Ivy Tech Grows Dual Credit Program
Subscriber Benefit
As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowIvy Tech Community College has increased its dual credit agreements. The college says it has a direct relationship with 93 percent of the state's public high schools, up from 88 percent during the 2013-2014 academic year.
March 18, 2015
News Release
Indianapolis, Ind. — Ivy Tech Community College has increased its number of dual credit agreements and now has a direct relationship with 93 percent of Indiana's public high schools. This is up from 88 percent of schools in 2013-14.
Ivy Tech's dual credit program allows high school students to simultaneously earn both college credit at Ivy Tech and high school credit. Dual credit courses are free to students, saving parents even more on their child's college education.
The college has dual credit agreements with a total of 419 high schools and career centers, which is an increase from 388 schools in 2013-14. Dual credit plays an important role in strengthening the connection between high school and college, making the transition between sectors easier for students while providing high school students with a realistic understanding of college-level academic expectations.
“We are extremely pleased by the support we have received from Indiana's public school system,” said Ivy Tech President Thomas J. Snyder. “The dual credit program is an integral part of preparing the state's high school students for the rigor of college course work and for the K-14 system, which is becoming the norm in the United States. The dramatic increase in dual credit opportunities demonstrates the commitment by school corporations and Ivy Tech to prepare students for the future.”
The college has also experienced a 24 percent increase in the number of Core Transfer Library/Liberal Arts dual credit agreements between last year and this year, as well as a 112 percent increase over two years. The Core Transfer Library consists of courses that will transfer among all Indiana public college and university campuses. In addition, there has been a 16 percent increase in the number of Career and Technical Education agreements since last year and a 25 percent increase over two years.
The ratio of Core Transfer Library/Liberal Arts to Career and Technical Education agreements has risen to 44 percent/56 percent. This compares to 42 percent/58 percent last year and up from 18 percent/82 percent just six years ago.
Ivy Tech uses dual credit to encourage greater participation in higher education and to help students overcome real or perceived obstacles to higher education.
The most common form of Ivy Tech dual credit involves courses taught in a high school, by a high school instructor, and offered during the regular school day. High school faculty who offer the dual credit course must meet credential requirements and participate in professional development provided by Ivy Tech. To reach a dual credit agreement for a course taught in a high school by a high school instructor, Ivy Tech works with the high school to establish that the high school class and the college class are equivalent, or if necessary, to suggest changes in order to qualify as a dual credit course. This process involves review of course content, lesson plans, textbooks, exams, assignments, facilities and equipment. Dual credit agreements are reviewed every year to promote collaboration and to ensure continuity of professional staff, course content, textbooks, and other key teaching and learning factors.
Ivy Tech enrolled 45,819 Indiana high school students in dual credit last year, saving Indiana students and their parents more than $29.8 million in tuition costs. This year's numbers are expected to be released this Spring.
Ivy Tech Community College is the state’s largest public postsecondary institution and the nation’s largest singly accredited statewide community college system serving nearly 200,000 students annually. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana. It serves as the state’s engine of workforce development, offering affordable degree programs and training that are aligned with the needs of its community along with courses and programs that transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association.
Source: Ivy Tech Community College