice.

There is no “one size fits all solution” for any student.  Some students may choose classes for reasons that are not strictly focused on academic reasons, while others may choose activities offered at certain times of the day that limit their choices.  Still, more may have work or other activities.  The best way to approach these choices is to talk with your student about what he or she really wants.  College will always be around in the future, but kids are young only once.  Dover encourages a well-rounded approach for all of our students.

Do these courses transfer to other colleges after high school? 

Yes – all of Ohio’s public universities and colleges accept the credits we will offer in core courses.  In most cases, the specific course name and number of the college to which your student matriculates can even be determined in advance.  The courses have also been accepted at private college in Ohio where CCP students have gone, as well as out of state.  As our college partners are regionally accredited institutions, colleges have been more open to accepting the credit, even when AP credits have not been accepted such as Ivy League colleges, or even colleges outside the United States.

CCP courses that are specific to one college’s programming, such as the previously offered Introduction to Chemistry course, are likely to be accepted, but the nature of the credit accepted may vary between colleges.  There is still no cost for these courses; they retain all of the local benefits of College Credit Plus programming and offer an excellent in-depth view of a career field, an art, or provide excellent technical introductions to different disciplines.

Is one college partner better than another?

No.  Many college courses offered in Ohio’s public colleges and universities are cleared by the Ohio Department of Higher Education as “TAG/OTM” courses.  This means they follow “Transfer Assurance Guidelines” and are in the “Ohio Transfer Module.”  As such, the courses transfer to Ohio’s public colleges as if they were taken on that campus.  

The college process has changed substantially in the past twenty-five years.  All public colleges in Ohio use semesters rather than quarters.  At one time, Ohio State was the school anyone could get into – now it has the most selective admissions process of public colleges in the state.  The portability of credits between colleges is a natural extension of this process.

Are my student’s teachers qualified to teach these classes?

Yes.  When a Dover teacher is teaching the course as the teacher of record, that teacher must meet the same credentialing standard as any other instructor at that college, normally as a result of graduate-level study in the content area.

If my student graduates with a significant amount of credits, will s/he be ready for more difficult courses?

That certainly depends on the student and why the CCP credits are wanted.  Having credits going into college could allow students to cut down the number of years needed to complete a degree, or allow them to have smaller course loads each semester and focus on courses that may be more difficult.  Students may choose not to use certain credits going in to college and retake a course.

Participating in CCP courses will not impact a student’s future options – the intent is to prepare our students and to offer more options in getting ready for life after high school, not to lock them in to one track.

Students, regardless of number of CCP credits earned while still in high school, are as eligible for scholarships or other programs as any other freshman matriculating into college.  In fact, the admission process is the same for all students, regardless of participation in the CCP program as CCP does not equal college matriculation.

What is the cost of each course?

There are no student/parent costs associated with CCP courses under state law.  Students may take up to thirty (30) credits through CCP each year with a total of 120 credits.  “Credits” in this context means classes in which a student is a participant, regardless of setting.  For example, a full year high school course uses three of the thirty credits.  Any college credits taken beyond those thirty credits are “self-pay,” and the responsibility of the student/parent.  “Self-pay” courses are outside of the CCP program.

What if a student fails the course?

If a student’s final transcripted grade for the course is an “F” for academic reasons, or non-passing due to withdrawal past the date established by the college partner, the school district may require the student’s family to reimburse the district for all costs associated with the course, which varies between college partners and manner of course delivery.  It is critical for students to be mindful of their course progress, give their very best efforts, and keep themselves updated on dates and deadlines.

Another consideration is that these grades are transcripted and have the potential to impact graduation requirements, eligibility for extracurricular activities, scholarships, as well as college admission and transferability.  College Credit Plus courses must under law be faithful to the college partner’s grading methods.

If a student chooses a dual credit course, what is the process?

As a dual credit course, there is a level of coordination between higher education institutions and Dover City Schools.  Dover does not determine deadlines or course requirements, and decisions are not solely the responsibility of staff within the district.

Students electing to take CCP courses at a college campus or online must have declared their intent to participate in the program by April 1st as required by law.

The overview of the process for the College Credit Plus course offered within the Dover schools is this:

1. Students will register for CCP classes like any other local Dover course.

2. Students must apply to the college partner through the college’s admissions process, usually online. 

3. Students must be determined to be “college ready.” This could mean through the ACT or a placement test given by the college, and this measure may vary between courses. 

4. Students will have their information reviewed by the district and college to ensure they are qualified for the specific courses they wish to take.

