How can you balance and increase both Dual Credit and AP at your school? by Scott Rhymer https://padlet.com/wrhymer/z3gvbns5gxmj Group 2 Collaboration en-us 2017-11-23 12:26:44 UTC 2017-12-09 13:41:08 UTC hello@padlet.com Use Red + To Collaborate And Share wrhymer https://padlet.com/wrhymer/z3gvbns5gxmj/wish/209690636 2017-11-23 12:27:28 UTC https://padlet.com/wrhymer/z3gvbns5gxmj/wish/209690636 AP/Dual Credit https://padlet.com/wrhymer/z3gvbns5gxmj/wish/211992870 AP offers a wider variety right now for students to obtain college credit and it appeals to a more diverse student population. A larger number of students are willing to attempt an AP course before trying a course for dual credit. You can attempt to increase enrollment in both by increasing the variety of classes offered, like more electives (AP Music Theory, AP Psychology).]]> 2017-11-30 18:09:31 UTC https://padlet.com/wrhymer/z3gvbns5gxmj/wish/211992870 AP/Dual Credit https://padlet.com/wrhymer/z3gvbns5gxmj/wish/212013103 At our school the challenge is more of proximity to the local colleges for Dual Credit. We offer a vast multitude of AP courses. We are looking into getting accredited teachers to come to our school to conduct some Dual Credit classes. This will help with offering a wider variety of "next level" courses.]]> 2017-11-30 18:44:23 UTC https://padlet.com/wrhymer/z3gvbns5gxmj/wish/212013103 AP/Duel Credit https://padlet.com/wrhymer/z3gvbns5gxmj/wish/212015815 During IGP meetings our students are fully informed about the opportunities we provide. During these meetings, we find out student goals for their future. These meetings guide the discussions. We also provide a placement test here at our school to see who qualifies for early college.]]> 2017-11-30 18:49:07 UTC https://padlet.com/wrhymer/z3gvbns5gxmj/wish/212015815 Make sure you link up to the population of students that would best benefit from each of the programs. You don't want to focus on the same population of students. Broaden the scope to reach more students! https://padlet.com/wrhymer/z3gvbns5gxmj/wish/212024998 2017-11-30 19:04:34 UTC https://padlet.com/wrhymer/z3gvbns5gxmj/wish/212024998 The balance! mphillip3 https://padlet.com/wrhymer/z3gvbns5gxmj/wish/212031380 First is have the right teacher teaching the AP course. Students need to understand the differences between Dual Credit and AP classes. Each one can meet the needs of students. Encourage students to be challenged whichever road they choose.]]> 2017-11-30 19:16:29 UTC https://padlet.com/wrhymer/z3gvbns5gxmj/wish/212031380 Marketing the courses appropriately...Educating the counselors, teachers, and students on the expectations and benefits of each route and encouraging students to make knowledgeable decisions. https://padlet.com/wrhymer/z3gvbns5gxmj/wish/212099562 2017-11-30 22:14:29 UTC https://padlet.com/wrhymer/z3gvbns5gxmj/wish/212099562 Balance https://padlet.com/wrhymer/z3gvbns5gxmj/wish/212108371 Understanding the student and their strengths assists in proper placement of students in these courses. We have students that we deliberately place in the dual credit courses because historically they test poorly. A student can be more successful in the actual dual credit course and receive credit without so much focus on one assessment result. It's more about understanding the student and placing them where they will have a greater chance at success. It's only G+ if they are successful. Our counseling department works hard to develop relationships and understand the students for proper placement and balance.]]> 2017-11-30 23:09:44 UTC https://padlet.com/wrhymer/z3gvbns5gxmj/wish/212108371 Balancing Act https://padlet.com/wrhymer/z3gvbns5gxmj/wish/212121593 It is important to inform the students and parents the advantages to both. Explain what they are and what they are not. The rigor associated with each and what they look like at our school. We could also have students complete surveys of both asking for feedback on their experience. This could provide insight into how we explain to students and parents how these courses are run. Also, there should also be zero "negative talk" about each program. There are benefits to both.]]