Dual Credit opportunities in MISD NOTE: To change the image on this slide, select the picture and delete it. Then click the Pictures icon in the placeholder to insert your own image. January 2019

Dual Credit Enrollment

What is dual credit? Dual credit allows eligible students to take college level courses and receive both high school and college credit. Final course grades are recorded on both the high school and college transcript. Dual credit courses receive weighted credit that is equivalent to the weight afforded to AP courses if the course is passed with a 70 or better. Important to emphasize that grades are a part of their permanent record on both the high school side and college side.

Where are dual credit classes taught? Dual credit courses are offered on the home campus if enough students request the course. In some cases, courses may be offered at other MISD campuses to accommodate student requests across the district. Face to face instruction is preferred, however, courses are sometimes offered in alternative formats such as online or blended models.

Does Dual Credit Transfer? Dual credit transfers to Texas public universities. Students should select courses that will meet the needs of their college degree programs. Conversations should be held with colleges/universities of interest to select the most appropriate courses. How the credits count is completely dependent on the accepting college or university. Please emphasize that students need to research and only take courses that are fulfilling the needs of their degree plan. Everything offered is part of the core curriculum but the requirements of each degree plan at each college or university are unique.

House Bill 505 and dual credit MISD sponsors/scholarships a large part of the tuition for our students. MISD will not restrict students from taking college courses, but will only finance courses taken in 10th-12th grade within MISD. MISD will only dual code courses that are a part of our agreement and meet district prerequisites. A list of these courses can be found in the online course guide. All other courses taken would be for college credit only. This is called concurrent enrollment. Don’t spend too much time on this slide. Simply mention that this law changed the parameters of dual credit. The emphasis here is that only courses within our agreement will be coded for dual credit. That list can be found in the online course guide.

What are the eligibility requirements? To take courses under MISD scholarship/sponsorship: Students must be at least 10th graders with an overall GPA of 80+. Step 1: Students must complete the Dual Credit Interest Form. Step 2: Students must apply for admission to TCC through Apply Texas. Step 3: Students must participate in the Pre-Assessment Activity (PAA). Step 4: Students must satisfy the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) requirements. MISD does not accept TSI exemptions. Step 5: Students will see counselor to select courses after TSI scores are met. Step 6: Students must self-register in Webadvisor for their courses during the designated window. Here is an opportunity for you to customize a little based on your campus. Where can they find the QR code that leads them to the Dual Credit Interest Form> I would share your campus PAA Dates and TSI dates.

What is the TSI? Texas Success Initiative (TSI) All MISD sponsored students must take and pass the TSI. Testing is offered during the spring on each home campus. Each campus will manage sign-ups through the counseling office. Testing may take up to 5 hours depending on the number of tests taken in one session. Testing in each subject is free. Retests are held at TCC and are free. However, multiple attempts may indicate that a student is not yet ready to participate in dual credit. Discuss testing on our campus. Remind parents this is a college readiness exam. If students are not successful, additional instruction may be needed.

TSI Scores Passing Scores Reading (351+) Writing/Essay 340+ on Multiple Choice and 4 on the essay Math (350+) MISD does not accept TSI exemptions or waivers. Remind parents that the TSI that is required for each course is indicated in the course guide. MISD requires reading for all courses.

What is the difference between dual credit and AP? Dual credit is taught by college professors and credit is guaranteed if the student passes. Students are building a college transcript and high school transcript at the same time. AP is taught by MISD staff and governed by the College Board. AP College credit is determined by the score made on the corresponding AP Exam, and the guidelines of the receiving college. Both are weighted the same in the high school GPA. Students should take the course that best meets their individual needs. Many students take a blend of dual credit and AP courses. Key things to remember: We never promote one program over the other. The key is meeting the individual needs of the students.

Who teaches dual credit? TCC instructors teach dual credit courses. These courses may be face to face, online or a combination. Instructors are hired and supervised by TCC personnel. TCC instructors are not subject to the grading or attendance policies of MISD. MISD does not supervise TCC staff. We communicate with the TCC SE on the student’s behalf if there is a situation or concern that cannot be resolved between the instructor and student. This is an important slide: Be sure to emphasize that TCC personnel works with us not for us. They report solely to TCC. Also emphasize that TCC courses are not subject to MISD guidelines. This includes grades and attendance. School related absences are not excused for TCC classes. It is up to the individual professor to determine if they will allow the student to makeup work that is missed and they are subject to the grading policy and attendance policy outline in their syllabus.

What is the schedule for dual credit classes? College courses typically meet two to three times a week. Since our students currently meet for class on an A or B day, they don’t have class on Friday. On the block schedule they meet either M-W or T-Th and not Friday. TCC students on Friday have the opportunity to participate in an Independent Study/Field Trip meaning that with parent permission (form must be on file) students do not report to the campus during their TCC class time. They may study independently, go to TCC for math or writing tutoring, meet for study groups, etc. Students not participating in independent study will have study hall in a designated location on the campus.

What happens if my child fails? Once a student fails a dual credit course, they may not take any additional dual credit courses until after graduation from high school. Remember dual credit grades are a part of their permanent record so grades appear on both the high school and college transcript. Depending on the grade earned, credit may have to be recovered on the high school side. It’s important to inform parents that we are trying to protect the student’s GPA. That is why we do not allow them to continue. We do not want them to begin their college career on academic probation.

May a student drop a class? Students may drop within the allowable time frame. This time frame is designated by the college campus each semester. If a student drops a class they will have three options: Option 1- Reimburse the district for class that was dropped and continue future courses at the sponsored rate. Option 2- Continue future courses at the full course rate Option 3- No longer participate in dual credit This allows students who struggle in one class but do well in another an opportunity to continue in an area of their strength. It’s also an opportunity for students to drop the class before a failing grade goes on their transcript.

Drop 6 Rule Section 51.907 of the TEC states that students may not drop more than 6 courses taken at a Texas public institution of higher education. The receiving institution determines if drops made during high school count as part of the 6 courses. This is just for their awareness. Each receiving institution will determine if dual credit drops count as part of their drop 6 rule.

Residency TCC determines a student’s residency based on their application through Apply Texas. Students who have lived in Texas less than 12 months at the time of application will be charged out of state tuition. TCC may require additional documentation such as a water bill, income tax or lease agreement for proof of residency. Non citizens may need to provide additional documentation such as resident cards and/or visas. In college the tuition rate is determined by the student’s residency status.

Registration Reminders Testing will be held at home campuses on selected dates. If you miss those dates you may test on your own at TCC during their office hours prior to May 3rd, 2019. Students may not sign up for TCC classes until they meet eligibility requirements. Courses will not be entered in Skyward until they have been successfully registered for their TCC courses. New students to dual credit will have to attend a mandatory orientation meeting or TCC will not allow them to remain in the course. Multiple dates will be available. Emphasize the deadline May 3rd is it.

What does it Cost? Students are offered courses at a significantly reduced rate. Due to a recent increase in tuition effective spring 2019, current student costs are under review. A final rate is coming soon. Textbooks are provided by the district while enrolled in MISD

It’s time for Q & A