Background
Grasslands School Division supports the provision of dual credit opportunities for students in grade 10, 11 or 12 who want to earn both high school credits and credits that count towards a post-secondary certificate, diploma, or degree. Completing dual credit courses can assist students to complete high school and assist them to develop the attitudes and skills they need to improve their employability. Partnerships with other divisions, post-secondary institutions and local businesses will be encouraged, providing the financial arrangements are beneficial to the students, the school, and the division.
Definitions
- Dual Credit
Dual credit is programming, authorized and funded by Alberta Education, in which grade 10, 11, or 12 students can earn both high school credits and credits that count towards a post-secondary certificate, diploma, or degree (including first period apprenticeship opportunities).
- Types of Dual Credit
A dual enrolled course is one that is instructed and/or supervised by both a post-secondary institution instructor and a certificated teacher. For example, first period plumber apprenticeship courses can be taught in partnership with a post-secondary institution, with instruction provided by a journeyperson plumber alongside a certificated teacher.
A non-dual enrolled dual credit course is one that is typically taught in a high school and does not require a post-secondary partner. For example, first period plumber apprenticeship courses can be taught by a certificated teacher who is a journeyperson plumber.
- Partnerships
Some dual credit opportunities need a post-secondary partner and, business and industry involvement are encouraged.
Partnerships between high schools and post-secondary institutions require a written agreement or memorandum of understanding (MoU).
- Access
Dual credit opportunities can be offered through a variety of environments, such as distributed learning, blended learning and e-learning.
- Earning Credits
Successfully completed dual credit courses will be identified on a student's high school transcript and. students completing post-secondary courses will also receive a post-secondary transcript.
Guidelines
Dual credit agreements are between Grasslands and another institution or business. They are not agreements between a school and another institution or business.
Dual credit agreements between high schools in Grasslands and other institutions or businesses will require the approval of the superintendent.
High school administrators may explore partnership opportunities that they believe will benefit students and will not financially disadvantage the school or the school division.
The superintendent or designate and the associate superintendent of business services, as well as the school principal shall be involved in the drafting of any dual credit partnership agreements.