Dual Enrollment Articulation Agreements Between School Districts and Florida College System Institutions

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1 Dual Enrollment Articulation Agreements Between School Districts and Florida College System Institutions The Dual Enrollment Articulation Agreement, as required by Section (21), Florida Statutes, should begin with an introductory section that clearly identifies the parties involved in the agreement, the term (a beginning and ending date) of the agreement, and the make-up of the local Articulation Committee that has negotiated/drafted the agreement. The process by which the agreement is renewed or terminated should also be included. Following the introductory information, the components required in each agreement are: DISTRICT CONTACT INFORMATION: District Name Title Miami Dade College Dr. Jacqueline Hill Associate Provost for Academic Affairs Address/Phone Number 300 NE 2nd Avenue, Ste. 1442, Miami, FL (305) District Name Title The School Board of Miami-Dade County, Florida Dr. Maria de Armas Assistant Superintendent, Division of Academics Address/Phone Number 1501 NE 2 nd Avenue, Ste. 327, Miami, FL (305) mpdearmas@dadeschools.net INTRODUCTION: The Dual Enrollment Articulation Agreement (DEAA or Agreement) between the District Board of Trustees of Miami Dade College (MDC) and The School Board of Miami-Dade County, Florida (alternatively M-DCPS) is required by Section (21), Florida Statutes. This Agreement is for academic year , which at MDC runs from August 24, 2015 to July 30, 2016 and will be reviewed annually. It may be amended upon the mutual agreement of both parties should the State Board of Education rules, Florida Statutes, or interpretation require revisions. Each year, M-DCPS and MDC designees work on updating the DEAA prior to the Fall term to submit to each institution s academic authority for approval, and subsequent submission to the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE), Office of Articulation. The members appointed to constitute the Articulation Committee that deals with the process of updating the DEAA are: For MDC: Associate Provost for Academic Affairs; District Director of School and MDC Relations/Articulation; Academic Dean; Dual Enrollment Coordinator and Collegewide Registrar. For M-DCPS: Assistant Superintendent and the District Instructional Supervisor, Division of Academics, Office of Academics and Transformation. 1

2 MDC and M-DCPS representatives start working together at the end of April. MDC designates the Director of School and MDC Relations/Articulation, and M-DCPS designates the Instructional Supervisor, Division of Academic Support, Office of Academics and Transformation, as the primary contacts to coordinate and gather updated information from specific department/areas in their respective systems to renew the required sections of the DEAA. Joint meetings are scheduled during the months of May and June to review the updated material provided by the different college and school district requirements, and to agree upon contents and language. Drafts are shared via , making sure that current legislative mandates are reflected in the DEAA. Material is prepared for submission to respective legal counsel and academic authority to finally secure the Superintendent of Schools and MDC President s signatures. The DEAA will be posted on the MDC and M-DCPS websites. 1. A ratification or modification of all existing articulation agreements This section attests to the ratification of all other agreements between the college and the school district that may affect dual enrollment. Such agreements might include: career and technical center / Florida College transfer agreements; testing agreements; and dual enrollment agreements beyond the scope of this document (such as agreements unique to a specific magnet, academy or school), to name a few. It would be appropriate to insert a list of these agreements in this section. MDC and M-DCPS have the following specific partnership agreements: A. The School for Advanced Studies (SAS) The School for Advanced Studies is a partnership between MDC and M-DCPS designed for talented 11 th and 12 th grade students who are given the opportunity for acceleration and enrichment. MDC provides classroom space, and M-DCPS employs the teachers, counselors and principal. Founded in 1987, this dual enrollment program is the oldest in the state. The School for Advanced Studies is located on four campuses at MDC (rth Campus, Kendall Campus, Wolfson Campus, and Homestead Campus). For the School Year , 12 th grade students at SAS will enroll in four (4) college dual enrollment courses in the Fall term and four (4) college dual enrollment courses in the Spring term. For the School Year , 11 th grade students at SAS will enroll in three (3) college dual enrollment courses in the Fall term and three (3) college dual enrollment courses in the Spring term. These courses will be taught by MDC faculty. In addition, SAS students will take the required high school courses taught by M-DCPS faculty. In the summer, all SAS students may enroll in a total of four (4) college dual enrollment courses taught by MDC faculty: two (2) courses in Summer A and two (2) courses in Summer B. NOTE: The above referenced course loads do not include corresponding labs. Additionally, most of the students complete more than 75 hours of community service annually. Other benefits include use of the MDC s libraries and computer labs, and one-on-one mentoring sessions with faculty members. B. New World School of the Arts (NWSA) New World School of the Arts is a comprehensive, full-time high school and college program which prepares students for professional careers in dance, music, theater, and visual arts. The program was created by the Florida Legislature in 1984 as a Center of Excellence in the Arts. It is a unique cooperative venture of M-DCPS, the MDC, and the University of Florida. Through its sponsoring institutions, New World Schools of the Arts awards the High School Diploma, Associate in Arts Degree, Bachelor of Music, and Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree. 2