> 2017-12-01 01:01:57 UTC https://padlet.com/wrhymer/z3gvbns5gxmj/wish/212121593 Teachers https://padlet.com/wrhymer/z3gvbns5gxmj/wish/212132951 Getting teachers interested in bringing new certified courses to your school with the incentive for them to teach it]]> 2017-12-01 02:30:14 UTC https://padlet.com/wrhymer/z3gvbns5gxmj/wish/212132951 Variety https://padlet.com/wrhymer/z3gvbns5gxmj/wish/212263318 By measuring student interest in different courses, whether they are dual credit or AP, we can, as a program, increase enrollment by tailoring our offerings based on what students are more likely to be interested in or need for postsecondary pursuits. We are integrating a computer science AP course next year based on exactly this principle. ]]> 2017-12-01 14:14:05 UTC https://padlet.com/wrhymer/z3gvbns5gxmj/wish/212263318 Balance https://padlet.com/wrhymer/z3gvbns5gxmj/wish/212278184 As a school we need to communicate our vision of G+ with these two opportunities to ALL stakeholders. Then through our IGP meetings and registration, we (parents, students and guidance counselors) choose the best option for the student.]]> 2017-12-01 14:41:16 UTC https://padlet.com/wrhymer/z3gvbns5gxmj/wish/212278184 Inform https://padlet.com/wrhymer/z3gvbns5gxmj/wish/212283838 I think one of the first things that can be done is to better inform our teachers, parents and students about both options. There are definitely preconceived notions about both programs that may not be entirely true. Once that's started, some of our students and parents will naturally gravitate towards one or the other that will help us create an increase and balance between the two.]]> 2017-12-01 14:51:28 UTC https://padlet.com/wrhymer/z3gvbns5gxmj/wish/212283838 Balance and Increase https://padlet.com/wrhymer/z3gvbns5gxmj/wish/212331930 I think, first, we must inform parents and students of these opportunities and what they mean to their education. I think offering a variety of course not only increases student participation, but also can positively impact enrollment overall. Dual credit and AP courses also offer teacher a great opportunity to grow and become more invested in the success of our students and school.]]> 2017-12-01 16:19:43 UTC https://padlet.com/wrhymer/z3gvbns5gxmj/wish/212331930 AP/Dual Credit https://padlet.com/wrhymer/z3gvbns5gxmj/wish/212411248 Give students on the "cusp" the chance to enroll in these courses. One can always move "up" and grow academically. Motivation and energy needs to be contagious on a macro level. ]]> 2017-12-01 19:11:00 UTC https://padlet.com/wrhymer/z3gvbns5gxmj/wish/212411248 Correct identification and placement https://padlet.com/wrhymer/z3gvbns5gxmj/wish/212616855 Increasing and balancing both AP and Dual credit classes involves correctly identifying students who will be successful in the two programs. A student who is above average in English should be encouraged to take 101 and if possible, follow it with AP. Teachers, guidance counselors, and even administrators should be encouraging students to get out of their comfort zones and take these classes. ]]> 2017-12-03 16:41:00 UTC https://padlet.com/wrhymer/z3gvbns5gxmj/wish/212616855 I agree with the correct identification and placement of students. While we want to offer all students an opportunity for a +1, we want to ensure the best options for those students. A student who excels in academics should be encouraged to challenge themselves and take the AP course, while a student who isn't as successful on standardized testing could benefit from dual credit opportunities. https://padlet.com/wrhymer/z3gvbns5gxmj/wish/212919725 2017-12-04 15:59:33 UTC https://padlet.com/wrhymer/z3gvbns5gxmj/wish/212919725 https://padlet.com/wrhymer/z3gvbns5gxmj/wish/212930236 I think the first thing is making sure you have an interest from the students for the courses you offer at the Dual Credit and AP level.  You can offer the classes and encourage all students to sign up, but if the interest from the student isn’t there it won’t matter which courses you offer.  To gauge interest you need to ensure that those ‘selling’ the course know all the ins/outs to the course to accurately help get the students interested in taking the course.]]> 2017-12-04 16:15:51 UTC https://padlet.com/wrhymer/z3gvbns5gxmj/wish/212930236 https://padlet.com/wrhymer/z3gvbns5gxmj/wish/212968672 Offering college-level courses of any kind in high school pays off in the long run…even if students are not offered college credit.  We have to keep in mind that our high schools raise the bar for students and teachers by offering more rigorous courses.  If students meet requirements for courses offered; applications are required.  Throughout the application process, students are communicated expectations related to AP/Dual Credit Courses.  Students in turn are encouraged to shared their willingness, need, and wants to enroll in the course…this sort of weeds out misconceptions and those students not seriously interested in AP/Dual Courses.

