Dual Enrollment: An Analysis of Program Components and Design in Four Districts

• In Event: Hilton Roundtable Session 9
  In Roundtable Session: Implementing and Scaling-Up Reforms Supporting Transition to College and Career

Abstract

There is growing interest among policymakers in encouraging access to dual enrollment among low-income and minority students as a strategy to promote college readiness and increase postsecondary enrollment. Yet there is little research on which components of dual enrollment programs have the greatest influence on students’ decisions to enroll. This study focused on the components of dual enrollment programs and how they influence students’ decisions to enroll in a college course while in high school. It used a comparative case study method to examine the design and implementation of dual enrollment in four Maryland school districts. While there was considerable variation across districts on program components, the Maryland policy underestimated the resources necessary for implementing a robust program.

Author

• Gail Sunderman, University of Maryland