3 New World School of the Arts students are selected for admission based entirely on their creativity and talent in the arts. Neither academic grades nor standardized test scores are considered. Students enter the school through a rigorous audition/portfolio review process that assesses their ability to succeed in an intensive conservatory-style arts program. The selection process is highly competitive. High School students at New World School of the Arts earn up to twenty-four (24) dual enrollment credits in one (1) arts discipline dance, music, theater or visual arts. They are considered college-ready for participation in these courses based upon the rigorous admissions process. A formal jury at the end of every term, conducted by the arts dean and arts faculty, assesses each student s progress. Students must maintain a 3.0 Grade Point Average in all arts courses to continue enrollment in the school. C. Early Admissions The Early Admission program is a form of dual enrollment through which eligible high school students or home school students enroll at MDC on a full-time basis during their senior year in courses that are creditable toward the high school diploma and the Associate degree. In order to be considered a fulltime dual enrollment early admission student, the student must enroll in a minimum of twelve (12) college credit hours per term or the equivalent to participate in the early admission program; however, a student may not be required to enroll in more than fifteen (15) college credit hours per term or the equivalent. D. Career Pathways Consortium Agreement The Career Pathways Consortium is created by the M-DCPS and MDC to develop and implement comprehensive articulation agreements for students enrolled in their respective school district and service areas. The consortium will provide greater opportunities for students to participate in advanced level courses. The consortium will develop, expand, and promote career pathways and programs of study to assist students to transition from secondary to post-secondary and in to careers. E. Home School Education Home education students shall have equal access to dual enrollment as public school students. Home education students must present evidence to the postsecondary institution that the home education program is in compliance with Section , Florida Statutes. In order for the postsecondary institution to provide dual enrollment opportunities comparable to those for public school students, postsecondary institutions may require a declaration of student grade level upon entry to the dual enrollment program. Postsecondary institutions may indicate the length of eligibility in terms of years. It is not a statutory requirement that home education students present a transcript at the time of entry to the dual enrollment program; however, there may be educational benefits to the student for sharing his or her education background. Each postsecondary institution shall enter into a home articulation agreement with each home education student seeking enrollment in a dual enrollment course. The home education articulation agreement shall be mutually agreed upon by MDC, the home school student, and the student s parent and will include at a minimum: 1. A delineation of courses and program available to the dually enrolled home education student. Courses and programs may be added, revised, or deleted at any time by the postsecondary institution. 2. The initial and continued eligibility requirements for home education student participation is not 3

4 to exceed those required of other dually enrolled students. 3. The student is responsible for providing his/ her own instructional materials and transportation. 2. A description of the process by which students and their parents are informed about opportunities for student participation in the dual enrollment program Institutional responsibilities are delineated. Who will notify parents and students of the option to enroll in dual enrollment courses and how and when will this be done? Be specific. Please note, as of July 1, 2014 secondary student eligibility extends to those students in grades The process by which students are notified of the option to participate in the Dual Enrollment program is: MDC and M-DCPS will collaborate in notifying students of the options to participate in Dual Enrollment. A. The school district provides students with dual enrollment opportunity information through the Student Portal. All eligible students receive a letter signed by the Superintendent of Schools informing them of their eligibility for the dual enrollment program. B. MDC advisors facilitate Dual Enrollment orientation sessions geared toward secondary students and their parents during the Spring and Fall terms, and/or during the MDC s Open Houses. C. MDC Dual Enrollment Coordinators provide dual enrollment information that includes steps required for a smooth admission and registration process, admissions criteria and requirements, completing the Dual Enrollment and MDC Admissions applications, completing the placement testing requirements, meeting with an advisor, getting their books, etc. D. MDC recruitment staff visit high schools and extend invitations to high school college fairs held during the school year to promote the dual enrollment program by explaining the requirements and emphasizing the benefits. A collaborative relationship with guidance counselors is developed through these routine visits that encourage direct communication with the Dual Enrollment Coordinators at the MDC campuses. E. High school students interested in participating in dual enrollment are encouraged to visit MDC s Testing website which provides testing information and resources that help students review and prepare for the PERT, e.g. how to prepare for the test, tips for taking the PERT, contents of the test, reference of special computer program to assist student to adequately prepare and perform, etc. F. Students are encouraged to visit the MDC campuses testing departments to obtain resources, such as handouts. Information on helpful links where students can find sample questions to review basic concepts, how the test works (testing time, regulations, course placement guides, etc.) is shared with high school guidance counselors so that students are duly advised. G. MDC student services personnel from each campus coordinate with the campus feeder high schools to provide opportunities for high school students to experience college and the campus environment. Students are bused to the campus. While on campus, they visit classes, labs and computer courtyards. They are also informed of the many services available. H. MDC s High School Opportunities website contains general information about dual enrollment and is available to public and private high school students, parents, teachers and counselors. I. Advising is key to high school students making appropriate course selection. Therefore, MDC has assigned Dual Enrollment Coordinators at each of its campuses. They are responsible for advising students on the courses they plan to take, as well as to assist them with the admissions process. The Associate Dean of Academic Affairs or Academic Dean on the MDC campuses is responsible for providing assistance pertaining to academic issues. 4

