Teaching a dual enrollment class means you’re teaching a college course, even though it’s located in a high school. We call those classes “concurrent” dual enrollment courses, as opposed to classes students are taking for dual credit on the college campus or online through the college.
Qualifications
Dual enrollment instructors must meet the qualifications of both the Montana Office of Public Instruction and the Montana Board of Regents for Higher Education, whether the class is taught concurrently in the high school or through the college. See LINK for qualifications.
Purpose
When teaching a concurrent course, instructors should do their best to run the class like a college class. In addition to earning college credits, dual enrollment courses are meant to help students see themselves as college students. Having an authentic college experience helps students develop the confidence to go to and succeed in college.
Classroom Practices
Because students are receiving college credit for the dual enrollment course, college behaviors should be followed. Such student practices include submitting work on time, demonstrating college-level thinking and writing, and not expecting extra credit or attendance points to pass a class. For teachers, college behaviors include providing more autonomy for students, such as not requiring a seating chart or permission to use the restroom. College departmental practices should be followed.
Aligning with the College
Dual enrollment students do receive a college transcript listing the classes they receive college credit for and their grade. Therefore, dual enrollment courses must follow the campus syllabus and meet the college outcomes for the course. Some departments require common exams or common assignments.
To align the dual enrollment class with the college class, concurrent instructors should work closely with the college department chair for their areas to find out about departmental policies, align outcomes and the course content, and select an appropriate textbook and other learning materials.
Communication and Training
Concurrent instructors need to communicate with both the high school administrator, the school district, and the college. They also need to attend additional trainings related to teaching dual enrollment courses.
2022 Affiliate Faculty Training
The recording and the accompanying PowerPoint from September 7, 2022 training is below.
Concurrent Dual Enrollment Teacher Training Recording
Concurrent Dual Enrollment Teacher Training PowerPoint Presentation
Additional Responsibilities
As the instructor of a college course, there are additional expectations beyond your full-time high school responsibilities. These duties are outlined in a contract with the college, called a “Letter of Appointment” or “LOA” and include the following:
- Submit attendance reporting and grades by the established deadlines
- Participate in an evaluation process that includes a course observation by the college and collecting feedback through electronic student course evaluations (provided by GFC MSU)
- Help maintain course alignment by submitting a sample assignment and accompanying grading rubric as well as a summative assessment (i.e. final project, exam, essay, etc.)
Compensation
Teaching a dual enrollment course is part of an instructor’s normal workload and the cost of instruction is paid for by the school district. However, the college does provide a small stipend for the additional paperwork and training required to teach a dual enrollment course.