This multi-faceted study of dual credit programs in Texas was motivated by
perceived discrepancies in dual credit data reporting and a lack of comprehensive, statelevel
information about dual credit student populations and coursework patterns. Using a
P-16 framework, the author explored alignment issues that influence the delivery of dual
credit programs and the tracking of dual credit participants in Texas. A review of dual
credit partnership agreements between high schools and colleges, an analysis of dual
credit course crosswalks, interviews with secondary and postsecondary dual credit
coordinators, and a cross-agency analysis of state-level dual credit data provided insight
into data and program alignment concerns.
These research efforts informed the construction of a database of 2004-2007
Texas public high school graduates who took dual credit courses while in high school.
Demographic differences and college outcomes were analyzed for the full cohort and
cohort subpopulations. Two ANOVAs were used to explore differences in the number of
dual credit courses students took and freshman college GPA by several demographic and
outcome variables. Study results showed regional differences in dual credit coursetaking
patterns and differences in student populations who took academic dual credit courses, non-academic dual credit courses, and both types of courses. Longitudinal data revealed
differences in dual credit coursetaking populations over time, including growth in the
number of economically disadvantaged and underrepresented minority students who took
advantage of dual credit opportunities.
Study findings emphasized the value of improving dual credit data reporting and
course alignment practices. Important state-level goals were identified as ensuring: that
students have access to rigorous, quality programs; that educators and policy-makers
have access to accurate data; and that dual credit partnerships maintain the flexibility to
innovate and respond to student needs while preserving program quality and equity. / text
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:UTEXAS/oai:repositories.lib.utexas.edu:2152/6869 |
| Date | 04 February 2010 |
| Creators | Eklund, Julie Ann |
| Source Sets | University of Texas |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Format | electronic |
| Rights | Copyright is held by the author. Presentation of this material on the Libraries' web site by University Libraries, The University of Texas at Austin was made possible under a limited license grant from the author who has retained all copyrights in the works. |
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