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Students, counselors praise Montgomery Public Schools dual-enrollment program as college-cost and readiness benefit
Summary
Students and district staff told the board March 6 that dual-enrollment courses allow high school students to earn both high school and college credit at no cost for eligible students, and school counselors serve as local liaisons for the program.
At the March 6 special meeting, several students and a district staff member described Montgomery Public Schools’ dual-enrollment (dual-credit) program, saying it allows high school students to earn both high-school and college credit and can reduce time and cost to degree completion for eligible students.
"Dual enrollment for dual credit is an opportunity for students to take collegiate level courses, while they are still in high school. And the great thing about dual enrollment for dual credit, just as the name suggests, the students are going to get high school credit as well as credit towards their collegiate journeys," a district staff member said during public comments.
Students spoke about personal benefits. One student said, "The reason why I attended the dual enrollment programs is really because not only will I be able to get college credits, but also be losing a class or 2 to be getting forward to my degree in computer science." Another student said they decided to participate "because it's a good opportunity to start college early, to get a head start with my bridal, and to basically help me out in the long run when I do go to college." A different student noted that after completing dual enrollment they would take Spanish at Auburn University.
The district staff member emphasized the role of school counselors in connecting students to the program: "Lee, our school counselors are an amazing resource. They're actually the liaison at our local schools to push the dual enrollment for dual credit program. So I'm at the district level, but our school counselors are the ones that are putting their feet to the ground to ensure that the students are well aware of this opportunity and any questions the students may have." The staff member also said, "about the Montgomery Public Schools dual enrollment for dual credit program, as long as the students meet the eligibility criteria, cost is absolutely nothing for them." The transcript did not specify the eligibility criteria.
These speakers presented the program as a tool for college readiness and cost savings; the board did not take formal action on the program during the special meeting.
