What is Dual Credit?
Dual credit is a process through which a student may earn high school credit for successfully completing a college course that provides advanced academic instruction beyond, or in greater depth than, the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for a corresponding high school course. The “dual credit” earned is college credit and high school credit for one course.
Are school districts required to offer dual credit to students?
No. Texas Education Code (TEC), §28.009 requires the following:
Each school district shall implement a program under which students may earn the equivalent of at least 12 semester credit hours of college credit in high school. Each school district shall annually report to the agency (1) the number of district students, including career and technical students, who have participated in the program and earned college credit; and (2) the cumulative number of courses in which participating district students have enrolled and college credit hours the students have earned. The opportunity for at least 12 college credit hours can be met through dual credit, but it can also be met through Advanced Placement®, International Baccalaureate, and advanced technical credit courses, including locally articulated courses.
Where are the administrative rules regarding dual credit?
State Board of Education ‐ Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §74.25 Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) ‐ TAC §§ –4.81 4.85 The Student Attendance and Accounting Handbook (SAAH) ‐ TAC §129.21 It is important to access both sets of rules, and the sections of the SAAH pertaining to dual credit, in order to understand dual credit requirements.
How do colleges and high schools work together to build dual credit programs?
Collaboration between the high school and the college is a crucial element of a dual credit program. The written agreement (often referred to as an articulation agreement, an institutional agreement, a partnership agreement, or a memorandum of understanding) drawn up between the public school district and the institution of higher education should define the nature of this collaboration.
Among other things, colleges can assist with scholarships, transfer agreements for designated courses, designing curricula, training and supporting instructors, and administering college placement tests that ensure adequate rigor and student knowledge. Similarly, high schools can allow their instructors to teach for a local college in order to offer courses for dual credits, provide high school graduation requirement counseling, and supplement instruction to ensure mastery of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).
What kind of agreement is required in dual credit partnerships?
The TAC, §4.84 and §9.144, requires that any dual credit partnership between a secondary school and a public college include a written agreement (often referred to as an articulation agreement, an institutional agreement, a partnership agreement, or a memorandum of understanding) approved by the governing boards or designated authorities of both institutions.
The agreement must address at least the following elements: Eligible Courses Student Eligibility Location of Class Student Composition of Class Faculty Selection, Supervision, and Evaluation Course Curriculum, Instruction, and Grading Academic Policies and Student Support Services
What is the difference between dual credit and concurrent enrollment?
Concurrent enrollment refers to a circumstance in which a student is enrolled in two or more educational institutions at the same time (for example, a college and a university, or a high school and a college). Concurrent enrollment may also be referred to as dual enrollment. While dual credit may be viewed as a form of concurrent enrollment because the student is enrolled in both high school and college, the credit earned is awarded by both institutions
What test is required for admission?
The Texas Success Initiative Assessment 2.0 (TSIA2) is a series of placement tests for students enrolling in public colleges and universities in Texas. The tests helps determine whether you’re ready for college-level courses in the areas of reading, writing, and math.
Will my child be able to participate in extracurricular activities while taking dual credit classes?
Yes, students are able to participate in clubs, organizations as well as fine art and athletic programs while taking dual credit classes.
Who pays for textbooks?
Longview High School pays for textbooks and book codes that are needed for college classes. There are some exceptions to this rule. Exceptions will be discussed with the counselor at the time of registration.
Who can help?
Tieraney Beall, Dual Credit Counselor/Advisor (tbeall@lisd.org; 903-663-7323)
Brenda Still, Administrative Assistant (bstill@lisd.org; 903-663-7179)