What is a dual college credit? A dual college credit is a high school course that has been accredited by a higher education institution and therefore counts as both a high school and a college credit.

Does my son/daughter have to be an advanced student to participate? No. In fact, the Early College program is designed to target middle achieving (2.3 GPA) students. However, students are expected to be responsible, mature, and dedicated to coursework and assignments regularly. ECHS students are expected to attend school regularly without tardiness. They should demonstrate good behavior and respect for their instructor.

What type of degrees will Bloomfield ECHS students graduate with?

Statewide Transfer General Education Core (STGEC): Ivy Tech Community College's Statewide Transfer General Education Core (STGEC) is incorporated into all transfer curriculums unless program accreditation requirements dictate a different selection of courses. Through its STGEC requirements, Ivy Tech ensures breadth and creates a greater coherence in each student's overall education experience. The STGEC is designed to prepare students for successful transfer to the baccalaureate-degree granting institution of their choice. The STGEC was developed around Association of American Colleges & Universities' LEAP (Liberal Education and America's Promise) Essential Learning Outcomes and supports all eight General Education Outcomes developed and approved by the Ivy Tech faculty. With few exceptions, courses selected are from Indiana's Core Transfer Library.

Students who complete the STGEC requirements will have met the requirements for the Statewide Transfer General Education Core Certificate and will have this noted on their transcript. Although the college has adopted a single transfer general education core, students choose to complete one of two pathways, depending upon selected major: the traditional STGEC or the STEM or calculus-based pathway for majors requiring a strong science and mathematics foundation. The differences in course requirements and selections are noted below.

Applied Associate Degree (AAS): Graduate with up to 60+ college credit hours and an applied associate of science degree from Ivy Tech that may be transferable to any public university in the State of Indiana.

Why is the early college model successful? Early colleges make college success a reality for students that have traditionally been underrepresented in postsecondary institutions. By working in close partnership, school districts and institutions of higher education are able to serve students in a more personalized and efficient manner that leads to higher levels of student success. The partnership between Bloomfield and Ivy Tech Community College-Bloomington is designed to create: - A shared vision and common expectations for students and parents - Focus on rigorous instruction and accelerated coursework A college-going culture that provides high school students with access to college facilities and services - Student support systems which include tutoring, counseling and mentoring - Collaborative teaching and professional development - Increased high school graduation and retention for students at risk of not graduating - Reduced barriers to college access for first generation college-goers - Increased attainment of post-secondary education and training

Who is the District's higher education (HE) partner? Bloomfield Jr-Sr High School’s primary HE partner is Ivy Tech Community College, Bloomington Campus. However, we also partner with Ivy Tech Community College, Wabash Valley for our agriculture program as well as Vincennes University for accounting. Students who are enrolled in Twin Rivers Vocational programming have the opportunity to earn dual credits through either Twin Rivers and/or Vincennes University.

Will every Bloomfield ECHS student receive college credit? Bloomfield Jr-Sr High School is committed to providing all students the opportunity to earn dual credits. It will be the student’s responsibility to obtain successful completion of all course requirements. There are a variety of courses that do not require college and career readiness benchmarks for enrollment as well as courses that do require those benchmarks for enrollment.

Will every Bloomfield ECHS student receive a college degree? All students will have the opportunity to participate in dual credit courses. Students will have the opportunity to earn either the STGEC, the AAS, a Technical Certificate (TC) in Electronics, or a TC in other areas.

How are students selected for the ECHS? During the Spring Semester of eighth grade, students must submit an ECHS Commitment Application. There is a GPA criterion for placement into the Early College Academy of a 2.3 as well as the student’s willingness to commit to demands of this pathway. Please contact your school counselor for details.

Will the ECHS offer online courses? Courses may be offered online as well as face to face.

What supplies do I need for ECHS? All you need are the same basic school supplies as are needed for a traditional high school. However, some courses such as English Composition and Psychology do require that you purchase new or used textbooks or rent from the Ivy Tech bookstore or other online venue.

Will students go on field trips to the college? Our mission is that field trips to colleges be conducted in Grades 9, 10, and 11 to two and four year colleges. Freshmen will also participate in the local college fair and CTE Summit held at the WestGate Technology Park. Juniors and Seniors are encouraged to schedule and conduct individual campus visits with their parents and/or guardians each school year.

Do I have to pay for my college classes? The vast majority of college classes do not require a fee. Classes through Vincennes University do have a tuition fee associated with the course. Ivy Tech courses do not have a tuition fee associated with them. As mentioned previously, there are a few courses which utilize college textbooks which must be purchased or rented online or at the bookstore.

