Characteristics of Local Dual Credit Programs That Promote Sustained Enrollment and High School Achievement

The intent of this study was to identify the features of local dual credit programs that promote high achievement and sustained enrollment. Ancillary outcomes of the study were to identify strengths and weaknesses of the programs as well as develop recommendations for the development and implementation of future dual credit programs in the area. The dual credit programs studied were offered by two secondary schools in conjunction with the local community and technical college. Information regarding the programs was collected via interviews from individuals at the secondary and postsecondary level who had substantial knowledge of the programs. Overriding themes that emerged as a result of this study were the need to designate a single dual credit coordinator at both the college and the high schools to improve communication, the desire to increase participation in the existing programs while expanding the program to area schools that do not already participate in dual credit, and the need to maintain the quality and academic rigor of the courses.