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Students strive for college credit
It's not unusual these days for high school students to go to college. In fact, according to Brenda Byard, director of high school outreach at Lord Fairfax Community College (LFCC), some actually graduate from the two-year college before graduating from high school. Thus far, 13 dual-enrolled students have followed this new trend.
High schoolers can enroll in college-required English and government classes and receive both high school and college credits. They must adhere to the admission and attendance policies of LFCC students.
Students wishing to participate in the dual enrollment program must apply online to the college. After acceptance, the students are required to attend new student orientation and take placement tests in reading, writing and math. Placement tests are waived if students have both SAT verbal and math scores of 500.
Byard said that 1,500 students have participated in the LFCC program over the last two years. "Many more students are motivated. They are taking math courses earlier and longer [during their high school careers]. Students are looking for more challenges."
The LFCC director said that getting college credits early not only advances the students academically in a competitive education market, but it saves them time to pursue internships and field experiences abroad.
Other benefits of dual enrollment include early registration at colleges, shortened completion date for undergraduate degree and the elimination of duplicating courses taken in high school and college.
Dual enrollment may also save students money. Not only can the students take courses for less costly tuition at a two- year school, they also get a discount as high school students. A three credit hour course for LFCC students costs $258; for an off-campus high school student, the same course costs about $194.
Making the choice to participate in dual enrollment should not, however, be taken lightly. Bjorkman said that some students think it will be like high school, but it isn't.
While Liberty senior Robert Young likes the relaxed teaching skills of college instructors, Blair Ashby sees it differently.
Ashby said, "[The instructors] don't accept late work at all. You either do it or no grade."
She added, "They also expect you to know what you are doing when you arrive."
Emily Campbell, also a Liberty senior, agreed, "College instruction is a lot different. It is not as instructive as high school; it is straight forward and to the point. The assignments are a lot more difficult and larger--more like four or five high school assignments at a time."
Liberty guidance director Dave Bell would like to see the dual-enrollment program further enhanced with the college courses offered in the high schools.
Pat Downey, FCPS instructional coordinator for social studies would like to see the expansion, as well, but high school teachers must be credentialed according to both state licensed endorsement standards for teachers and LFCC requirements.
LFCC requires instructors to either have a masters degree in the subject to be taught or a masters in another field plus 18 graduate hours in the subject to be taught.
Downey said FCPS has a college tuition incentive program for teachers who wish to teach in the dual enrollment program. She added that FCPS has identified an online program offering needed courses for teachers seeking proper credentials.
E-mail the reporter: afelts@timespapers.com.
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