PSEOP or “Seniors to Sophomores?” (Is there even a difference?)

Post-Secondary Enrollment Options Program (PSEOP) Was created to enable high school students in grades nine through twelve to earn college and high school graduation credit through the successful completion of college courses while in high school. Was created to enable high school students in grades nine through twelve to earn college and high school graduation credit through the successful completion of college courses while in high school. Purpose: to provide enriched education opportunities to secondary grade students that are beyond the opportunities offered by the high school in which they are enrolled. Purpose: to provide enriched education opportunities to secondary grade students that are beyond the opportunities offered by the high school in which they are enrolled.

Funding for PSEOP State public education funds pay for PSEOP. State public education funds pay for PSEOP. In , the state redirected about $17.8 million in state funds from Ohio high schools to pay for PSEOP courses. In , the state redirected about $17.8 million in state funds from Ohio high schools to pay for PSEOP courses. There is no cost to the student! There is no cost to the student!

Enacted in 1989 for 11th and 12th graders. Then, in 1997, the grades were expanded to include 9th and 10th graders. Because of this, the number of students in the PSEOP has almost quadrupled in size. Enacted in 1989 for 11th and 12th graders. Then, in 1997, the grades were expanded to include 9th and 10th graders. Because of this, the number of students in the PSEOP has almost quadrupled in size. While participation in PSEOP has steadily increased to more than 12,000 students in fall 2007, the number accounts for only 2 percent of all Ohio high school students. While participation in PSEOP has steadily increased to more than 12,000 students in fall 2007, the number accounts for only 2 percent of all Ohio high school students. Brainstorm: Why only 2 percent?!?! Brainstorm: Why only 2 percent?!?!

Some possibilities… High school students don’t want to earn college credits. High school students don’t want to earn college credits. The report, "The Promise of Dual Enrollment: Assessing Ohio's Early College Access Policy," found that that high schools lose money for every PSEOP course taken by their students… what might this mean? The report, "The Promise of Dual Enrollment: Assessing Ohio's Early College Access Policy," found that that high schools lose money for every PSEOP course taken by their students… what might this mean?

Moving on… “Seniors to Sophomores” Dual enrollment program, announced by Strickland in his 2008 State of the State address, which enables qualified high school seniors to get an early jump on college. Dual enrollment program, announced by Strickland in his 2008 State of the State address, which enables qualified high school seniors to get an early jump on college. Allows high school seniors to take college level courses that will transfer to colleges and universities in the University System of Ohio. May be able to enter college as sophomores. Tuition for the year will be free. Allows high school seniors to take college level courses that will transfer to colleges and universities in the University System of Ohio. May be able to enter college as sophomores. Tuition for the year will be free. Goal: “to raise the aspirations of all students, to challenge students who might feel disengaged from their high school studies, and to help students who want to accelerate their college education.” Goal: “to raise the aspirations of all students, to challenge students who might feel disengaged from their high school studies, and to help students who want to accelerate their college education.” Sounds like PSEOP! *What is the difference?!*

Here is where the difference comes in… High schools who opt to participate in the Seniors to Sophomores program will receive state funding. The funding comes from an appropriation in the Department of Education’s budget. High schools who opt to participate in the Seniors to Sophomores program will receive state funding. The funding comes from an appropriation in the Department of Education’s budget. A total of $4 million is available under this special grant program. The maximum grant for each school district is $100,000. A total of $4 million is available under this special grant program. The maximum grant for each school district is $100,000. Due to the source of the funds, eligibility is limited to public high schools, though the Seniors to Sophomores program will eventually serve all schools in Ohio, public and private. Due to the source of the funds, eligibility is limited to public high schools, though the Seniors to Sophomores program will eventually serve all schools in Ohio, public and private. Advantages and disadvantages to this system of funding? Advantages and disadvantages to this system of funding?

“Seniors to Sophomores”: Not Yet Implemented Will pilot in Fall 2008 Will pilot in Fall 2008 Ohio Board of Regents Chancellor Fingerhut asked to have the award process fast-tracked so the program can be available to as many high school seniors across Ohio this fall as possible. The pilot programs will be evaluated in 2009 for greater expansion the following school year. Ohio Board of Regents Chancellor Fingerhut asked to have the award process fast-tracked so the program can be available to as many high school seniors across Ohio this fall as possible. The pilot programs will be evaluated in 2009 for greater expansion the following school year.

“Seniors to Sophomores”: Success or Failure? Given what you now know, 1. In general, what are the benefits and drawbacks of post-secondary education (PSEOP and Seniors to Sophomores)? (Consider: college enrollment rates, possible first-generation college students, relations between secondary education and higher education, affordability, high school experience) (Consider: college enrollment rates, possible first-generation college students, relations between secondary education and higher education, affordability, high school experience) 2. Five years from now, do you envision strong implementation of the Seniors to Sophomores program? Will there be higher or lower participation rates? ( Consider both the pros and cons) ( Consider both the pros and cons)