Dual credit is a process that allows high school students to enroll in college level classes to earn both high school and college credit. These classes can be very beneficial to high school students, as they get a head start in their college education. In the essay “Dual Credit in the Community College” Dr. David Lydic is uncertain about dual credit being effective and chooses to research information over the topic. “I often feel like I am in the minority in doubting dual credit, so I decided to take this opportunity to research more on the subject.” Lydic was fascinated and amusingly shocked by the information found on dual credit but still continues to doubt about it. “Why, then, am I not completely convinced?” Even though Dr. Lydic does not see much value in dual credit courses, they have proven to be a great learning experience for many high school students.
The dual credit programs are a hot topic for both secondary and higher education institutions and these programs are experiencing dynamic growth. “During the 2006-07 legislative session, the Texas Legislatures even passed a law that every school district must implement a program under which students may earn the equivalent of at least 12 semester college credit hours in high school.” Therefore many colleges now accept dual credits transfers from high schools. As college tuitions continue to soar, students in high school could use dual credit to their advantage. Dual credit classes are cheaper and closer to home.” Most are offered free or at a nominal cost to the student.” Dual credit courses are offered at the high school campus. “Many dual credit courses are taught by high school teachers, so that the teachers are accessible, students know them, and students are comfortable interacting with them.” It is easier for students to ask someone you know for help than someone you don’t.