Building Effective Dual Credit Programs

Across the state, we’ve seen significant growth in the number of students taking dual credit or dual enrollment courses while in high school. Dual credit coursework is used as a college, career, and military readiness (CCMR) indicator in 2019 accountability calculations across all three domains. Students who complete three college credit hours in English language arts or mathematics, or nine college credit hours in any subject area, earn CCMR credit.

When monitoring the CCMR progress of your students, especially dual credit completion, ensure that you are aware of the following points:

  • PEIMS dual credit courses should be coded and documented on the Academic Achievement Record with Special Explanation Code "D."
  • 2020 accountability and distinction designation calculations will evaluate 2019 annual graduates and look back four years to determine whether they met the criteria prior to graduation. See 2019 Accountability Manual, Appendix H for further details.
  • The nine hours include ANY subject area (core, fine arts, CTE, etc.)

See Chapter 1 – 2019 Accountability Overview for a summary of the three accountability domains.

House Bill 1638 (85th Legislature) requires that all ISDs have a memorandum of understanding (MOU) detailing the dual credit partnership between the institute of higher education (IHE) and the ISD. Also any new, revised, or renewed dual credit MOU or articulation agreement must be publicly posted and include the following:

  • A description of how the goals of the dual credit program align with statewide goals
  • A course equivalency crosswalk that identifies the number of credits that may be earned for each course completed through the dual credit program
  • A description of the academic support and guidance that will be provided to students participating in the dual credit program
  • A description of the ISD and IHE's respective roles and responsibilities in ensuring the quality and instructional rigor of the dual credit program
  • A description of the sources of funding for dual credit courses offered under the program including tuition, transportation, and any required fees or textbooks for students who participate

To read more about House Bill 1638, read the To the Administrator Addressed letter from TEA. Earning college credit while in high school can be complex. Students, families, and educators need adequate information to consider the many options. Common dual credit questions include:

  • How do dual credits transfer from one institution to another?
  • How is a student eligible to enroll in dual credit?
  • What is the cost of dual credit?
  • What dual credit courses should students take?

These and others are answered in an overview from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. TEA's Dual Credit Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) also includes answers to common questions received from students, parents and guardians, teachers, and administrators. It has been revised to include new rules established as a result of the most recent legislative session. If you're unable to find the answer you're looking for, please submit your questions to advancedacademics@tea.texas.gov.

Texas Statewide Goals for Dual Credit

Topics: Administrators