DUAL CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES IN MISD January 2019 Dual

DUAL CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES IN MISD January 2019

Dual Credit Enrollment 1600 1400 1200 1000 800 600 400 200 0 2014 -2015 -2016 Summer 2017 -2018 Fall Spring 2018 -2019

What is dual credit? § Dual credit allows eligible students to take college level courses and receive both high school and college credit. § Final course grades are recorded on both the high school and college transcript. § Dual credit courses receive weighted credit that is equivalent to the weight afforded to AP courses if the course is passed with a 70 or better.

Where are dual credit classes taught? § Dual credit courses are offered on the home campus if enough students request the course. § In some cases, courses may be offered at other MISD campuses to accommodate student requests across the district. § Face to face instruction is preferred, however, courses are sometimes offered in alternative formats such as online or blended models.

Does Dual Credit Transfer? § Dual credit transfers to Texas public universities. § Students should select courses that will meet the needs of their college degree programs. § Conversations should be held with colleges/universities of interest to select the most appropriate courses. § How the credits count is completely dependent on the accepting college or university.

House Bill 505 and dual credit § House Bill 505 § MISD sponsors/scholarships a large part of the tuition for our students. MISD will not restrict students from taking college courses, but will only finance courses taken in 10 th-12 th grade within MISD. § MISD will only dual code courses that are a part of our agreement and meet district prerequisites. § A list of these courses can be found in the online course guide. § All other courses taken would be for college credit only. This is called concurrent enrollment.

What are the eligibility requirements? To take courses under MISD scholarship/sponsorship: Students must be at least 10 th graders with an overall GPA of 80+. Step 1: Students must complete the Dual Credit Interest Form. Step 2: Students must apply for admission to TCC through Apply Texas. Step 3: Students must participate in the Pre-Assessment Activity (PAA). Step 4: Students must satisfy the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) requirements. MISD does not accept TSI exemptions. Step 5: Students will see counselor to select courses after TSI scores are met. the Step 6: Students must self-register in Webadvisor for their courses during designated window.

What is the TSI? Texas Success Initiative (TSI) § All MISD sponsored students must take and pass the TSI. § Testing is offered during the spring on each home campus. § Each campus will manage sign-ups through the counseling office. § Testing may take up to 5 hours depending on the number of tests taken in one session. § Testing in each subject is free. § Retests are held at TCC and are free. However, multiple attempts may indicate that a student is not yet ready to participate in dual credit.

TSI Scores Passing Scores § Reading (351+) § Writing/Essay 340+ on Multiple Choice and 4 on the essay § Math (350+) MISD does not accept TSI exemptions or waivers.

What is the difference between dual credit and AP? § Dual credit is taught by college professors and credit is guaranteed if the student passes. Students are building a college transcript and high school transcript at the same time. § AP is taught by MISD staff and governed by the College Board. AP College credit is determined by the score made on the corresponding AP Exam, and the guidelines of the receiving college. § Both are weighted the same in the high school GPA. § Students should take the course that best meets their individual needs. § Many students take a blend of dual credit and AP courses.

Who teaches dual credit? § TCC instructors teach dual credit courses. § These courses may be face to face, online or a combination. § Instructors are hired and supervised by TCC personnel. § TCC instructors are not subject to the grading or attendance policies of MISD. § MISD does not supervise TCC staff. We communicate with the TCC SE on the student’s behalf if there is a situation or concern that cannot be resolved between the instructor and student.

What is the schedule for dual credit classes? § College courses typically meet two to three times a week. Since our students currently meet for class on an A or B day, they don’t have class on Friday. On the block schedule they meet either M-W or T-Th and not Friday. § TCC students on Friday have the opportunity to participate in an Independent Study/Field Trip meaning that with parent permission (form must be on file) students do not report to the campus during their TCC class time. They may study independently, go to TCC for math or writing tutoring, meet for study groups, etc. Students not participating in independent study will have study hall in a designated location on the campus.

What happens if my child fails? § Once a student fails a dual credit course, they may not take any additional dual credit courses until after graduation from high school. § Remember dual credit grades are a part of their permanent record so grades appear on both the high school and college transcript. § Depending on the grade earned, credit may have to be recovered on the high school side.

May a student drop a class? § Students may drop within the allowable time frame. This time frame is designated by the college campus each semester. § If a student drops a class they will have three options: § Option 1 future Reimburse the district for class that was dropped and continue courses at the sponsored rate. § Option 2 - Continue future courses at the full course rate § Option 3 - No longer participate in dual credit

Drop 6 Rule § Section 51. 907 of the TEC states that students may not drop more than 6 courses taken at a Texas public institution of higher education. § The receiving institution determines if drops made during high school count as part of the 6 courses.

Residency § TCC determines a student’s residency based on their application through Apply Texas. § Students who have lived in Texas less than 12 months at the time of application will be charged out of state tuition. § TCC may require additional documentation such as a water bill, income tax or lease agreement for proof of residency. § Non citizens may need to provide additional documentation such as resident cards and/or visas.

Registration Reminders § Testing will be held at home campuses on selected dates. If you miss those dates you may test on your own at TCC during their office hours prior to May 3 rd, 2019. § Students may not sign up for TCC classes until they meet eligibility requirements. § Courses will not be entered in Skyward until they have been successfully registered for their TCC courses. § New students to dual credit will have to attend a mandatory orientation meeting or TCC will not allow them to remain in the course. Multiple dates will be available.

What does it Cost? § Students are offered courses at a significantly reduced rate. Due to a recent increase in tuition effective spring 2019, current student costs are under review. A final rate is coming soon. § Textbooks are provided by the district while enrolled in MISD

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