Accelerated College Credit Programs: Improving High School Graduation and College Enrollment Rates, Reducing Need for Developmental Education Courses
About the Intervention
Accelerated college credit programs, including dual enrollment, concurrent enrollment, and Advanced Placement (AP) test-taking, are designed to enable high school students to earn college credit. These programs aim to improve high school graduation and college enrollment rates, as well as reduce the need for developmental education courses. Dual enrollment allows students to attend college courses taught by college faculty, while concurrent enrollment involves high school instructors teaching college-level courses. AP test-taking is based on a standardized assessment, with many colleges granting credits based on scores. The programs are intended to target high school students, particularly those who are economically disadvantaged, racial/ethnic minorities, or high academic achievers in grade 8.
Statistical Findings
Positive effect on high school graduation
Positive effect on college enrollment
Positive effect on avoiding developmental education courses
Positive effect on high school graduation for economically disadvantaged students
Positive effect on college enrollment for economically disadvantaged students
Positive effect on avoiding developmental education courses for economically disadvantaged students
Each of the three accelerated college credit programs is associated with increased predicted high school graduation rates
Each of the three accelerated college credit programs is associated with increased predicted college enrollment rates
Advanced Placement test-taking is associated with a larger increase in predicted college enrollment rates than dual enrollment.
More Intervention Details
Focus Areas
Economically DisadvantagedPrograms & Services
Early College, College PreparatoryDelivery Methods
Face-to-Face, HybridDisability Support
N/ATarget Groups
Student(s)Source
Jessica, B., Katherine A., S., Makoto, H. & Xinxin, Z. (2021). The Effects of Accelerated College Credit Programs on Educational Attainment in Rhode Island. REL 2021-103 (ED612887). ERIC. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED612887.pdf.
Study Demographics
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Other Participant Characteristics
Geographical Setting
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