“COLLEGE CREDITS:  DON’T LEAVE HIGH SCHOOL WITHOUT THEM”

DUAL ENROLLMENT COLLEGE COURSES AVAILABLE TO ALL JUNIORS AND SENIORS 2008-2009

Why should I consider taking a college course during high school?

·        To save money.

Save the cost of a college course, which can be several thousand dollars.

·        To save time.

Enter college with credits already earned.

Complete required freshman courses now.

Graduate as much as a semester/year early.

·        To gain confidence in handling college work.

How does it work?

·     Students earn Central Bucks elective credit PLUS THREE COLLEGE CREDITS.

·     This college credit can be transferred to most four-year colleges.  Transfer of credits is guaranteed to all Pennsylvania state schools such as Penn State, Temple, Bloomsburg, West Chester.  Current students are also transferring credits to schools like American University, U. of Pittsburgh, U. of Delaware, and Yale.

·     Students attend class at their home high school DURING THE SCHOOL DAY.

·     Classes run on an A/B schedule, every other day, for fifteen weeks.

·     Classes are taught by college professors from Bucks County Community College.

What classes are offered?

·        Mandarin Chinese, Levels 1 & 2

·        Effective Speaking

·        Basic Problems of Philosophy

·        Cyber Crime

How much will this cost?

Final costs will be under $400.

The total cost of tuition and fees ($394) and books (up to $100) will be offset by a grant from PDE.  This year, for example, students will be reimbursed $130. 

Financial aid may also be available on a case-by-case basis.

How do I register?

            See your guidance counselor during program planning.

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Dual Enrollment is a program sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Education that encourages partnerships between postsecondary institutions and local school districts.  It is part of Gov. Rendell’s high school reform agenda.  Through these partnerships, high school students can enroll in college courses and earn both secondary and postsecondary credit for those courses.  This enables high school juniors or seniors to earn college credits while still in high school.  In addition, school districts submit grant applications to the state in order to help reduce the cost of college tuition.  Dual enrollment is for the capable, not just the exceptional, student.

Additional Information for Dual Enrollment, 2008-09 

Who is eligible?

Dual enrollment courses are intended for juniors or seniors with a GPA of 2.75 or better and a proficient or better score on their most recent PSSA Reading test.  For a few courses, placement tests are required and will be arranged upon official registration with BCCC.  Dual enrollment courses are open to ALL students considering college.  Dual enrollment is for the capable, not just the exceptional, student.

How does registration and payment work?

Central Bucks students register through their guidance counselor during program planning.  The course will appear on their Central Bucks schedule.  Students must also register through BCCC later in the spring.  Students will be notified of that date by their guidance counselors.  At that time, $394 must be paid for tuition and fees.  Books are purchased the first night of class.  Reimbursement from the PA Dual Enrollment Grant is received approximately one-two months following the completion of the course.  This year’s reimbursement was $130.00 per course.  It could vary from year to year.

How does the scheduling work?

Dual enrollment classes are held at the student’s home building, assuming sufficient enrollment.  Classes run on an A/B schedule, every other day.  There are no classes on Fridays.  Classes follow the college calendar, meeting for 15 weeks, early September to mid-December and late January to mid-May.  Mandarin I will be offered in the fall and Mandarin II in the spring.  For the other courses, the specific semester in which the course is offered will depend upon enrollment and scheduling.  Courses are taught by BCCC professors.

How does grading work?

Three college credits are awarded from BCCC.  Students receive a college transcript.  These are transferable to all Pennsylvania state schools and to most four-year colleges across the nation.  Elective credit is awarded on your Central Bucks transcript, as a Pass/Fail grade.  Dual enrollment credits do not impact your GPA.

Will all credits transfer?

Most courses transfer and award credit for required freshman electives.  Do note that some courses (Cyber Crime, for example) will award credit only to students who major in a specific field (Criminal Justice).

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DE01     Mandarin Chinese, Level 1       (3 college credits; 1 CB elective credit)

Mandarin Chinese is a beginner’s course focusing on grammar, composition, and reading.  Special emphasis will be placed on speaking and understanding Mandarin.  This course will teach the basic skills that enable the student to read, write, and speak Chinese at an appropriate level.  It includes a systematic introduction to grammar, correct Chinese syntax, and idiomatic usage. Textbook:  Approximately $100.00 

DE02      Mandarin Chinese, Level 2      (3 college credits; 1 CB elective credit)

This course is an extension of Mandarin Chinese 1.  Students should have earned a B in level 1 to continue to level 2.  Textbook:  Same text as Mandarin 1

DE03      Basic Problems of Philosophy  (3 college credits; 1 CB elective credit)

This course is an investigation of enduring problems in the area of semantics, epistemology, religion, and ethical theory through presentation of philosophers influential in developing the major historic and contemporary positions. The nature of philosophical analysis and judgment are emphasized.  Textbook:  Approximately $70.00

DE04      Effective Speaking                  (3 college credits; 1 CB elective credit)

This course is designed to help students build confidence in preparing and delivering informative and persuasive speeches. Topics include subject selection, audience analysis, research, organization, and the use of voice and body in speech delivery. Textbook/Materials:  Approximately $75.00

DE05      Cyber Crime                         (3 college credits; 1 CB elective credit)

This course explores computer related crime in cyber space now and in the past. Ethical and criminal infractions in personal and work related situations are studied. Methods of investigation by computer forensic professionals are considered and techniques for security and safety researched.  Textbook:  Approximately $75.00