5 J. The selection and process for participation in MDC s dual enrollment program are coordinated with high school guidance counselors. Dual enrollment is included in the student s completed personalized, academic and career plan that will count toward a degree program--associate (AS or AA) College Credit Certificate or baccalaureate degree, emphasizing general education and prerequisite requirement courses. In addition, students can explore Florida s college and university offerings (both traditional and distance learning programs), learn about financial aid, and apply for admission. For more information, visit K. College guidance includes recommending that students give careful consideration to course scheduling, meeting times, transportation and traveling time. Students are told that they must consider that the amount of work necessary to succeed in dual enrollment courses will be greater than high school courses. MDC recommends that a student enroll in a maximum of two (2) courses each term (excluding Labs) in order to ensure academic success. L. High school guidance counselors advise students to select dual enrollment courses that match the requirements for high school graduation, count for Bright Futures Scholarships, and are considered core courses by the State University System (SUS) for admission purposes. M. The Director of School and College Relations/Articulation and the District Supervisor, Office of Academics and Transformation, Division of Advanced Academics facilitate the communication of Institutional and legislative updates among staff from both institutions. The process by which parents are notified of the option to participate in Dual Enrollment program is: A. M-DCPS guidance counselors provide dual enrollment information to parents, emphasizing the advantages of dual enrollment as an acceleration mechanism during school-sponsored meetings (PTA, Open Houses, and Orientation sessions). B. MDC Dual Enrollment Coordinators are invited to provide information to parents about the acceleration mechanisms available to M-DCPS students during Parental Involvement Seminars organized by the United Teachers of Dade; Home Education Parent Association workshops; and Parent-Teacher Nights held at the high school sites. Parents are also invited to dual enrollment orientation/information sessions held on MDC Campuses during the Summer and Fall terms. C. MDC President s Office sends out an annual letter/brochure to parents of junior and senior students in the public school system at the beginning of the Spring term, emphasizing: (a) that dual enrollment programs help students move more quickly and successfully through the educational system; (b) the cost-saving advantages and the option to accelerate their education. D. The M-DCPS Superintendent annually informs all eligible tenth grade students with an unweighted minimum GPA of 3.0 and high academic achievement of the dual enrollment opportunities available to them. Official letters signed by the Superintendent are posted on the M- DCPS Student Portal for students meeting the eligibility criteria. 3. A delineation of courses and programs available to students eligible to participate in Dual Enrollment In addressing the courses and programs available to students, the Dual Enrollment Course High School Subject Area Equivalency List is a great starting point, but should not be viewed as the limits of dual enrollment course offerings. Courses offered beyond the Dual Enrollment Course High school Subject Area Equivalency List (along with their locally designated high school subject/credit equivalencies) should be clearly delineated at this point in the agreement. For career dual enrollment both clock hour and college credit courses and programs must lead toward an approved industry certification from an Industry Certification Funding List in Section , Florida Statutes. 5

6 In addition to the State s Dual Enrollment Course High School Subject Area Equivalency List approved by the Articulation Coordinating Committee and State Board of Education which identifies the MDC courses taken through dual enrollment that satisfy high school subject area graduation requirements, MDC and M-DCPS have mutually agreed on additional courses that meet the needs of career academies, magnet schools, and workforce preparation. (See Attachment A) Dual enrollment courses selected by the students as part of their educational plan may be used to meet sequential courses in a career and technical program, industry certification, fine and performing arts, or academic content area. They may also be used to complete the four (4) elective credits. Courses excluded but not limited for dual enrollment are the following: courses categorized as college preparatory and other forms of pre-collegiate instruction; physical education courses that focus on the physical execution of a skill rather than the intellectual attributes of the activity, and private music lessons; online college credit courses; and Virtual full or independent courses are not allowed for dual enrollment. However, a hybrid or blended course that requires a student s presence at the college campus is permitted. 4. A description of the process by which students and their parents exercise options to participate in the dual enrollment program Procedures for participation, along with firmly established deadlines, are essential to the agreement. The agreement should contain specific information regarding the following: application/forms for admission to the program; the recommendations/signatures required for participation; the person to whom parents and/or students submit their paperwork; the process by which students register and withdraw from courses; maximum course loads; grade forgiveness; weighting of dual enrollment course grades; and the process by which grades are distributed. Confusion and frustration often occur when students or parents are given conflicting information about procedures and deadlines from the high school and the college. Students and the parents/guardians of students wishing to pursue participation in an articulated acceleration program must contact their high school counselors to discuss admissions criteria and to obtain the necessary application information. The procedures in place for students to participate in the Dual enrollment program at MDC include: APPLICATION PROCESS: Students must be in 6-12 th grade, attending a public or private high school, or be a home school participant. Interested eligible students must submit a regular college admission application together with a Miami Dade College Dual Enrollment Approval Form approval form, which is submitted to the Dual Enrollment Coordinator at least 30 days in advance of the requested term of enrollment. The Miami Dade College Dual Enrollment Approval Form lists the student s personal information, grade level, the high school name, the high school course requirement the college credit course will meet, and the student s unweighted GPA. 6

