Dual Credit: Earn College Credit in High School

1. What is dual credit? Dual Credit allows you to earn high school graduation credit and college credit for the same class. *THE CLASS IS A COLLEGE COURSE! **You will have a permanent COLLEGE Transcript!

2. Benefits of Dual Credit Earn guaranteed transferable college hours to public colleges and universities in Texas Students are responsible for confirming that courses are applicable for their university degree plans Cheaper than regular college tuition. College class experience before going full time.

3. ID’s • ID’s will be provided for you by Blinn College • ID Required for: • Library • Computer labs • Free admission to athletic, music, & theater events on the Blinn College campuses in Bryan and Brenham • Discounts at stores and eateries around town (same as full time college students) (ID pictures will be taken May 8th)

4. Blinn Support Services you can use: • The Library • Research assistance • Research materials from all over TEXAS! Blinn College has statewide access! • The Computer Labs • Counseling Services • Academic Advising; Major Selection; Transfer Information

5. Challenges • College courses are demanding! You are expected to do college level work. You are considered a college student! • DC requires strong self-discipline and self-direction! • If you earn below a 70 in your dual credit class, you may not graduate from high school! It is DUAL credit! • DC costs money (books, supplies)! • Class dates and assignmentsfollow the Blinn College calendar—particularly significant for the 2 day a week classes! [Think Labor Day, AMCHS teacher work days; start and end of semesters, final exams before Christmas, final exams in May]

6. Here’s what Blinn College Instructors Expect of Dual Credit Students...

7. Prepare for class in advance • Read the textbook ahead of time and be prepared to apply, not repeat, what you have read • Study 4-6 hours per week per class • Always attend class: Blinn College does have an Attendance Policy! [Will extra-curricular activities make this difficult? You should consider carefully!]

8. Participate and ask questions • Preparation and Review requires TIME! • Take your own notes in outline form • Do not expect a “review” sheet • Know when to ask for help from your instructor: “the ball is in your court!”

9. Cost of Dual Credit • $320 per 3 Hrs[1 class] [2014-15 prices] • Fall Semester Dual credit courses • Economics (course #2301) • English (course # 1301) • Spring Semester Dual credit courses • Government (course #2305) • English (course #1302) • Some technical dual credit classes, see your technology teacher or the course description book. • $ of Books – depends on course ($85-110)

10. Blinn Admission Requirements • Must have completed sophomore year of HS • Must have at least a “B” average in all high school work (at least a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale) • Must have written permission from the principal • Must meet the appropriate TSI [“College Readiness”] scores or be exempt from TSI Assessment based on SAT or ACT scores

11. TSI Exemption scores ACTSAT Math ≥ 19 Math ≥ 500 English ≥ 19 English (CR) ≥ 500 Overall ≥ 23+ Overall ≥ 1070+ How/When do I take the TSIA test? • Go to the Blinn website. http://www.blinn.edu/counseling/tsia.html • The TSIA is a computerized test to be taken in three tests; Mathematics, Reading and Writing. Full testing can take from 4-8 hours. • This MUST be exempted / completed / taken by June 15th!

12. Grades • Reporting will be different at AMCHS • 2 grading scales; 2 formats for classes • Grading is very different in college classes, • not on a “6 Weeks” schedule • do not have “6 Weeks” tests or “Midterm” grades, just a FINAL GRADE • Grades are not mailed out • STUDENTS are responsible for • following the course syllabus and • keeping track of your own grades • keeping PARENTS informed!

13. Blinn College and A&M Consolidated incorporate different grading scales, and, as a result, the student must maintain a 70 average to meet A&M Consolidated HS graduation requirements BlinnAMCHS A 100 - 90 A 100 – 90 B 89 – 80 B 89 – 80 C 79 – 70 C 79 – 70 D 69 – 60 **CSISD doesn’t have D F < 60 F < 70

14. Dual Credit Course Approval Form • Fill in your FULL legal name. • Leave Blinn ID# blank. • Current School is A&M Consolidated HS • Current grade level is 11th grade.

15. Dual Credit Course Approval Form • Parent must sign or you cannot enroll in Dual Credit

16. Dual Credit Course Approval Form • All dual credit courses offered at AMCHS are listed. • Draw a line through any course you do NOT wish to take • You may change your mind and add or drop a course before June 12th • Leave the rest blank • You should already have an office signature on this page if your GPA is acceptable. If not, you need to see your counselor.

17. Dual Credit Course Approval Form • If you plan to take a technical dual course next year or if you plan to take a course on Blinn campus, you need to see your counselor. • As a High School student, you must have a college GPA to enroll in more than 2 Blinn courses in one semester. • Contact Blinn if you have further questions.

18. The following is required for Dual Credit enrollment: Completed online application (before May 8th) (completed online at www.applytexas.org) Dual Credit Approval Form (due May 8th) Completed Contract(s) (due May 8th) TSI Assessment – or evidence of exemption by June 15th) Payment (August 21st ) Transcript – we will provide this to Blinn for you!

19. Blinn representatives will be in the Counselor’s hallway on Tuesday, May 8thduring all advocates to collect forms, provide assistance and take Blinn ID pictures. The following is due on May 8th: Completed online application (before May 8th) Dual Credit Approval Form Completed Contract(s) A Smile!! Payment will NOT be accepted at this time.

20. Dual Credit Important Dates Tuesday, May 8th – Blinn Registration – Counselors’ Office – during advocates Friday, June 12th – Deadline to change AMCHS schedule for next year Monday, June 15th – Deadline for TSIA August 21st – Deadline for payment for fall courses – See Blinn website

21. Contacts • Shannon Williford, Director, Blinn College Dual Credit Facilitator 979-209-8218 shannon.williford@blinn.edu • Elaine Abshire, Director, Blinn College Academic Dual Credit Program 979-209-7547 elaine.abshire@blinn.edu • http://www.blinn.edu/dual_credit/index.html

22. From Blinn Dual Credit Staff: There is a step-by-step guide to help dual credit students apply for Blinn College admission online.  Most important parts of the Blinn College website and information that you will need to know to be successful are included.   Here is where to find it: > www.blinn.edu> At the top of the web page click on "Blinn A to Z"> Under "D" click on "Dual Credit"> In the dark gray box to the left click on "Enrollment Process"