Advanced Placement/Dual Enrollment/Dual Credit

AP/Dual Enrollment/Dual Credit There are many pros & cons to taking AP classes and dual enrollment classes. Taking courses such as these can mean different things to different groups. First, everyone must understand the difference between these three types of classes.

Differences AP = The Advanced Placement Program, commonly known as Advanced Placement, or AP, is a United States and Canada-based program that offers high school students the opportunity to receive university credit for their work during high school, as well as a standard measure of achievement in a particular course. Achievement is measured by the number of students that enroll in an AP course and take the AP exam. A student must pass the exam to earn the college credit. AP classes are taught by Geneseo HS teachers at GHS.

Differences Dual Enrollment = Dual enrollment is a program that allows high school students to enroll in college courses and earn college credit prior to high school graduation. College credits earned through dual enrollment can be applied toward a BHC Degree and many can be transferred to other colleges or universities. The dual enrollment courses are developed taught by BHC (Black Hawk College) teachers. Students must pay full tuition and textbook costs.

Differences Dual Credit = Dual Credit program is a program where high school students have the opportunity to earn "dual credit" (high school and college credit for the same course) for their advanced level courses. These college level courses are taught at the high school by high school teachers (adjunct professors) and are considered to be part of a Black Hawk College degree or certificate program. There is currently no tuition, but a there is a textbook fee.

Why take AP/Dual Enrollment/Dual Credit? Parents like dual enrollment and AP classes because they can save time and money. Many parents also like the prestige of having their children taking college classes. But parents are not the ones who have to do all the work, it is the students. Why do students like accelerated learning or more rigorous classes?

Benefits  The Next Logical Step – Many have been tracked into advanced courses in earlier grades, so this is the next logical step.  More Challenging (less boring) – Accelerated classes are not just a repeat of things that they have already learned. They are much more exciting and challenging. It is an escape of the regular high school classroom.  Conducive Learning Environment – The students who choose to be in these rigorous classes want to be there and want to learn. There are virtually no discipline issues, no unmotivated fellow classmates, and these classes are a much more stimulating and creative learning environment. Often times the classes are much smaller with a lower student to teacher ratio.

Benefits  Pride and Camaraderie – Many students are proud that they are doing college work in high school. From day one in class, students are like a small family.  Your “Major” – Students could potentially earn enough credits to enter college as a sophomore and begin to work on their major that much sooner.  Statistics prove that taking rigorous classes leads to future college success!

What are the negatives?  AP is often more difficult than dual enrollment/dual credit classes; and the student does not get the college credit automatically with an AP class. In an AP class, the student must pass the exam.  Not all colleges accept AP scores. Or there is a minimum score (usually 3)  There is a heavier workload. High schoolers live busy lives and this is a big commitment.

What are the negatives?  The Perceived Fear of “Lower Grades.” - But AP grade is weighted.  Added Cost – Textbooks and some additional fees are not cheap.  Schedule changes – This is a commitment that is expected to be lived up to. Once you have started an AP class, you are expected to finish the class and not drop.

What are the negatives?  If the student was not academically ready for the accelerated learning class and the student were to receive a poor grade, it will stay on that student’s college transcript.  Even if a BHC course has an IAI number, it may not transfer as expected to another college or university unless a student completes an A.A. degree at Black Hawk.

AP, Dual Credit, and Dual Enrollment opportunities for GHS students AP CoursesDual Credit OfferingsDual Enrollment offerings AP BiologyAg 131 Soils & FertilityNA 100 AP ChemistryBE 145 Word ProcessingPsychology 101 AP PhysicsBE 180 Business Communications Sociology 101 AP Calculus BA 170/171 Fundamentals of Accounting AP English LanguageBA Fundamentals of Accounting II AP English LiteratureCS 100 Introduction to Computers AP US History English 101/102 AP Music Theory English Composition I & II AP Spanish