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Dual Credit in Illinois:Dual Credit in Illinois:Building More “On Ramps” to Building More “On Ramps” to

Degrees and CredentialsDegrees and CredentialsOctober 8, 2008

Illinois Dual Credit Task ForceJoel Vargas, Jobs for the Future

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Jobs for the Future (JFF)

For 25 years, Jobs for the Future has demonstrated its expertise in new pathways to postsecondary readiness and success through a series of activities and projects, including:– Early College High School Initiative– Partnership with Youth Transition Funders Group (High

School Dropouts)– Lumina Foundation Achieving the Dream (Community

Colleges)– Boston Public Schools, high school transformation

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Benefits of DE/DC may be greater for underrepresented students

Karp, M.M., Calcagno, J.C., Hughes, K.L., Jeong, D.W., and Bailey, T.R. (2007). The Postsecondary Achievement of Participants in Dual Enrollment: An Analysis of Student Outcomes in Two States. Community College Research Center, Teacher College. Columbia University: New York. (October).

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DE/DC Practices: Building On Ramps to College for All

• Authentic college courses and credit• Coherent sequence of courses leading to degree or credential• Low/No-Tuition• Support systems• Alignment of K-12 and Postsecondary standards

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•College work is integrated into the high school course of study

•Supports for students underrepresented in higher education

•H.S. – College partners jointly responsible for curriculum development, students supports, alignment of standards, teacher development, etc.

•College work is integrated into the high school course of study

•Supports for students underrepresented in higher education

•H.S. – College partners jointly responsible for curriculum development, students supports, alignment of standards, teacher development, etc.

Continuum of DE/DC Practices

Early College Schools

Dual Enrollment Pathways

Traditional Dual Enrollment

MORELESS

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Supportive “On Ramp” Policies

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On Ramp Policies

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On Ramp Policies

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Observations & Questions about Illinois DE/DC Policies

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State Examples

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State Examples

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State Examples

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Federal Opportunities

• Fast Track to College Act– Early College & Dual Enrollment Pathways– State grants

• Gear Up– Permissible activities under HEA reauthorization

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Task Force Goals

1. Ensuring Quality2. Improving Access

& Equity3. Increasing

Accountability through Data Collection and Evidenced-based Outcomes

Questions for Illinois

• What purpose should dual enrollment/dual credit serve in Illinois?

• What can be done to systematize best practices?

• What can be done to support the participation of more low-SES and other underrepresented youth?

• What role can/should 4-year IHE’s play?

• What more would the Task Force need to know to answer these questions?