A Study of Dual Enrollment Policies and Procedures in Virginia's Local School Divisions

Anita Wallace

Johnson Center, C
February 26, 2006, 07:00 PM to 07:00 PM

Abstract:

This study examines Virginia?s local school divisions? dual enrollment policies and procedures for recruitment, advising and promotion of students. This research focused on academic dual enrollment programs that allow high school students to take college-level courses while simultaneously earning high school and college credits. Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses were not included in this study. The primary research was conducted through an online survey that requested specific information to determine if the local school divisions? policies provide guidance for local school divisions where students are identified and recruited into dual enrollment programs. Secondary data sources included enrollment totals from the Virginia Community College System and the Virginia Department of Education. In addition, the Virginia Plan for Dual Enrollment (1988 and 2005) was examined to determine if local school divisions? policies and procedures align with the expectations of this articulation agreement between Virginia?s local school divisions and community colleges. That agreement provides broad guidelines for school divisions, and this study sought to determine if school divisions were utilizing those broad guidelines in implementing their policies. This study compared student enrollment data from the survey, the Virginia Community College System, and the Virginia Department of Education to determine if there are participation gaps for minority (African-American and Hispanic), low-income and low-middle achieving students. Findings revealed that there are dual enrollment participation gaps for minority (African-American and Hispanic) and low-income students. There are also gaps in implementation from one school division to another.