Dual enrollment: Is it a good idea?

Posted on 17. Dec, 2010 by Joan Azarva in Articles

As politicians and educators attempt to encourage college attendance, dual enrollment is being increasingly practiced. It allows students to take low-priced college-level courses in their high schools, fulfilling both high school and college requirements. Dual enrollment is perceived as desirable since students can enter college with some basic courses waived, thereby saving tuition dollars, while imbuing students with the confidence they need to handle college-level work.

On paper, it sounds great, right? In actuality, colleges are seeing more and more students crossing their thresholds unprepared. How can this be if the same syllabus is being taught?

Simple. High school is not college, and it can’t simulate it. What’s taught in a year of high school is taught in 15 weeks of college. High school students are often rewarded for effort; college students are not. High schools frequently offer students extra credit to compensate for low grades; extra credit is not commonplace in college. High school students are living under their parents’ supervision; many college students are living on their own.

Students who earn a “C” in dual enrollment classes may be exempt from those courses in college. They are placed in upper-level courses assuming basic skills. In reality, their skills are often sub-par.

Read the article “What’s High School For?” published in the Inside HIgher Ed journal to find out why dual enrollment may be producing weaker students, counter to its intention.

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Tags: dual enrollment, taking college courses in high school