Will my college credits transfer to a 2 or 4-year college or university? All credits earned during your four years at Bloomfield may be transferred to any public college or university in Indiana and could be transferred to out of state public and private schools depending on their transfer of college credit policies. Pursuant to state statute, the STGEC will transfer as a block of credit to in-state, public universities.

Do students have the option to double up in courses and graduate early? Students may file an application to graduate early. The Early Graduation Application has a filing deadline with the Principal. Students may take and/or be required to take additional courses outside of the ECHS. Any course tuition and/or fees for courses taken outside of the ECHS program will be the responsibility of the student and his or her family.

What is the expected time commitment? If students get behind, can they get caught up? The expectation is that the student commits two (2) hours per evening for each dual credit course in which they are enrolled. If a student feels that they are behind, free tutoring services are available through the Ivy Tech website. The responsibility rests with each student to complete all coursework within the semester.

Is the ECHS program like financial aid? Since there is no money given to the students to help with the cost of college tuition and supplies, it is not like traditional financial aid, but it can be looked at as a scholarship since it provides the opportunity for students to earn up to 60 hours of college credit at little or no cost to the students or their family.

Will students be able to apply for scholarships? Yes, students will be able to apply for scholarships to assist with the cost of continuing their education after high school graduation.

Is it possible for students to earn more than 60 hours of college credit while in high school? This is unlikely; however it not impossible if the student follows the two year Associate of Applied Science Degree program as designed by the ECHS.

What is the highest degree that can be obtained during the four years that the student is enrolled in the early college high school? An Associate of Applied Science Degree is the highest degree a student can earn from Ivy Tech Community College at Bloomfield Early College High School.

Will the ECHS schedule be aligned to the regular high school day and district calendar? Dual credit courses taught by Bloomfield Faculty at the Early College High School will be in line with the district’s academic calendar and bell schedule.

Courses taught by a professor on loan agreement will follow the schedule as defined by the college. For example, Psychology and Speech meet two (2) times per week. These courses on those two (2) days are scheduled to end at 3:30 p.m. which is beyond the normal school day. Courses taught at another school will meet on that school’s academic calendar and bell schedule. Students will be expected to comply with the alternate schedule, including attendance during potential breaks.

Can students be dropped from a college course? Yes, in order to avoid penalties, students who are academically deficient in a dual credit course may be dropped. These students may need to be removed from the early college. Students are not allowed to drop classes on their own. Student drops must be facilitated by the college connection coach or the dual credit liaison at the college. Students would remain in the high school course. Students can submit a schedule change request at the appropriate time to change their high school course selection for the following semester.

Will students take midterm and final exams for both the college and the ECHS course? Students may take midterm exams and finals but the test will count for both the ECHS and the college. Students enrolled in dual credit courses may possibly take separate exams for each school. Some courses may not require a final exam.

How many dual credit courses will students take per semester and year? Bloomfield Early College students will only take one to two dual credit courses per semester during their first two years. Juniors and seniors may take three or more dual credit courses each semester.

Will progress reports and report cards be provided for the college courses? Students and parents can monitor progress through either Harmony or Canvas depending upon the course. Students will be given final course grades at the end of the semester that will be reflected on Harmony and on their high school and Ivy Tech transcripts. Parents may not see regular progress or nine-week grades.

Will students have opportunities for tutoring? Yes, tutoring may be available to assist students in need before and after school, during lunch table, Thursday School, and Saturday School. Students will also be able to seek assistance with their dual credit classes at Ivy Tech Community College.

What facilities at Ivy Tech will be available to the ECHS students? All students in the early college high school have access to the same or similar programs and facilities and resources as do regular Ivy Tech College students. Students may utilize the Ivy Tech campus library, computer lab, tutoring facilities, etc. They may also obtain an Ivy Tech ID. For more information, speak to our College Connection Coach, Brandy Candler.

What Is the Accuplacer Assessment? The Accuplacer is utilized to determine if you are ready for college-level coursework in the general areas of reading, writing and mathematics. This program also will help determine what type of course or intervention will best meet your needs to help you become better prepared for college-level course work if you are not ready.

Please visit the Accuplacer Student home page for additional information on the tests, questions, length, practice tests, etc. https://accuplacer.collegeboard.org/student

What score is required for placement in a dual-credit course? Most dual credit courses require that a student be “program ready” in writing, reading, and math.

A student is program ready in writing, reading, and math if he/she has one of the following:

Bloomfield Middle and High School

Early College Program

Program Overview

FAQ

Application

Sample Pathways