COPPERAS COVE, TX — Copperas Cove High School and the University of Texas at Austin have partnered to offer dual enrollment to students starting in the 2020-2021 school year.
The college level courses would be offered through OnRamps.
Copperas Cove ISD says the courses are designed by UT Austin faculty to meet postsecondary standards that students expereince at college. Both a CCHS teacher and college instructor teach the class.
Principal Jimmy Shuck says the program is a dual enrollment program, which differs from a dual credit class.
“Dual enrollment means students are enrolled in a high school course and college course concurrently. Through OnRamps, students receive instruction from a teacher at the high school and also a college professor providing guidance on college material that aligns with the high school course,” Shuck said. “Students will receive two grades for the course, a high school grade and a college grade. Only certain assignments and assessments count for college grades. At the end of the course, students have the option of accepting the college grade or credit.”
CCHS teachers receive more than 80 hours of professional learning and development as well as yearlong support in their first year with the program, according to the district. Teachers review all content with the college professor prior to the beginning of the school year.
Shuck says the program is a great opportunity for students to experience college level work and still have the immediate support from their teachers and family.
“The low cost of the program makes it affordable to many first generation college students,” Shuck said. “We want our students to be successful and the OnRamps program will be of great benefit to our students who are continuing their education after high school.”
Students can select courses in a variety of studies, including English, History, Physics and Geoscience.
The cost of the course will be a maximum $149 for three college hours.
