NTCC/PISD partner to help prepare students for graduation
By the time incoming freshmen at Pittsburg Independent School District graduate from high school, they will have had the opportunity to earn 45 hours of college credit.
Most associate degrees require 60 credit hours, so students could be well on their way to a degree just after earning their high school diplomas.
The Pittsburg High School College Academy is a partnership between PISD and Northeast Texas Community College where parents can opt to pay for college courses offered through NTCC that are based at Pittsburg High School. These courses count as dual credit for both high school and college hours.
PHS student Daisy Portillo is taking speech and sociology this year for dual credit and said she's excited for the future.
“I like the program,” she said. “It gives you a chance to do stuff now that you don't have to do later on.”
PHS has offered English, U.S. Government, computer and other classes in the past, but this year added sociology, speech, music appreciation, psychology, social studies elective, java and microcomputer applications
PISD Deputy Superintendent Beth Anne Dunavant said this is the most classes the district has ever offered for dual credit, rivaled in this area only by the Hughes Springs Independent School District.
Students that opt to participate in the program have the opportunity to start college as a sophomore upon graduation from high school. Parents will pay tuition/registration fees to NTCC, but the classes will be broadcast over the internet to PISD classrooms. An in-class teacher facilitator will be on-hand to answer any questions students may have.
“These classes are offered at a reduced price. It's a great savings for our parents. It affords parents a chance to start their college path and while it’s not free, it’s certainly not the cost of sending them off to a major university.,” Ms.Dunavant said. “It's a boost for our kids. We made sure the courses we offer play into a broad range of degree plans. They're something almost every kid will have to have to get a four-year degree.”
Over the summer, PISD held orientation sessions attended by 40 students. As word-of-mouth spread about the program, participation has increased. As of the end of the first week of school, 140 students have expressed an interest to be involved.
“During their freshman year, they will join the college academy and go through orientation,” Ms. Dunavant said. “We will get them familiar with the Chrome books they will be using. They’ll start taking classes their sophomore year.”
Many of the students taking the newly offered courses are juniors and seniors who want to catch as many college credit hours as possible before graduation.
By Tori Lyle, news@campcountynow.com -- To continue reading this article, purchase the print edition of The Pittsburg Gazette or go to our online e-edition at: http://www.etypeservices.com/
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