THE DUAL CREDIT PROGRAM MEASURING THE EFFECTIVENESS ON STUDENTS'' TRANSITION

The Dual Credit Program has been defined for the purpose of this research as an articulated program for high school students to earn college credit while enrolled in high school. Dual credit programs have evolved swiftly throughout the nation, providing an avenue for early access to college. Thousands of high school students take full advantage of this program of service, and many have reported that the program has positive impacts. However, outcome measures of the program remain relatively untested, particularly within the four colleges of the Community College District of the Southwest. This research evaluated the program''s effectiveness as it relates to students successfully transitioning from high school to college. Dual credit programs offer numerous benefits to colleges, high schools, teachers, and more importantly students, as reported throughout this study. A major benefit to sponsoring colleges is the potential for recruitment. By exposing students to ¿early college¿, research shows that students are realizing their college potential and in many cases choosing the sponsoring colleges to make seamless transitions.