The Early College Program: Authentic Connections to College and Careers

DORCHESTER SCHOOL DISTRICT TWO

SUPERINTENDENT

MR. JOSEPH R. PYE

MISSION

Dorchester School District Two leading the

way, every student, every day through

relationships, rigor and relevance.

VISION

Dorchester School District Two desires to be

recognized as a “World Class” school district,

expecting each student to achieve at his/her

optimum level in all areas, and providing all

members of our district family with an

environment that permits them to do their

personal best.

COLLEGE AND CAREER READINESS

INITIATIVE GOALS

Dorchester School District Two is committed to every

graduate having:

a high school diploma;

a set of viable college entrance exam scores;

a portable work-based certificate;

an acceptance letter to the military, 2 or 4 year college;

and a desire to use their talents in service of the

community.

IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF THE

DIPLOMA

Accelerated expectations of On-Grade Level Reading for

elementary students.

Development of a middle school schedule that embeds

daily opportunities for individualized instruction.

Utilization of research-driven solutions to raise the quality and

intensity of high school courses.

Annual evaluation of intervention and enrichment

programs in every school.

WHY EARLY COLLEGE?

In many cases, Middle College programs allow students to

start college coursework in the 11th grade; however, we

designed the Early College so that students can access

college work as soon as they prove academic readiness.

The early start facilitates scheduling for students and

increases the possibility of attaining an Associate Degree or

credential.

TARGET POPULATION

All rising 10th grade students are eligible to apply for the Early

College program. As we develop cohorts at each school site

we are actively looking to recruit students that:

have demonstrated exceptional academic ability;

may have potential barriers to post-secondary

matriculation; and

exhibit strong work ethic and academic behaviors.

PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT

Early College Program participants understand that they are

part of a rigorous, adult, collegiate environment. The students

will be challenged daily and therefore must be committed to

academic excellence.

At no cost, students have an opportunity to accrue college

credits, credentials and an Associate Degree while

completing their high school diploma.

Students are given early access to post-secondary

opportunities thus increasing their desire, comfort and

confidence regarding college coursework.

PROGRAM FRAMEWORK

To maximize efficiency, students are selected for

cohorts and remain at their home schools

throughout the program. The district incurs no

additional expense for administrative oversight or

staffing of the program.

Each school has the maximum capacity of 90

students, 30 students per cohort. (Grades 10, 11 and

12.) District capacity is 270 total students per year.

PROGRAM FRAMEWORK, cont.

Students complete a regimented sequence of

courses beginning the summer before 10th grade

begins.

During the 11th grade IGP meeting, students select

individual course paths to ensure the attainment of a

meaningful credential.

By the start of the 12th grade year, students are

expected to have completed at least 45 credit hours

of core coursework.

PROGRAM FRAMEWORK, cont.

The Early College Program is predicated on

collaboration between Dorchester School District

Two and Trident Technical College.

Trident Technical College instructors teach courses

on Dorchester School District Two campuses which

reduces transportation challenges while increasing

overall student access to dual enrollment programs.

DUAL ENROLLMENT PARTICIPATION

Students

Enrolled

Attempted

Credits

Earned

Credits

Percentage

Earned

AY 11-12 263 1231 1097 89.1

AY 12-13 356 1990 1831 92

AY 13-14 613 3553 3227 92.2

PROGRAM STATISTICS Cohort One - Rising Seniors (Class of 2016)

59 participants are on track for successful completion.

27 have decided to pursue an Associate of Arts degree

32 have decided to pursue an Associate of Science degree.

Cohort Two – Rising Juniors (Class of 2017)

74 participants are on track for successful completion.

Approximately 420 credits will be earned by the end of this

school year.

Cohort Three – Rising Sophomores (Class of 2018)

120 participants have been invited to begin coursework this

summer.

BUDGET

Projected

Costs Actual Costs FTE Savings

07/01/13 -

06/30/14

07/01/13 -

06/30/14

(.4 FTE at each

school)

Year 1 - 90

Students (Tuition

and Books) $164,430 $99,490 $79,200

Projected

Costs

Revised

Projections FTE Savings

07/01/14 -

06/30/15

07/01/14 -

06/30/15

(.8 FTE at each

school)

Year 2 - 180

Students (Tuition

and Books) $297,378 $169,102 $158, 400

POST-SECONDARY CONNECTIONS

We have established written articulation agreements

with Charleston Southern University and Claflin University.

Both institutions have guaranteed the transfer of all Early

College/Trident Technical College coursework. Early

College completers will be able to begin coursework at

these institutions as academic Juniors.

MISSION

Dorchester School District Two leading the

way, every student, every day through

relationships, rigor and relevance.