Dual Credit Changes could Boost Students' GPA
By: Kristin Anderson
Updated: February 12, 2013
"I'll have 24 going into college," he explained.
The Abilene High senior has taken six dual credit classes in the last two years.
"Just being in a college-some-what atmosphere just kind of helps the student just kind of get in the groove and kind of know what they're going into," Alexander said.
But AISD is looking to improve that program. A committee proposed revisions at the monthly board meeting with one goal in mind.
"And that's to create more students an opportunity to take a rigorous college preparatory curriculum," said AISD superintendent Dr. Heath Burns.
Right now, Alexander will get either a pass or fail grade for each class he takes on his high school transcript. So those college courses don't count towards his high school GPA.. That's why the committee proposed a five point bump for student's GPA, to not only improve dual credit classes, but to provide some more incentives to do well in school.
"If all the kid has to do is get a 70 and get a passing grade, as far as college in concerned, they're going to shoot to get a 73," explained Gail Gregg, who presented to the school board. "And there's more incentive for them to be in that class and they're going to get more out of it. Because instead of just barely getting by, they're going to try to make an A."
Though he wont' benefit from those changes, Alexander says the cost of college classes through AISD has been helpful as he prepares for tuition at a four year university.
"It's a lot cheaper than taking college, just if you go to university and take it. And so it really is a good deal to do that," he said.
Saying that if anything, he's prepared for the next step in his education.


