Monday, February 8, 2010
For Students at Risk, Early College Proves a Draw
Early-college schools are growing in popularity across the nation. These types of schools are allowing high school students to earn their high-school diploma and up to two years of college credit in five years, free! Traditionally targeting affluent and overachieving students but now some are targeting students whose parents do not have college degrees. More importantly, most serve a low-income student body that is largely black or Latino. These programs help students with the remedial work that many low-income and first-generation students tend to lack. Two views of support are one, to prevent senior slump, and two, to align high school with college. Evidence shows that students get better grades in their college courses since participating in the program.
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These programs also come with problems - athletes are typically unable to get college credit early due to athletic eligibility problems, and for students going to college to get more than the education. Extra-curriculars, athletics, and social interaction can provide a better experience than just getting an education. Programs offering early-college opportunities should try to offer more of this well-rounded experience to interested students.
I am not sure if I like this program that much - I think there is a reason why high schools and colleges are separated; as for the argument that this program will help out low-income families - there are other options available, such as government-funded aids, to finance those who are not able to afford higher education on their own.
It is difficult to judge this program especially because of the lack of evidence to support it as it is still at an infant stage. However I believe that the opportunity for students to experience the transition into a college workload is beneficial and especially for lower income families, such an opportunity may not arise again. Government grants and financial aid are usually not even enough to cover families with extremely low income so I like the direction that this program is taking.
I do agree with Kevin in saying that it is difficult to replicate all the experiences of college however I think we should remember that this program is optional and thus the students who want the college experience could stick to the regular college schedule.
I believe this program will lack the effects it wants to achieve. A majority of low-income students do not have the grades to even apply to four year universities, so programs like this would most likely be ineffective of sending more low-income students to college. I think it would be better for the government to put more funding into creating better K-12 education opportunities for these lower income students.
I agree with Kevin who said it would be beneficial for the government to put more funding into low-income K-12 schools. However, I think that low-income students should be given an equal opportunity to further their education and this type of program may give them hope that going to college can actually happen for them. I think that if more low-income students were given the chance to do a program like this and realize that they have a chance of succeeding, then this program would be great.
During high school I participated in a post-secondary program where I was able to go to a community college part time my senior year and I felt that it helped with the transitioning.
I also agree with Kyle. This program is optional so if some are worried that this would cut into their complete college experience, then they should just not participate.
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