The implementation of dual credit programs in six nonurban Kentucky school districts

• Implementation of dual credit programs varies widely across and within districts in the number and type of courses available and in costs to students. • Each district partners with two or more postsecondary institutions to offer the desired dual credit programs and courses. • The most common configuration involves dual credit courses offered at a high school and taught by high school teachers with the credentials to teach such courses. • Barriers to expanding dual credit programs in the six districts include the limited availability of high school teachers with appropriate credentials, limited access to courses and instructors in isolated rural districts, financial burden for students and families, and lack of dedicated staff to manage dual credit programs. • Dual credit programs enable high school students to earn college credit at reduced cost, but the financial burden on students varies across school districts and program configurations.