7 The Miami Dade College Dual Enrollment Approval Form approval form must be signed by the student, parent or guardian, the high school guidance counselor, and the high school principal to ensure that the course will count toward high school graduation. The student and the high school guidance counselor select the courses from the approved MDC/M-DCPS equivalency list. The Dual Enrollment Approval Form must also bear the high school seal. All documentation must be received by MDC Dual Enrollment Coordinator by the posted application deadlines. Students are required to submit a completed Dual Enrollment Approval Form each term in order to retain enrollment eligibility. If the student s college GPA falls below 2.0, the student is ineligible to continue dual enrollment. COURSE LOAD: MDC and Miami-Dade County Public School agree that a student will enroll in a maximum of 2 courses each term (excluding Labs) in order to ensure academic success. Additional coursework must be approved by an Academic Dean and the School District Office on an individual basis. MDC will NOT allow students without a high school diploma to register at the college outside the framework of dual enrollment or early admission. MDC cannot accept payment for DE courses from students in high schools or their parents or any other entity. Dual enrollment students are allowed to take a course one time only. They are not allowed to retake a course for grade forgiveness (W, D, F) until they have graduated from high school and are enrolled as a traditional degree-seeking student at MDC. WITHDRAWAL PROCESS: M-DCPS high school counselors and students will be made aware of the official MDC drop/add date during each term. All dual enrollment students will be responsible for officially withdrawing from classes they are no longer attending. Students will understand the importance of adhering to this date in order for the District to not incur unnecessary charges resulting from courses not taken. MDC s Dual Enrollment Coordinator will assist students with this documentation. The Registrar s office must receive an official withdrawal from a dual enrollment course(s) by the deadline established by MDC. High school guidance counselors are notified if a student chooses to withdraw from a dual enrollment course. MDC s Dual Enrollment Coordinator advises students that if they do not withdraw officially from the class, they will receive a failing grade that may affect future college admission and/or financial aid. GRADE DISTRIBUTION: All students enrolled in dual enrollment classes will be graded on the same basis as other college students in the same courses. Students participating in dual enrollment at MDC will receive grades and credit for their college work. These grades and credits are posted on the college transcript. Dual enrollment course grades become part of a student s permanent college and high school transcript and are calculated into the student s permanent postsecondary GPA maintained by MDC. 7

8 5. A list of any additional initial student eligibility requirements for participation in the Dual Enrollment program The statutory eligibility requirements for academic and career dual enrollment include: College Credit: 3.0 unweighted GPA and demonstrated readiness for college coursework through scores on a common placement test (as established in State Board of Education Rule 6A ) [the Agreement should note if all sections of a common placement test must be successfully completed prior to dual enrollment participation]. Career Certificate: 2.0 unweighted GPA. Be a student in grades 6 12 in a public or eligible private secondary school. Students in grades 6-12 who meet high school GPA and placement tests requirements may participate in dual enrollment. Continued eligibility for college credit dual enrollment requires the maintenance of a 3.0 unweighted high school GPA and the minimum GPA required by the postsecondary institution. Students who will graduate from high school prior to completion of the postsecondary course may not register for the course through dual enrollment. Students may lose the opportunity to participate in the dual enrollment program if they are disruptive to the learning process. The Florida College System institution may establish additional initial student eligibility requirements. Any additional eligibility requirements must be clearly specified in the Dual Enrollment Articulation Agreement to be implemented in the academic year under the agreement. Additional requirements must be to ensure student readiness for postsecondary instruction, and not to arbitrarily prohibit students who have demonstrated the ability to master advanced courses from participation. According to Section , Florida Statutes, school districts may not deny dual enrollment participation to students who meet statutory requirements and any additional eligibility requirements established in the Dual Enrollment Articulation Agreement. Student eligibility requirements for initial enrollment in college credit dual enrollment courses must include a 3.0 unweighted high school grade point average and the minimum score on a common placement test adopted by the State Board of Education which indicates that the student is ready for college-level coursework. Student eligibility requirements for continued enrollment in college credit dual enrollment courses must include the maintenance of a 3.0 unweighted high school grade point average and the minimum 2.0 post-secondary GPA established by MDC. A. College-Credit dual enrollment (includes ATD, College Credit Certificate, AAS, AS and AA) 1) In addition to the statutorily mandated 3.0 unweighted GPA and the common placement examination for college credit dual enrollment, all students who participate in the dual enrollment program at MDC must have college-ready placement status in Reading and Writing. 8

