Board confirms memorandum of agreement with ASU for Accelerate dual-credit program

The Central Consolidated Schools Board confirmed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Arizona State University that formalizes the district's ASU Accelerate dual-credit program for the July 1 to June 30 school year.

Miss Morris, presenting the program, told the board the ASU Accelerate partnership allows gifted CCSD students to receive college credits from a major research university that can transfer to colleges nationally. "The ASU Accelerate allows for, the gifted students in CCSD to receive college credit, from a number 1 research university," she said, noting several students earned multiple ASU credits this semester.

Why it matters: Dual-credit programs can accelerate students' paths to college-level work and reduce future tuition costs by allowing high school students to earn transferable college credits. Morris cited local student successes: two sophomores received nine ASU credits this semester and four sophomores received six college credits each.

Action and outcome: The board moved, seconded and approved confirmation of the full MOA for ASU Accelerate, noting pricing and terms remained consistent with prior agreements. Staff said the MOA replaces a prior amendment and covers the next contract year.

Limits: The MOA was approved; specific enrollment numbers, program costs to the district and transfer policies at receiving institutions were not detailed in the meeting record.

Key quote: "This allows the CCS, these students to have opportunities for a larger catalog of classes... they can transfer these credits to any college around the United States," Miss Morris said.

Follow-up: Staff will implement the MOA for the upcoming contract year and continue to track student performance and credit completions.