“Jump Start College” A Dual-Enrollment Program That Works

“Jump Start College” A Dual-Enrollment Program That Works Presenters: Janine Calhoun, Principal, Nevada Virtual Academy Kristina Weckesser, Counselor, Nevada Virtual Academy Jump Start College Students from Nevada Virtual Academy Parents of Jump Start College Students Scott Morrison, Director of Liberal Arts, Western Nevada College John Kinkella, Dean, Western Nevada College

Why we do this

The Problem Nevada is ranked 50th in the United States in Educational Attainment -Annie E. Kasey Foundation

The Problem Educational Attainment in Nevada: 100 students enter 9th grade 51 of those students graduate from high school 28 out of 51 high school graduates enter college 11 out of the 28 high school graduates who enter college graduate from college. 100 students start the 9th grade and only 11 graduate college. This ranks Nevada 50th in the United States.

The Problem 57.5% of students entering a Nevada community college tested below college level in English or Math. 56.7% of all math classes are completed with a grade other than “W” or “F” 64.4% of all English classes are completed with a grade other than “W” or “F”

The Problem 64% of students enrolled in the Fall reenroll in the Spring The college graduation rate is 23%

The Solution “Jump Start College” A dual-credit partnership between Western Nevada College and 15 area high schools, charter schools, and home-school students.

“Jump Start College” Goals Increase access to higher education Provide college at an affordable cost Promote successful college course completion Support student persistence Increase college degree attainment 8

“Jump Start College” History Started at the request of rural superintendents Originally meant to serve 20 students from two high schools taking 12 credits per semester Grew to 199 students and 9 high schools in the pilot year Developed in spite of significant college budget cuts From 2015 to 2016, program welcomed: – Pyramid Lake High School – Nevada Virtual Academy via distance education – Charter schools and qualified home school students 9

“Jump Start College” 2016 Overview 353 juniors and seniors 14 high schools, charter schools, and home-school students In 13 of the high schools, students are allowed to take 15 credits per semester 7 instructional sites Many students on-track for their AA Degree concurrent with HS graduation 10

The Nevada Virtual Academy Jump Start College Program Compelling rationale for Nevada Virtual Academy Adopting the Jump Start College Model Parent feedback 11

Nevada Virtual Academy “Jump Start College” Program Key Elements: Student Qualifications – Academically Prepared – Socially Mature – Desire to Participate Student Responsibilities – Attendance, Attitude, Effort Parents Role and Responsibility High School Counselor Role 12

Nevada Virtual Academy “Jump Start College” Program Student selection process: – High school Algebra II used for eligibility for Math 126 – “C” or better both semesters – AccuPlacer Essay Test used for eligibility for English 101 – Parent information nights – Individual conferences: High School Counselor, Parent, Student, College Representative 13

Nevada Virtual Academy Jump Start College Program Course Transcription – – – – Set Up Role of the State Board of Education Role of the NVVA Board of Trustees Mechanics

“Jump Start College” Student Success Spring, 2016 Overall Course Completion Rate 93.17% Math 127 Completion Rate 89.94% English 102 Completion Rate 96.23%

Jump Start College Spring, 2016 WNC College Graduates 3 School Districts 5 High Schools 27 Student Graduates!

Student Panel Discussion featuring Nevada Virtual Academy Jump Start College Students

Questions?