9 2) Student Life Skills courses (SLS) are used with students who do not meet the statutory eligibility requirements. SLS courses do not require the Reading and Writing college-ready placement levels. However, all students must be assessed. B. Career and Technical Certificate Dual Enrollment (Postsecondary Adult Vocational, PSAV). 1) MDC does not offer Career and Technical Certificate dual enrollment. The list of approved dual enrollment courses offers a variety of courses of technical nature, i.e. accounting, criminal justice, graphic design, computer, programming, data processing, etc. 2) All students taking dual enrollment courses must have a 3.0 unweighted GPA, not at 2.0 unweighted GPA. C. Early Admission 1) Must have completed the 11 th grade year successfully at the senior high school. 2) Must have a minimum 3.5 high school unweighted GPA. 3) Must have passed successfully the MDC s Basic Skills assessment CPT/PERT or have appropriate SAT/ACT/FCAT (Grade 10) scores. 4) Must have authorization from their high school principal, counselor, and parent/guardian. 5) Must express intent to pursue a postsecondary degree. 6) Must complete an interview with a MDC advisor/dual Enrollment Coordinator to determine that the student has potential to successfully complete college credit courses. 7) Must enroll in a minimum of college credit courses which meet the requirements for the student s senior year and high school graduation (24 credits). 8) Must complete an Early Admission form for each term in order to retain enrollment eligibility. 9) Must maintain an unweighted 3.0 high school GPA and a 3.0 college GPA in order to continue participating in the Early Admission program. 10) M-DCPS requires that the Early Admissions High School Diploma Agreement (FM#2829) be completed and signed by the student, parent/guardian, school counselor, school principal and college/university representative. Go to link here: Students who are deficient in reading and/or writing may not enroll in college credit English courses or other college credit courses that require communication skills beyond the skill level of the student. Students who are deficient in mathematics cannot enroll in any college credit math course or other college credit courses that require mathematics skills beyond the skill level of the student. Students may not earn more than twelve (12) college credits prior to demonstrating proficiency in the basic skill areas of reading, writing, and mathematics. Exceptions may be granted provided that the student is concurrently enrolled in a secondary course(s) for which they have been deemed deficient by the postsecondary assessment. If the student is projected to graduate from high school before the scheduled completion date of a postsecondary course, the student may not register for that course through dual enrollment. After 9

10 graduating from high school, the student may apply to MDC and pay the required registration, tuition, and fees if the student meets MDC s admissions requirements under Section , Florida Statutes. 6. A delineation of the high school credit earned for the passage of each dual enrollment course The Dual Enrollment Course High School Subject Area Equivalency List mandates the minimum subject area credit awarded for specific courses taken through dual enrollment. This includes, for career courses, clock hours to high school credits. The agreement should establish high school credits for courses not included on this list. It may be appropriate in this section to address how dual enrollment courses are weighted for the purposes of class ranking. Dual enrollment courses must be weighted the same as Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and Advanced International Certificate of Education courses when the GPA is calculated. In addition to the State s Dual Enrollment Course-High School Subject Area Equivalency List approved by the Articulation Coordinating Committee and the State Board of Education which identifies the college courses taken through dual enrollment that satisfy high school subject area graduation requirements, MDC and M-DCPS have mutually agreed on courses that meet the needs of career academies, magnet schools, and workforce preparation. As per School Board Policy 5410, M-DCPS weighs college-level dual enrollment courses the same as Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and Advanced International Certification of Education courses when grade point averages are calculated. The list of currently active and authorized courses for dual enrollment is printed in Curriculum Bulletin-l, which is published annually. The MDC/M-DCPS Dual Enrollment List (See Attachment A) indicates: the number of college credits for each course on the list; the number of high school credits earned; the high school subject area satisfied by the college course; the required levels of college readiness (reading, writing and mathematics) that must be met for each course on the list; co-requisites and pre-requisites, if any. MDC and M-DCPS have agreed to extend dual enrollment participation to Student Life Skills courses (designated with SLS course prefix in the Statewide Course Numbering System) to students who do not meet the statutory eligibility requirements. The Student Life Skills (SLS) courses earn students college credit and high school elective credit and are the only ones on the list that do not require college-ready placement levels in two of three of the skills areas. However, all students must be assessed and valid test scores from either ACT, SAT or PERT will be submitted. SLS course assignment will be based on the college s placement criteria. 7. A description of the process for informing students and their parents of college-level course expectations Dual enrollment courses meet the curricular expectations and are at the same depth and rigor of nondual enrollment postsecondary instruction, including those offered on the high school campus. Students should understand that dual enrollment courses are college courses and the amount of work necessary to succeed may be much greater than in high school courses. In addition, dual enrollment courses become a part of a student s permanent college transcript and are calculated into the 10 student s permanent postsecondary GPA.

