Many high schools offer dual credit courses in partnership with different colleges. These classes help students earn college credits while fulfilling high school course credit requirements. With the removal of honors courses, dual credit offers students a potentially more flexible alternative for high school courses.
Schools should provide students with dual credit classes to better prepare students for college.
Dual credit helps students get a higher education and meet the high demand to attain college credits. According to Sallie, taking dual enrollment classes helps students get ahead on their college courses. Once these students get to college they can potentially acquire an associates degree as a result of taking these types of classes. Taking dual credit helps students learn how to communicate and learn from college professors, giving them a clearer understanding of how college could look like for them in their future. These classes give students an opportunity to learn how to effectively communicate with the professors. This relationship is key for students to understand before they leave to actually attend a college once they graduate.
For some students, college is too expensive. Providing dual credit classes for students helps bridge the gap between money and higher education. Taking dual credit classes helps these students get a chance to go to college for a much cheaper price. According to Tarrant County College, students can take classes on their home campuses plus students are able to send all these test scores and class grades directly to the college they intend to go to. When students take dual enrollment classes they are eligible to get both their high school credit plus their college credit.
Taking courses like AP or on-level require students to meet on campus every day. However, when taking dual credit classes students have the flexibility of only having to meet either three or four days out of the week. Having class only three days a week gives students a break and also gives them time to take care of any homework without feeling rushed. For some, taking classes every single day seems burdensome, like they don’t have enough time to give their full effort into things. Having these types of classes gives students some time to gather themselves without the worry of what is to come. According to Central Michigan University, dual credit allows students with a flexible schedule while also getting a high level of education.
College classes are harder to transition into coming from on-level courses. Dual credit allows students the chance to get their high school requirements. These classes provide the support students need and ensure that any student who enrolls in dual credit and passes will not need to take the class once they get to their selected University. According to Sallie, students who enroll in dual credit have a stronger support system and the accessibility they need when thinking about college.
Taking a dual credit class is scary and costs a lot of money upfront. So families who do not have the money for these types of classes won’t get the chance to experience this class like the rest of their classmates. Dual credit costs more money upfront, but they are able to experience college for themselves.
Schools should expand access for dual credit classes to help further their education and help their students save money for when they actually attend college once they graduate. This provides students with an opportunity to enjoy their high school years without the stress of college class money.