5. Once the district has confirmed that all proper steps have been taken and that the student has met the college’s requirements, the student will be eligible for enrollment in the course. Students will be informed of their eligibility or reasons for ineligibility by  the college via email accounts or letter to the home. As all DCS students have district-issued email accounts, communication about the CCP program for individual students may be communicated through this method.

6. Students wishing to drop a CCP course will continue to do so through their respective DCS and college admissions counselors. District deadlines apply to students’ high school schedules for all courses offered on site, including CCP courses.

7. Students choosing to attend CCP courses on a college’s campus or online may do so, but must make arrangements in conjunction with their school counselor.  Course-related costs (tuition and books) are not passed to students or their families, but the student is responsible for transportation to any course located off-site.

For further questions, please contact a school counselor. 

Under the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the rights accorded to a parent, which would include permission and consent, transfer to a student who turns 18 or enters an institution of post-secondary education. This encompasses all dual enrollment classes offered by the district in cooperation with a college or university, including those offered within the school buildings by district faculty serving as college adjuncts. Parents still maintain the right to access student records (e.g., final grades, attendance) as long as the student is a dependent student for tax purposes, but any communication about student work, performance, or other issues from the normal course of instruction are kept between the instructor and student. 

Students are accountable for their own behaviors and actions. Compliance with the rules of the school, including attendance, will be addressed directly with the student, which could be via email.  It is the expectation of the student to keep his/her parent informed.

CCP courses, even if taught on the high school campus by a Dover teacher, are “post-secondary” classes that are extensions of a college.  This changes how laws in support of students with educational disabilities are implemented.

There are different federal laws in place regarding students with disabilities and education.  One set of laws applies to students with disabilities in grades K-12. These laws include the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Free Appropriate Education (FAPE), and The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Section 504, Subpart D.

The laws that apply to students with disabilities in college include The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Section 504, Subpart E.  This means that students must be fully advocates for themselves, present their needs to the college’s Office of Disability Services for review, and self-identify as a student with specific, college-approved needs to the instructor.  Only the college’s letter of accommodation may be used to alter academic practice; any IEP, 504, or ETR documentation is not valid for the post-secondary environment.

While a student’s CCP coursework is listed on the DHS transcript, colleges cannot accept that as evidence for college credit.  Students must request official transcripts from the district’s college partner for the course.

Students have the opportunity to earn college credits in the manner of their choosing. Some course pathway examples and ideas are in the CCP 15 and 30 credit example listed in the program of studies. 

Annually DCS hosts a CCP informational night; this is when the district presents this information to students and parents about College Credit Plus offerings. 

The Ohio Department of Education offers this introduction and information for students and families that want to know more about the College Credit Plus program. 

About AP Courses

Advanced Placement courses are taught by teachers using a curriculum approved by the College Board. Successful completion of coursework in the AP program allows students the opportunity to take an exam in May.  Students who earn at least a score of a 3 on the AP test receive credit that is accepted by all of Ohio’s public universities and colleges.

The number of credits and how they apply towards a degree vary depending on the test and the college. Students can only receive such credit if they take the AP test. Private colleges and universities outside of Ohio have specific policies in place that may vary from Ohio’s public institutions.

• The AP exams in American History and American Government replace the state-required end-of-course examinations for points toward graduation / Seals.

• AP courses are more rigorous than traditional high school courses and are designed to develop the skills needed for success in college. Students must be prepared to take on the additional responsibility.

• Courses follow the AP curriculum to prepare students for the AP exam at the end of the yearlong course.

Which is Better - CCP or AP?

Ohio law requires all state public high schools provide students with “Advanced Standing” programs.  These are designed to present students with the opportunity to earn college credit toward a degree or career certification during their high school years.  The Dover City School District offers two separate forms of Advanced Standing programs: College Credit Plus and AP.

Both programs offer students that intend to pursue post-secondary education in any form or location skills and knowledge that will be of benefit.  The district offers both of these options to advocate for individual student choice and flexibility, rather than to advocate for one program over another.

The most asked question by far is this: “Which one is better – AP or CCP?”

This question ignores the simple fact that students are all different.  Whether it’s the student’s goals, interests, passions, or abilities that make up the differences, there can never be a single “right” approach to a student’s individual growth and development. If there was one best option, that would be the only option for our students.

Please take the time to review and consider the obstacles and opportunities of each program in each content area.  Mixing course formats may be a better choice than all of one or another.  Whatever your choices may be, please avoid a simple “cookie-cutter” approach to education.

Choose a path that is as unique as you!