 |
|
experiment
just might work
The Southeastern Early College experiment gets passing marks in its first year.
Principal Laura Davis reported recently that 93 percent of the enrollees were proficient in English, while 80 percent of the algebra I students were proficient.
Another piece of good news in Davis’ report to the county school board is that of the 55 students enrolled in the initial class, 48 finished the year in the program. The coming year, 80 students have applied. That’s a good sign.
Early college allows students to complete high school requirements and make a seamless transition into college-level courses, many of which are related to a specific job students will apply for after college. The classes are on the campus of Southeastern Community College.
In many cases, students in the early college program weren’t able to find a focus in a regular high school classroom. Helping students find that focus has been one of the pluses of the program.
There have been many experiments in education in recent years seeking innovative ways to challenge students. Some stick, some don’t. Judging by this year’s apparent successes at Southeastern Early College, this is one experiment that just might work.