Helping Your High School Student with Dual Credit

Support from a parent is your student’s most important resource. It doesn’t matter whether or not you went to college – by encouraging your children and assuring them that college is important and that they can succeed, you can help them far more than anyone else.

Prepare them for what to expect

Austin Community College Professors give students a tremendous amount of freedom compared to normal high school classes. Please Note the Following:

·         Their daily progress is self-monitored.

·         LHS Staff is not able to monitor whether your student is completing their assignments.

·         Dual Credit Students are often empowered to take charge of their learning.

·          Self-motivation and discipline is critical to their success

The general rule is:  For every one hour spent in class, college students should spend two hours out of class reading, studying, and completing assignments.

 Dual Credit Students Are Treated the Same as any other ACC Student.

Austin Community College staff cannot communicate with anyone other than the student.  Therefore, they cannot participate in a parent conferences.  Communication regarding ACC students is restricted due to FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act).  College is the time for parents to make the transition from being the primary advocate for their children to becoming a primary supporter.  Help your student learn by instilling the message that their academic success depends on their taking responsibility for their own education and behavior.

 Special Education and 504 Services

Accommodations look a little different at the College Level. Austin Community College is committed to providing equitable and effective access for students with documented disabilities in order to support their full participation in College classes and activities.

SAS staff serve students in the following ways:

·         Identify reasonable accommodations

·         Establish and coordinate accommodations

·         One-on-one meetings in person, online, or by phone

·         Access to Assistive Technology

·         Disability-related problem solving and advocacy

·         Information and referrals to additional ACC resources

If your student qualifies for 504 and/or Special Education Accommodations, YOUR student must communicate with the Office of Student Services in order for their professor to provide instructional accommodations.  To learn more about your students’ accommodations at the collegiate level and to schedule a Meeting, Click: HERE.

 Blackboard.

Your student’s coursework will be located in a system called Blackboard.  We highly recommend that you instruct your student to access Blackboard with you so that you are able to view your student’s academic progress in their classes.

Have More Questions?

Should you have more questions, feel free to go to this link: https://dualcredit.austincc.edu/faqs-for-parents/