Concept/Topic:
“Improvement Practices For Post
Secondary Institutions; Dual Enrollment, Promotion,
Retention, and Continuance”.
The nature of this
capstone project is to develop viable methods and means to further expand the
concept of dual enrollment. My internal benefits are to impact my (LEA) local
education agency and the perceptions towards advanced education in rural
communities. My external goals are to widen the total initiative via outreach to
college and universities outside of the State of Alabama, which would begin to
lead into global pathways for this program’s impact on educational advancements
and outcomes (i.e.) exposure, resources available, and application of skills
and services.
My recent
conversation with a four-year college administrator (Chief of Staff) indicated
to me that there is yet a greater need for this concept to be developed. Thus,
it indicated that the impact is felt when there is no retention of students
from high school to both 2-year and then 4-year colleges and universities. Our
conversation also led into the impact on scholarships offered for students in
various programs. In my personal experiences, I have seen students who
participate in dual enrollment with an ACT Score of 16-19 earn scholarships based on their
performance in dual enrollment. Moreover, these students completed their
associates’ degree and transitioned to a 4-year college in pursuit of their
bachelors’ degree yet earning college scholarships. In short, ACT is only one
indicator. I suggest that dual enrollment be considered to determine students’
success. The modest GPA requirement of 2.5 in the State of Alabama
Later in my
conversation with school leaders, I had a chance to discuss the issue with a
local and current Superintendent of Education. We both shared a continued
interest in dual enrollment programs, specifically for students in rural
communities. The nature of this approach was to ensure more policy provisions
for students entering dual enrollment and how the benefits need to align with
their future career goals. Our discussion lead into developing programs in the
early learning programs in P-12 educational settings which will impact future
decisions made by students in the secondary settings. A implementation phase of
this project (capstone) will focus on the early-elementary-middle grades
readiness exposure.
This will take a
unique level of planning; however from this project and my direct interface with
the concept I am certain we will produce favorable outcomes. Furthermore, I
plan to revisit my initial presentation to the four-year university and to the
two-year college in efforts of better managing a pipeline that will impact
students from my school district and their entering post-secondary
institutions. The outcomes are: increased enrollment, more retention of
students in STEM programs, and mostly a more improved, diversified, and
educated workforce.
Resources:
Blending high school and
college can sharpen the focus of each: dual enrollment and early college
experiences help students make smooth and successful transitions from high
school to higher education. By Vargas, Joel; Hooker, Sarah; Gerwin,
Carol. In: Phi Delta Kappan. Nov 2017, Vol 99 Issue 3, 13; Phi Delta Kappa,
Inc. Language: English, Database: Expanded Academic ASAP
Understanding
College-Student Role: Perspectives of Participants in a High School/Community
College Dual-Enrollment Program. By Lile, Joy R.; Ottusch, Timothy, M.; Jones,
Terese; Richards, Leslie N.. Community College Journal of Research &
Practice, February 2018 Vol. 42 Issue: 2 p95-111, 17p., Database:
Supplemental Index
More
high school students could take college classes with dual enrollment. By:
Mitchell, Alex. Grand Rapids 10/24/2011 , Vol. 29 Issue 43, p17-17.
1/3p., Database; Regional Business News.
Dual
Enrollment Programs and Courses for High School Students at Postsecondary
Institutions: 2010-11. First Look. NCES 2013-002. By: Marken, Stephanie; Gray,
Lucindda; Lewis, Laurie. National Center
Posted by:
Melvin Alonza Lowe, III, EdD
(Walden University)
M.S. - Higher Education w/ Adult Education
Posted by:
Melvin Alonza Lowe, III, EdD
(Walden University)
M.S. - Higher Education w/ Adult Education