]]> 2017-12-04 17:23:45 UTC https://padlet.com/wrhymer/z3gvbns5gxmj/wish/212968672 I am not sure if you want to balance the two but just make sure that both are available. Depending on your school population and the needs of your students, you may have more that are interested in AP courses that are on track to attend a 4-year college or university and believe that AP courses are best for that path; alternately, you may have more students who plan on attending two-year technical schools or will transfer later to a four-year institution and therefore are more interested in DE classes. I think it is important to gauge where your students are make opportunities available for all students. https://padlet.com/wrhymer/z3gvbns5gxmj/wish/212987465 2017-12-04 17:58:15 UTC https://padlet.com/wrhymer/z3gvbns5gxmj/wish/212987465 https://padlet.com/wrhymer/z3gvbns5gxmj/wish/213136963 I believe one way to increase both Dual Credit and AP at our school is to offer a variety of courses. I also believe it is important to have a strong working relationship with the community college your students will be attending so that when the college build's their schedule it works for our students. ]]> 2017-12-05 02:59:29 UTC https://padlet.com/wrhymer/z3gvbns5gxmj/wish/213136963 The best way to to increase both Dual Credit and AP courses are to educate our students and parents on the advantages of both programs. This must be done early in the high school career so that students can make a critical choice on the track that they would like to pursue in high school and college. https://padlet.com/wrhymer/z3gvbns5gxmj/wish/213253286


]]> 2017-12-05 12:56:54 UTC https://padlet.com/wrhymer/z3gvbns5gxmj/wish/213253286 The best way to increase dual credit and AP course enrollment while creating balance is best addressed though the following: 1. professional development (student identification & pros/cons or benefits of each) 2. communication to parents through seminars/ podcast/ pamphlets/ videos (explaining the advantages, disadvantages, purpose) 3. student targeted advertising/marketing starting in middle school (educating the need and purpose while creating an interest). The idea is to create a culture of advanced placement so that all students are challenged to reach their highest level of performance. https://padlet.com/wrhymer/z3gvbns5gxmj/wish/213455624 2017-12-05 18:56:51 UTC https://padlet.com/wrhymer/z3gvbns5gxmj/wish/213455624 I think that it is important to offer both and to educate both students and parents on which would work best for the student, if any. I think this is a conversation that could start at the end of middle school. It should definitely be discussed in the IGP meeting with the counselor. A comparison chart of the two, maybe with related research articles could be posted on the Guidance webpage. https://padlet.com/wrhymer/z3gvbns5gxmj/wish/213476422 2017-12-05 19:36:05 UTC https://padlet.com/wrhymer/z3gvbns5gxmj/wish/213476422 It must always start with what is in the best interest of the students. Offering a range of targeted options allows schools to provide unique and diverse learning opportunities to help prepare students for the next steps in their lives. Once you have identified the courses that best meet the needs of your students you have to focus on communicating the new offerings and the benefits they offer to students. Be willing to answer questions, meet with interested students, and talk with parents. https://padlet.com/wrhymer/z3gvbns5gxmj/wish/213476455 2017-12-05 19:36:09 UTC https://padlet.com/wrhymer/z3gvbns5gxmj/wish/213476455 Marketing https://padlet.com/wrhymer/z3gvbns5gxmj/wish/213937783 Marketing the courses that are available should be a major focus. Also we need to continue to add both types of courses as the curriculum grows in our G+ focus areas.]]