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Dual credit courses give students college advantage

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"Students must be made aware of all the opportunities they have to earn college credit, "said Paris R-II A+ Coordinator Danny Bayles as he explained about dual credit classes.

Bayles noted that sophomores, juniors and seniors have the option of enrolling in classes for dual credit (both high school and college credit).

Paris has agreements with both Central Methodist University (CMU) and Missouri State University (MSU) for dual credit classes. Tuition for these classes is $70 a credit hour or $210 for most three hour classes (the same classes taken at the University of Missouri, for example, would cost $750 for the $210 class).

To be eligible to take dual credit course a student must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 or higher to enroll. To be eligible for college credit they must earn a grade of C or better in the course enrolled.

Classes include everything from English IV (two semesters), U.S. History, Physics, Art History, College Algebra, Sociology, Advanced Computer Applications and Psychology among others.

"Two years ago we had 17 hours of dual credit classes and this year we offer 50, "said Bayles. "Courses designated as dual credit are more challenging for juniors and seniors."

Students have the option of enrolling in dual credit courses and earning college credit in two ways - one through classroom instruction taught by certified and accredited teachers, of which Paris R-II has five, or by ITV.

"We are fortunate to have the teachers

certified to teach these classes in house, "said Bayles. "ITV is hard to match up with our bell schedules and there can be technical glitches."

Bayles went on to explain that this year a teacher has been assigned to the ITV classes to assist. This helps get things done the student needs done.

"What a huge advantage (to take dual credit classes) if you know what you want to do, "added Bayles. "This year we have added Accounting, Anatomy and Physiology, Advance Chemistry and Advanced Crop Science to our list of 17 classes."

It was explained that to receive dual credit you must enroll with CMU and if taking crop science enroll with MSU.

Bayles explained that it is advantageous for students to take dual credit courses in an atmosphere where they are familiar with the teacher and their surroundings.

"The great thing about dual credit is that it is giving them (students) a taste of things to come, "noted Bayles. "There are not many short cuts in life that actually work and make sense - but this is one."

"We as a staff want our students to succeed, "added Bayles. "They (students) have this and they have A+ in place - two big steps forward."

Bayles noted that even home-schooled students could come and apply and enroll.

I went to college with 12 credits and did not have to take my first semester and graduated in three and half years, "said Paris Secondary Counselor Lisa Youse.

"This is another of our win-win situations, "said Bayles.

Students have until Saturday, Sept. 25, to enroll and pay for the program.



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© 2011 Monroe County Appeal Paris, Missouri. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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