11 A. Dual enrollment courses meet the curricular expectations and are at the same depth and rigor of non-dual enrollment postsecondary instruction, including those offered on the high school campus. 1) Upon being admitted into the MDC dual enrollment program, students are provided MDC s Students Rights & Responsibilities Handbook that contains the academic calendar, code of conduct, students rights and responsibilities, grading and evaluation process, academic dishonesty, disciplinary procedures, as well as accommodations provided for students with disabilities. Any letter grade below a C will not count as credit toward satisfaction of the requirements in Rule 6A , F.A.C.; however, all grades are calculated in a student s GPA and will appear on their college transcript. 2) All grades, including W for withdrawal, become a part of the student s permanent college transcript and may affect subsequent postsecondary admission. 3) While appropriate for college-level study, course materials and class discussions may reflect topics not typically included in secondary courses which some parents may object to for minors. Courses will not be modified to accommodate variations in student age and/or maturity. 4) The selection of courses to meet degree requirements, including approved program common prerequisite courses, in order to minimize student and state costs for excess hours. 5) Include dual enrollment course plans in a completed personalized, academic and career plan. In addition, students can explore Florida s college and university offerings (both traditional and distance learning programs), learn about financial aid, and apply for admission. For more information, visit 8. The policies and procedures, if any, for determining exceptions to the required grade point averages on an individual student basis Section (3), F.S., allows exceptions to the required GPA on an individual student basis if both parties agree. Broad exceptions are not allowed. The only exception to the required GPA is for Students Life Skills (SLS) courses that help students make the transition to college, provide orientation to college life and help develop academic, career, and personal goals. Through these courses, students learn college success strategies, goal-setting study skills, and making a career choice. The required cumulative weighted GPA for the SLS courses is 2.50 (no exception). Although no specific scores are required, student must be assessed and submit valid test scores from either ACT, SAT or PERT. Student SLS course assignment will be based on the MDC s placement criteria. 9. The registration policies for dual enrollment courses as determined by the postsecondary institution. Florida College System institutions have different mechanisms and deadlines for dual enrollment course registration. These policies, with information about locating specific term information, should be included. Students and parents should be made aware of the colleges add/drop policies and deadlines. 11

12 Dual enrollment students are scheduled for registration in accordance with the MDC s Registration Calendar each term. late registration is allowed. The dual enrollment application (DE Application) indicates that the form should be completed and submitted to MDC at least 10 days prior to the requested term of enrollment. Fall term classes start in August; Spring term classes start in January, and Summer term classes start in May. The beginning and ending dates of courses offered during the regular day in the high school facilities will coincide with the school district s calendar. Courses offered after the regular school day or on the college campus will be scheduled on the college calendar. Courses taught by college faculty will follow the college academic calendar, unless the course is taught on the high school campus. Names of Dual Enrollment Coordinators and Academic Dean contacts for every campus are posted on the MDC s web site. Dual Enrollment Coordinators at each campus provide specific information regarding the steps students should follow to register for dual enrollment courses: 1) Submit a DE Application completed and signed by student, parent and school administrator/or home school department. Application must be submitted in person. Forms will not be processed if incomplete or altered. 2) Take college placement test or submit official FCAT or PERT scores from high school. ACT and SAT scores must be submitted by the corresponding educational testing service directly to the MDC. 3) Register for classes with a Dual Enrollment Coordinator. Schedule of registered courses is available by accessing MyMDC account. 4) M-DCPS students must obtain book voucher from their high school counselor to present to the MDC book store in order to obtain their textbooks. Present a validated schedule, photo ID and vehicle registration at the Student Union to obtain an official MDC I.D. and decal. The last day to drop classes for dual enrollment students is the same as for all college students. This is indicated in the MDC s academic calendar. Dual enrollment students who do not officially withdraw within the established deadline will have a W (Withdrawal grade) posted on the college transcript which may affect high school graduation. Students who withdraw from a course cannot repeat the same course as a dual enrollment student, but may enroll in other dual enrollment courses, if eligible. 10. Exceptions, if any, to the professional rules, guidelines, and expectations stated in the faculty or adjunct faculty handbook for the postsecondary institution exceptions. 11. Exceptions, if any, to the professional rules, guidelines, and expectations stated in the student handbook of the postsecondary institution which apply to faculty members Dual enrollment courses are college courses both in content and outcomes. Dual enrollment 11. instructors Exceptions, must if meet any, the to teaching the rules, credentials guidelines, established and by expectations the Commission stated on Colleges in the student of the Southern handbook Association of the postsecondary of Colleges and institution Schools. This which agreement apply to must faculty outline members the procedures for maintaining the teaching and content integrity of courses. Section (5)(a), Florida Statutes, governs dual enrollment faculty. These provisions were taken from the Dual Enrollment Statement of Standards, which was codified in State Board of Education Rule 6A , FAC. 12