> 2017-12-06 22:35:37 UTC https://padlet.com/wrhymer/z3gvbns5gxmj/wish/213937783 I believe that advertising both to students is the catalyst to increasing numbers in both. AP offers a different kind of preparation for college than Dual Credit but both can be valuable to our high school students. We need to do a better job of informing our students about both types of classes and the importance of being prepared not only of the amount of material that is covered but also about the self motivation required in a college course. We should be talking about these courses during our students freshman year and continue discussing them throughout high school. https://padlet.com/wrhymer/z3gvbns5gxmj/wish/214463652 2017-12-08 13:00:54 UTC https://padlet.com/wrhymer/z3gvbns5gxmj/wish/214463652 https://padlet.com/wrhymer/z3gvbns5gxmj/wish/214501986 While both are important, I firmly believe that they speak to different groups of students. As an admin team, we plan to spend time with teachers, students, and community members explaining dual credit and the pros and cons for students. Many students that are enrolled in AP classes know where they want to attend college and what they want to do as a career. Balancing and increasing both at one school will come down to educating all participants and their parents so they have the knowledge to make the best decision for the student.]]> 2017-12-08 14:37:50 UTC https://padlet.com/wrhymer/z3gvbns5gxmj/wish/214501986 mirvin5 https://padlet.com/wrhymer/z3gvbns5gxmj/wish/214539673 It is important to speak with your staff and students about what they want. We sat down with our English department and discussed the pros and cons for dual credit English classes vs. AP courses. The English department as a group agreed that it was in their best interest and the interest of students to go with AP courses over dual credit. If you simply force one or the other on teachers and students you will not have a quality program. If teachers are given the opportunity to grow in the direction that is best for them and their students, you will have a more beneficial program at your school.]]> 2017-12-08 15:54:34 UTC https://padlet.com/wrhymer/z3gvbns5gxmj/wish/214539673 Systematic and Intentional Advisement https://padlet.com/wrhymer/z3gvbns5gxmj/wish/214562097 2017-12-08 16:42:45 UTC https://padlet.com/wrhymer/z3gvbns5gxmj/wish/214562097 https://padlet.com/wrhymer/z3gvbns5gxmj/wish/214563641 We need to provide education for students and parents about the requirements and benefits of both AP courses and dual credit courses and ensure that students have the opportunity to take the classes that will best prepare them for the future.

]]> 2017-12-08 16:46:22 UTC https://padlet.com/wrhymer/z3gvbns5gxmj/wish/214563641 https://padlet.com/wrhymer/z3gvbns5gxmj/wish/214669313 The culture and clientele of a school often drive course offerings and enrollment in dual credit and AP courses.  However, the promotion and communication with students and parents about such courses is key to growing these programsBeing at a school with the largest number of AP course offerings, we find that the challenge is balancing class sizes.  ]]> 2017-12-08 23:11:49 UTC https://padlet.com/wrhymer/z3gvbns5gxmj/wish/214669313 Students need to be made aware of the differences between duel credit and AP in how the class will proceed and the credit is earned. Many students do not realize that each college and university set their own standard as to what credit they will award for the AP scores. At some schools a 4 or a 5 AP score may only get you minimal course credit (where my daughter went to school her 4 on AP Biology gave her credit for 1 semester of a biology course for non-science majors). Students also need to realize that being a strong test taker is very important in AP. vdoolitt https://padlet.com/wrhymer/z3gvbns5gxmj/wish/214709000 2017-12-09 13:41:08 UTC https://padlet.com/wrhymer/z3gvbns5gxmj/wish/214709000