Two Austin area high school, Reagan High School and Lyndon B. Johnson High School, will soon offer their students the opportunity to earn their associate degrees at the same time they are earning their high school diplomas, thank to an interlocal agreement between Austin Community College and the Austin Independent School District (AISD).
The program, called Early College High School (ECHS), is a way to help students bridge the gap between high school and college. The program provides classes taught by teachers who are certified at both high school and collegiate levels.
A primary goal of ECHS is to help students who are currently not well represented in higher education, such as low-income families and minorities, by easing their transition into higher-level classes.
"The challenge will be to make them aware of it," said Katherine Anthony, the public information officer for AISD.
According to Anthony, after the ACC board approves the agreement, implementation of the program and recruitment will begin in February.
ACC will be responsible for ensuring that the dual credit courses are delivered as a way to meet the necessary guidelines for credit.
AISD, must assure that classes are available to the students in a timely manner.
Upon graduation, students will have received their associate degree, or have completed between 30 to 60 college hours, both tuition free.
The program will be funded by school districts and grants from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Texas Education Agency.
Setting up ECHS began in January and AISD expects to have full implementation of the program available to students starting in 2011-2012 school year.
is a member of the 
3 comments