[Winona Online Democracy]
The Winona Area Public Schools (WAPS) will be studying whether or not to
implement the International Baccalaureate program that Superintendent Durand
has been recommending since before he even started the job here. I believe
there is a concern about losing money that goes to the three colleges via
the PSEO program. There is also the possible competitive advantage of
attracting children from other schools to a quality college prep. program.
As WAPS is inviting local citizen input into the four period day debate they
will hopefully also invite such input into the way they will approach
enhancement of college prep. course offerings. I think the real customer of
WAPS are either the colleges children go to or the businesses employing
those who do not go on to post secondary education. Parents also have
important special interests. I urge any interested people to learn about
the alternatives and to be involved in the dialogue. Continuing business as
usual isn't likely. Ignoring all those who will not go on to post secondary
must be avoided. Below is an article about an alternative for college prep.
that I hadn't heard about -- College in the Schools. I know something will
be done. I just hope all alternatives are considered. The future needs of
the children need to be considered above and well beyond the financial
benefit to the district. I know it will be a better result if it is
cooperatively developed with our local post secondary schools rather than in
competition with them.
Craig Brooks
******************************
Posted on Sun, Jan. 08, 2006
Getting credit
Low-profile program lets students take college courses at their high
schools.
BY PAUL TOSTO
Pioneer Press
Smart and social, Lauren Belisle hoped to get a jump on college while still
a senior at Burnsville High School. An aspiring actor, Belisle also loved
life at Burnsville High and didn't want to leave campus to take college
classes.
The solution was easy. The University of Minnesota courses came to her.
Belisle is one of nearly 300 students in Burnsville's "College in the
Schools" program, earning college and high school credit together for free
in classes taught on-site by high school teachers trained and mentored by
college instructors.
College in the Schools, also known as concurrent enrollment, often toils in
the shadows of Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and other
better-known college prep offerings. But as Gov. Tim Pawlenty and other
state officials press for more college-level courses in high schools,
concurrent enrollment is drawing more interest.
It's become one of the fastest-growing options for Minnesota juniors and
seniors: Minnesota's Education Department estimates more than 14,000 high
school students enrolled in classes last school year, nearly twice as many
as in 1996.
Supporters say it's the best choice because students are judged on a range
of work, not just on a single test at the end. Students stay at their high
schools but may save thousands of dollars in college tuition. The program
often is less expensive for districts than the traditional Post Secondary
Enrollment Options program, in which high school students take their college
courses on a college campus and the state money follows.
QUALITY AN ISSUE
Skeptics worry that unlike Advanced Placement and International
Baccalaureate concurrent enrollment classes don't have a single test or
group responsible for quality control and that standards may fall as
offerings widen. The University of Minnesota and the Minnesota State
Colleges and Universities system contend they're keeping close watch on
that.
Some teachers are sold on it. "This is a better way to teach," said Mary
Lenhardt, a former Advanced Placement teacher at Burnsville High who teaches
Lauren's concurrent political science class.
Concurrent enrollment programs come in different forms but, in most
instances, schools will contract directly with college campuses. The
university, for instance, charges $131 a student for a course. That covers
all costs, including teacher training.
Lenhardt shifted to the concurrent option, drawn by the fact a student's
chance at college credit didn't hinge on one exam. She also liked the
flexibility. Earlier this year, she used the government's response to
Hurricane Katrina as a way to teach lessons on federal power a decision
she says she probably could not have made in Advanced Placement because
Katrina wouldn't have been on the final exam.
She also can put a heavier emphasis on writing. Because of that students
"learn details but learn better the bigger picture," she said. They still
can take Advanced Placement tests in the spring if they choose, she added.
They also can take some interesting field trips.
Lenhardt and "College in the Schools" political science classes from other
high schools spent Wednesday on the university's Twin Cities campus
listening to speakers and debating same-sex marriage, a statewide smoking
ban and whether intelligent design should be taught alongside evolution.
NO PLACE LIKE HOME
Lauren, 17, and others in Lenhardt's class enjoyed the field trip but, in
general, are happy coursework keeps them anchored at Burnsville. Others like
the emphasis on writing. And not having a "really huge test at the end to
get the (college) credit" was a major plus, too, said senior Danelle
Hubbard, 17.
Besides the University of Minnesota, 21 MnSCU campuses or institutions offer
some type of concurrent program. Anoka-Ramsey Community College, St. Cloud
State and Southwest Minnesota State are deeply involved, for example.
Among the college offerings available, the heaviest growth has been among
students taking courses at their high schools, said MnSCU's Cyndy Crist.
Duluth's Lake Superior College recently began offering the classes online to
selected high schools.
The credit is automatic at the college that contracts with the high school,
and officials say it is becoming more widely accepted nationwide.
Not everyone can get into a class and get credit. The university's Twin
Cities campus and MnSCU set eligibility standards. For the political science
class, for instance, the university wants seniors in the top 20 percent of
their class, although they'll make exceptions on a teacher's recommendation.
Lenhardt says Burnsville doesn't close the door to any student and says she
has some students who take her class even though it's hard and they know in
advance they'll only receive high school, not college, credit.
Paul Tosto covers higher education and can be reached at
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
or 651-228-2119.
to Learn more
The U's Web site at www.cce.umn.edu/collegeintheschools offers a good look
at College in the Schools. Courses include economics, American history and a
host of languages.
© 2006 St. Paul Pioneer Press and wire service sources. All Rights Reserved.
http://www.twincities.com
_______________________________________________
This message was posted to Winona Online Democracy
All messages must be signed by the senders actual name.
No commercial solicitations are allowed on this list.
To manage your subscription or view the message archives, please visit
http://mapnp.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/winona
Any problems or suggestions can be directed to
mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
If you want help on how to contact elected officials, go to the Contact page at
http://www.winonaonlinedemocracy.org
