Richfield High outlines CIS, AP, PSEO and biliteracy pathways; officials cite thousands of college credits earned
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Summary
Richfield High School leaders told the school board that students are accessing multiple college-credit pathways — Concurrent Enrollment (CIS), Advanced Placement, PSEO, Seal of Biliteracy and CTE articulation — reporting 6,102 CIS/AP credits earned from 2021–24 and substantial tuition‑equivalency savings.
Richfield High School presented a consolidated update on college-credit options to the Richfield School Board on Nov. 10, saying the district offers Concurrent Enrollment/College in the Schools (CIS), Advanced Placement (AP), Post‑Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO), a Seal of Biliteracy pathway and Career & Technical Education (CTE) articulation agreements.
“CIS is a partnership with the University of Minnesota,” Principal Collins said, describing a model in which RHS teachers are credentialed so students earn both a high‑school transcript and a University of Minnesota transcript for the same course. Collins listed sample CIS offerings including college algebra, physics by inquiry and a new creative problem‑solving course.
Administrators said CIS and AP participation and success are monitored separately but complement one another. The district reported more than half of students took at least one AP or CIS course in the recent two‑year snapshot and emphasized measures of success such as CIS grades above a C and AP scores of 3 or higher.
Dr. Valla summarized districtwide credit production, saying, “From ’21 to ’24, Richfield High School students earned 6,102 credits, equaling $3,700,000 in U of M tuition.” The presenters said the University of Minnesota provides a CIS value statement each fall and that the district will update its figures when new university data arrives.
PSEO, the presenters said, remains an important option for eligible sophomores and older; online PSEO offerings have reduced transportation barriers and the district reported combined part‑time and full‑time PSEO enrollment rising to 71 students in the most recent year. Presenters noted PSEO requires application and readiness requirements from the post‑secondary institution and can shift funding responsibility for course enrollment.
The Seal of Biliteracy was presented as another college‑credit pathway. District staff explained the state awards two, three or four semester equivalents depending on language proficiency tiers; in recent years the district has seen nearly 200 credit‑equivalents requested through that pathway. Faculty also described 15 articulation agreements in CTE areas that allow students who earn a B or better to request college credit at partner colleges, though those credits are awarded through partner institutions rather than automatically posted by RHS.
Board members asked how credits transfer and whether students can carry them to the colleges they choose. Collins said counselors and the college & career center support students individually and provide classroom lessons on transcript transfer during senior year. Directors pressed for clearer online packet information; the high school distributed printed data packets at the meeting and staff agreed to upload supplemental materials.
The presentation emphasized equitable access: presenters said the district has increased CIS participation by students of color and is monitoring demographic representation in advanced coursework. The board asked for continued reporting on participation by subgroup and for updated University of Minnesota value data when available.
The board took no vote on the presentation itself; presenters answered questions and the board requested follow‑up data and that the supplementary materials be added to future board packets.
