Governors say: Let's improve opportunities for early college credit

A blog post last month noted that many governors' 2012 state of the state addresses include proposals or cite accomplishments related to areas that play a key role in P-20 alignment. One of these areas, dual enrollment, has gotten play in multiple state of the state addresses this year, and in a departure from how many might conceptualize dual credit, some governors' proposals are focused on CTE dual credit and workforce development.

Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant included among his numerous education proposals a collaborative effort among the department of education, department of employment security and state community colleges to allow potential high school dropouts the opportunity to enroll in community college workforce training programs.

In his 2012 state of the state address, Missouri Governor Jay Nixon encouraged other postsecondary institutions to follow the University of Central Missouri's new Innovation Campus model, which will permit high school students to enroll in college courses, then "participate in high-impact apprenticeships throughout the college curriculum. Corporate partners will underwrite tuition scholarships, and faculty and employers will partner to guide each student."

Meanwhile, Virginia Governor Robert McDonnell stated he would "propose innovations to promote greater dual enrollment in high school and community college, so motivated students can get a head start on their college educations", and Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin vowed to "propose significant investments state investments in higher education and dual enrollment, all aimed at making Vermont students even more competitive and creating opportunities for employers to recruit the employees they are now seeking."

In terms of accomplishments, Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear noted that he signed a dual credit agreement last fall to allow students to earn high school and postsecondary credit for approved courses, including career/technical education courses. Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber touted 2011 legislation that expanded learning options for students - dual enrollment, two-plus-two, Advanced Placement and IB (see 2011 S.B. 254 and H.B. 3106).

Will legislatures, state departments of education and postsecondary systems/institutions be game? Let's hope so. Let's also hope that states address critical policy barriers, to make sure less advantaged students, which appear to be underrepresented in many states' dual enrollment programs, enjoy the same opportunities as their better-positioned peers.