Representatives of public education, higher education, the business community, and Wicomico County came together Tuesday, Oct. 8 to spotlight recent changes in state law and local agreements that mean expanded dual enrollment opportunities for high school students to earn both high school and college credit for courses taken on college and university campuses.
Wicomico juniors and seniors have been able to sign up for dual enrollment for many years, supplementing their high school schedule with approved classes on college campuses, particularly Wor-Wic Community College. Students who are dually enrolled will earn both college and high school credit, giving the student a chance to get comfortable with college coursework and allowing the student to earn college credits at a reduced cost.
“Students can complete just one class, to get a taste of the college experience, or go all the way and take enough courses to complete their two-year associate’s degree at about the same time they earn their high school diploma,” said Dr. John Fredericksen, Superintendent of Wicomico County Public Schools. “We have 97 students involved in dual enrollment this fall, and we hope to see that number grow as more and more families realize what a fantastic opportunity dual enrollment represents.”
Under Maryland’s College and Career Readiness and College Completion Act of 2013, student costs for dual enrollment are significantly lower. At Wor-Wic, for example, where all but a few of the dually enrolled Wicomico students study, the first four college courses a public school dual enrollment student takes cost $230.40 for a three-credit class, rather than the regular rate of $324.
Perhaps the most significant change is that public high school students who qualify for free and reduced meals only pay for course fees (generally $36 per course at Wor-Wic) and books, and most of those students will be eligible for financial assistance at Wor-Wic to help defray that cost as well. Historically, students from lower-income families have not accessed dual enrollment coursework because of the expense. Dr. Ray Hoy, President of Wor-Wic Community College, said that studies have shown that at-risk, low-income students who participate in dual enrollment are significantly more likely to graduate from high school and attend college than non-dual enrollment students.
“I experienced dual enrollment firsthand with my own children, and have seen dual enrollment lead to student success many times,” Dr. Hoy said.
During the Oct. 8 press conference at Wicomico High School, Wicomico school officials and students and representatives of Wor-Wic Community College and Salisbury University, as well as Wicomico County and the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce, celebrated the signing of memorandums of understanding on dual enrollment at the two institutions for students of Wicomico County Public Schools. Wicomico Schools is also finalizing a memorandum of understanding with University of Maryland Eastern Shore.
Ernie Colburn, CEO of the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce, said student participation in college classes while still in high school allows students to get acclimated to college coursework and culture, increasing their chances of succeeding in college and career. The business community has pledged to support students in being college and career ready through mentors and through events like the spring Career Fair for all Wicomico ninth graders. The Chamber will also join the school system in seeking to establish transportation arrangements to ensure that any student who wants to dually enroll can get to the college or university campus.
“We look forward to working together even more in the future, because education is fundamental to a healthy economy and a successful community. Average is GONE ! We need to go to the next level. And the next level is a moving target” Colburn said.
Students apply for dual enrollment through the high school guidance office, and must also apply for admission through the college or university. Dual enrollment is available for any Wicomico student in the junior and senior year, as long as the student has a grade point average of 2.75 or higher and the student continues to take the required number of credits at the high school (seniors must take at least 4 credits, with at least 1 credit earned at the high school).
Dually enrolled students from Wicomico County Public Schools currently take Psychology, World Civilizations 151, English 12, Chemistry, Biology, Calculus I, Statistics & Probability, and Environmental Science. The students are enrolled in one, two or three college classes through dual enrollment.
School system content area supervisors work with Wor-Wic and Salisbury University to review course alignment and determine which classes match up with courses offered in Wicomico Schools and will therefore be eligible for dual enrollment credit.
Dual enrollment is just one pathway students can take to be college and career ready, said Board President Ron Willey. “We encourage all of our students to take rigorous coursework that will prepare them for college and career, whether that’s through Honors or Advanced Placement classes at the high school or dual enrollment courses at a college or university. Many of our students receive excellent preparation in specialized programs like Career & Technology Education, the Visual and Performing Arts program, and JROTC. We encourage every student and family to begin thinking early about how the student can be successful throughout their school years and after graduation.”
High school students and parents from throughout the Lower Shore should mark their calendars for Thursday, Nov. 21, and a night to Plan Your College/Career Pathway to Success at Wor-Wic Community College. Admission is free for this college/career night sponsored by the boards of education of Wicomico, Worcester and Somerset county public schools. The event will take place from 6-8 p.m. and will include scholarship and financial aid information, apprenticeship opportunities, military recruiters, local colleges and universities, training programs, employment, certifications, on-the-job training, and more. For information please contact Barbara Bell, Wicomico County, 410-677-4430; Jeff Hale, Somerset County, 410-651-2285; or Matt Elburn, Worcester County, 410-632-5557.
It is the policy of the Wicomico County Board Of Education to provide equal educational and employment opportunities regardless of age, gender, race, color, religion, national origin, disability or sexual orientation.