13 Dual enrollment courses are true college courses. Most of these college courses taken by high school students are taken on the college campuses. They allow students to experience the college environment and develop an identity as a college student. MDC professors who teach the classes ensure that high school students are fully introduced to collegiate-level academic expectations. Courses offered on high school sites are taught by regular college professors or high school teachers with adjunct professor status. Section (5)(a), Florida Statutes., governs dual enrollment faculty requirements. Provisions stated herein were taken from the State Board of Education Rule 6A , FAC. 1. The following requirements shall apply to faculty providing instruction in college credit dual enrollment courses: (a) All full-time or adjunct faculty teaching dual enrollment courses must meet Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS) Principles of Accreditation: Foundations for Quality Enhancement, 2010 Edition, section 3.7.1, for postsecondary instructors in the course and discipline, which is hereby incorporated by reference. The document may be accessed at (b) These criteria apply to all faculty teaching postsecondary courses regardless of the physical location of the course being taught. The postsecondary institution awarding credit shall ensure faculty teaching dual enrollment courses meet these qualifications. (c) Postsecondary transcripts of all full-time or adjunct faculty teaching dual enrollment courses must be filed with MDC regardless of who employs or pays the faculty member s salary. For dual enrollment courses taught on high school campuses, the faculty transcripts must be submitted to the postsecondary institution for filing. (d) MDC shall provide all full-time and adjunct faculty teaching dual enrollment courses with a copy of the current faculty or adjunct faculty handbook. Faculty shall adhere to the professional guidelines, rules, and expectations therein. There will be no exceptions to such requirements. (e) MDC shall provide all full-time and adjunct faculty teaching dual enrollment courses with a current student handbook detailing information that includes, but is not limited to, add/drop and withdrawal policies, student code of conduct, grading policies, and critical dates. Faculty shall adhere to the guidelines, rules, and expectations therein that apply to faculty. There will be no exceptions to such requirements. (f) MDC shall provide all adjunct faculty teaching dual enrollment courses with a full-time faculty contact or liaison in the same discipline. (g) All full-time and adjunct faculty teaching dual enrollment courses, regardless of location of instruction, shall be observed by a designee of the college s campus Academic Dean and evaluated based on the same criteria used for all other full-time or adjunct faculty delivering college courses at that institution. (h) MDC shall provide all full-time and adjunct faculty teaching dual enrollment courses with a copy of course plans and objectives for the college course they are teaching. In addition, faculty shall be provided with information on additional requirements related to Rule 6A , F.A.C., if applicable. All course objectives and identified competencies must be included in the course plan and covered per the syllabus during the term. (i) All full-time and adjunct faculty teaching dual enrollment courses shall file a copy of their current course syllabus with the college s discipline chair or department chair prior to the start of each term. Content of the syllabus must meet the same criteria as required for all college courses offered at that institution. 2. The following curriculum standards for content, syllabi, exams, and grades shall apply to college credit dual enrollment: 13

14 (a) Dual enrollment courses taught on the high school campus must meet all competencies expected and outlined in the postsecondary course plan. To ensure equivalent rigor with on-campus courses, the institution granting postsecondary credit shall be responsible for providing a comprehensive, cumulative end-of-course assessment or a series of assessments of all expected learning outcomes in accordance with the SACS Principles of Accreditation: Foundations for Quality Enhancement, 2012 Edition, Sections and 3.5.1, which are hereby incorporated by reference. The document may be accessed at Assessments shall be provided to the high school campus dual enrollment course instructor by the college in a timely manner to ensure availability prior to scheduled administration dates. Completed, scored exams will be returned to the postsecondary institution and held on file for a period of one (1) year. (b) Textbooks and instructional materials used in dual enrollment courses must be the same or comparable with those used with other postsecondary courses at the postsecondary institution with the same course prefix and number. The postsecondary institution will advise the school district of instructional material requirements as soon as that information becomes available, but no later than one term prior to a course being offered. (c) Course requirements such as tests, papers, or other assignments for dual enrollment students must be at the same level of rigor or depth as those for all non-dual enrollment postsecondary students. All full-time and adjunct faculty teaching dual enrollment courses must observe postsecondary institution procedures and deadlines for submission of grades in the appropriate format. All faculty will be advised of postsecondary institution-wide grading guidelines prior to teaching a dual enrollment course. (d) MDC shall assign letter grades to each student enrolled in a dual enrollment course. The letter grade assigned by MDC shall be posted to the student s high school transcript by the school district. 3. The following environmental standards shall apply to college credit dual enrollment: (a) Dual enrollment courses taught on a high school campus shall ensure minimal interruptions of instructional time. A student shall lose eligibility to participate in dual enrollment if the secondary institution where a course is being offered determines that a student is being disruptive to the learning process, such that the progress of other students and the efficient administration of the course are hindered. (b) Dual enrollment courses taught on a high school campus may not be combined with any non-college credit high school course. (c) A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is signed by the M-DCPS high school Principal and the MDC s Academic Dean and Campus President. The MOU emphasizes that instructors must meet the SACS criteria regarding instructors academic credentials. At a minimum, each instructor must have a Master s Degree in the discipline or a Master s degree and at least 18 graduate credit hours in that particular discipline. (See Attachment B). 4. The following accountability and assessment standards shall apply to college credit dual enrollment: (a) Postsecondary institutions shall analyze student performance in dual enrollment to ensure that the level of preparation and future success is comparable with non-dual enrollment postsecondary students. Analyses and recommendations shall be shared and reviewed with the principal and local school district. (b) High schools shall analyze course and instructor evaluations for dual enrollment courses on the high school campus. Analysis and recommendations shall be shared and reviewed by both the college and the high school. 14

