Recruiting the “right” students for Dual Credit programs

Presented by RPT 5

May 12, 2015

Welcome

Introductions

Name Your Challenge

• What challenges are you facing in your role as…… with respect to this topic?

• What successes have you had in your current situation?

• What are some strategies or possible solutions?

Who is the right student?

• “disengaged with the potential to succeed”

• What does this mean?

Disengaged and Underachieving Students

• Evidence that a student is disengaged • Evidence that a student is underachieving • Evidence that a student has the potential to succeed

(Dual Credit Programs, Policy and Program Requirements ,2013,p.25)

APPENDIX Selection Criteria for Admission to Dual Credit Programs

• …students who face significant challenges in completing the requirements for graduation. This group includes disengaged and underachieving students who have the potential to succeed but are at risk of not graduating, and students who left school before graduating. These students are the primary focus of dual credit programs; (Dual Credit Programs, Policy and Program Requirements, 2013, p.24)

Who is the right student?

Characteristics of the “right student”

• It should be their idea… not forced to attend because they burnt all their bridges at H.S.

• They may have been out of school for a while and want a fresh start• Maturity Level!!!! For SWAC programs especially… should be 17+ and

within 7 credits of graduating• They recognize that they need to do this for themselves and want a fresh

start• They are interested in college• They have the ability to be successful… self discipline and/or the

willingness to learn new skills

They need to feel safe

• Need a safe and welcoming environment….

• Students with extenuating circumstances…

Audio Class

Recruitment process: What has worked?• Media blitz: radio announcements, newspaper ads, information

sheets etc.• Road trips to secondary schools by DCTs and students• Presentation to eligible students, guidance teachers, school

administrators• DCT forums• Information sessions/Open houses for students and parents• Application forms and information available on websites• Interview process for eligible students

Billboards and Newspaper Advertisements

Information and FactSheets

What Really Works?

• Successful students talking with other students• Information sessions to students, guidance AND

TEACHERS- should prove a good source of referrals since they know students best

• Include DC courses on Option Sheets• Provide guidance staff with more information and

support

Barriers?

For SWAC programs:• Declining enrolment and how students are registered in the

program• Sending the “wrong” student…. i.e. students who have burnt their

bridges in HS, are immature, do not have the skill set, not interested in college but are attending because it was their only option to stay enrolled.

• Lack of public awareness• Stigma… it’s for losers

Success Strategies

• Entry to dual credit programs is guided by the Student Success Team. Students may indicate their interest in the program on their course selection sheets, or they may be recommended for the program by school staff. Student Success teams then evaluate the suitability of those students based on the criteria below and any other criteria specific to the college program.

(Dual Credit Programs, Policy and Program Requirements, 2013, p.24)

Strategies continued…• Role of the Dual Credit Teacher • Guiding Principle:

–A secondary school teacher is always involved in some capacity, but his or her role may range from direct instruction and/or remediation to more general support and supervision of students’ programs. (p. 6)

Role of the Dual Credit Teacher

–Assist the Student Success team in the selection of students, verify course rosters, and facilitate the dual credit admission and registration process. (p.6)

Conclusion

• Networking and sharing best practices