On the Fast Track: Understanding the Opportunities and Challenges of Dual Credit: ASHE Higher Education Report, Volume 42, Number 3

The dual-credit curricular initiative offers high school students the opportunity to earn college and high school credits simultaneously without taking a standardized test to acquire the credit. The courses are purported to introduce students to a more rigorous curriculum in high school and save them time and money in their pursuit of college degrees. Dual credit programs have grown rapidly, and this monograph provides a synthesis of:

• the scholarly literature on dual credit offered at high school and a variety of postsecondary settings;

• underrepresented students’ experiences with the course(s), and

• suggestions for future research and drivers that will influence its development.

Originally, these initiatives focused on high-achieving students, but additional models have emerged that expand the benefits to lower- and middle-achieving students as well.

Foreword 12

Introduction to Dual Credit 14

Purpose of the Book 16

Precollege Curricular Options 17

Distinguishing Dual Credit 21

Structure of the Book 29

Postsecondary Institutions as a Gateway to Dual Credit 31

Location for Dual Credit Instruction 33

Course Offerings 35

Student Participation 36

Instructor Eligibility 39

Funding Dual Credit Programs 40

Course Costs 41

Benefits and Challenges 42

Conclusion 45

Dual Credit in High School Settings 46

Traditional High Schools 46

Middle College High Schools 51

Early College High Schools 56

Conclusion 61

The Students’ Experiences in Dual Credit 62

High-, Middle-, and Lower Achieving Students 63

Traditionally Underrepresented Student Populations 69

Gender Differences 77

Dual Credits After Matriculation 79

Conclusion 80

Summary and Implications for the Future 81

Recommendations for Research 82

Future Considerations for Dual Credit 86

Conclusion 89

Notes 90

References 92

Name Index 107

Subject Index 112

About the Author 115

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