2008 Woodie Awards
Taking college courses in high school lets students get ahead
Andrew Kindiger
Issue date: 8/28/08 Section: Opinions
College preparatory schools always have had a reputation as elite education systems far beyond the scope of the public sector. But many public schools now have adopted mandatory graduation requirements, which transform schools' curriculum to match the requirements needed to get into most colleges in the U.S. This attention to education will enable students to meet new academic challenges as opposed to having to play catch-up freshman year.
Several schools in Dallas, Texas, have taken this plan a step further. In association with the Dallas Community College District, public high schools have made it possible for students to graduate from high school with an associate's degree as well as a diploma. Students can be put on a special college-prep track while taking college courses, putting these students way ahead of the game.
If all U.S. high schools were able to give students the same options, education would be revolutionized. Individuals coming out of high school would have a larger set of skills if they chose to enter the work force, and those who wanted to complete a four-year degree would be able to start careers at a younger age or begin graduate work earlier. Some high schools offer dual credit programs and Advanced Placement Exams in an effort to shave off a few classes or maybe even a semester of college, but the program in Dallas would let students enter college as juniors.
With college entrance rates at an all-time high, it makes sense to help ease the process of attaining a four-year degree. It would make college dramatically less expensive, and it also would give students an incentive to complete advanced degrees before entering the job market. If more and more districts are becoming interested in preparing students for college, why not take it a step further so that students would have the option of completing many, if not all general college requirements in high school?
This might seem like quite the leap, but if more colleges partnered with community colleges in an effort to install jump-start programs, this actually could be a reality. If public colleges took this seriously, they could align these programs so that students would complete their first two years at a particular community college, then complete their degree at their own state institution. This potentially could boost the attendance at state colleges.
Several schools in Dallas, Texas, have taken this plan a step further. In association with the Dallas Community College District, public high schools have made it possible for students to graduate from high school with an associate's degree as well as a diploma. Students can be put on a special college-prep track while taking college courses, putting these students way ahead of the game.
If all U.S. high schools were able to give students the same options, education would be revolutionized. Individuals coming out of high school would have a larger set of skills if they chose to enter the work force, and those who wanted to complete a four-year degree would be able to start careers at a younger age or begin graduate work earlier. Some high schools offer dual credit programs and Advanced Placement Exams in an effort to shave off a few classes or maybe even a semester of college, but the program in Dallas would let students enter college as juniors.
With college entrance rates at an all-time high, it makes sense to help ease the process of attaining a four-year degree. It would make college dramatically less expensive, and it also would give students an incentive to complete advanced degrees before entering the job market. If more and more districts are becoming interested in preparing students for college, why not take it a step further so that students would have the option of completing many, if not all general college requirements in high school?
This might seem like quite the leap, but if more colleges partnered with community colleges in an effort to install jump-start programs, this actually could be a reality. If public colleges took this seriously, they could align these programs so that students would complete their first two years at a particular community college, then complete their degree at their own state institution. This potentially could boost the attendance at state colleges.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Jenifer
posted 9/03/08 @ 12:38 AM CST
I certainly can see the benefits of receiving an associate's degree and a high school diploma simultaneously. I think it's a good idea for students who had no intention or desire to continue education past age 18. (Continued…)
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