High school students taking college courses in rural areas can face fewer options and higher cost, finds a new report by the Regional Educational Laboratory Appalachia.
Many rural dual-enrollment programs lack enough high school teachers who have the proper credentials to teach dual-credit courses. That leaves students with a slim list of courses.
The report found several ways rural districts improve their dual-credit programs. They might offer scholarships or other incentives to students and to teachers to gain credentials; partner with online schools; or regularly review the quality of the courses available. They also ask students to take college-entrance tests like the SAT or ACT in 9th or 10th grade, so teachers can correct weaknesses in students’ college readiness.