15 (c) Any course-, discipline-, college-, or system-wide assessments that a postsecondary institution requires in non-dual enrollment sections of a course shall also be used in all dual enrollment sections of the course. (d) Colleges shall compare student performance, to include final grade and exam, of dual enrollment course offerings on high school campuses and college campuses to ensure that results are comparable to non-dual enrollment sections. Results will be made available to the principal, local school district, the college president, and the Department of Education. 12. The responsibilities of the school district regarding the determination of student eligibility before participating in the dual enrollment program and the monitoring of student performance while participating in the dual enrollment program The delineation of responsibility for the initial screening and ongoing monitoring of participants must be included in the agreement. This should include the procedures for college readiness testing at the high school and college site. A process should be identified to determine how the district will monitor dual enrollment students and ensure GPA requirements are maintained. In addition to outlining the academic criteria for continued enrollment in the program, this section is a good place to identify behavioral expectations in dual enrollment courses, and which entity s code of conduct and consequences will be enforced. A. Students Screening Prior to Enrollment in Dual Enrollment Courses Dual enrollment and early admission students are required to test for achievement of communication and mathematics competencies. The placement test that is given to eligible high school students is Florida s Post-Secondary Education Readiness Test (PERT). The primary responsibility for administering the PERT to eligible 11 th graders rests with M-DCPS, as directed by the FLDOE Office of K-12 Assessment. MDC has established a Placement Criteria Document that is updated each academic year. Section V of said document describes the procedures for testing and placement criteria for early college (Dual) Enrollment Students Early college/dual enrollment students must achieve specific scores on the appropriate sections of the Grade 10 FCAT 2.0 to enroll in college credit courses requiring competency in the associated placement area. Students who have been identified as deficient in basic competencies in one of the areas of reading, writing or mathematics may still enroll in college credit courses in those curriculum areas in which they are proficient and which do not require the competency areas in which the student is deficient. 15

16 MDC will only administer postsecondary readiness tests for the following categories of M-DCPS students: (1) students testing for dual enrollment, (2) students who have formally applied for admission to the School for Advanced Studies, (3) high school students already enrolled in the New World School of the Arts, and (4) high school participants in jointly sponsored or approved projects. These students have a total of two (2) PERT attempts while they are in 9th and 10th grades and two (2) new attempts while they are in 11 th and 12 th grades. The initial test counts as the first attempt and re-taking any subtest counts as the second and final attempt during any of the two-year periods. Remediation is required prior to any subsequent attempt. Students in these categories with an approved PERT Placement Test Referral Form (Attachments C and D) (SAS) may test on designated MDC campuses on an exception basis since the school district s preferred testing site is the student s home high school. Further details are available through the M-DCPS Student Assessment and Educational Testing Office and MDC District Testing Office. The PERT places incoming students into appropriate college-level courses. When high school students have the opportunity to take the PERT while still in high school, they can be given additional counseling about their future plans and assistance for advisement during high school. The high schools will use the results of the test to register 12 th grade students in required remedial instruction prior to high school graduation. The remedial instruction must mirror the competencies of the highest level of college preparatory coursework offered at MDC. The following high school level college readiness courses are scheduled to be offered through M-DCPS Senior High Schools, Charter Schools, Adult Vocational, and Alternative Centers: Reading for College Success ( credit) Writing for College Success ( credit) Math for College Success ( credit) English IV (1.0 credit) Math for College Readiness (1.0 credit) PERT scores may be used to establish Bright Futures eligibility for the Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholars Award. te: Students who have college-ready ACCUPLACER (CPT) scores may use them for placement purposes. MDC and M-DCPS have agreed on a number of courses available for dual enrollment. The list of eligible courses, which includes the respective reading, writing, and mathematics placement testing level requirements are available at All courses 16