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Local students and teachers decry possible loss of dual enrollment program
Phoenix College works with local high schools to offer dual credit.

By: Christy Skeen

As the future of dual enrollment is debated by the governor and state lawmakers, local students and educators watch anxiously. If funding for dual enrollment is eliminated, students fear less of their classmates will be exposed to college and teachers warn of more dropouts and less of their students taking college preparatory classes.

Statistics reveal that approximately 11,000 high school students within Maricopa County would be adversely affected if a saving compromise isn’t reached to save the program’s funding. A total of 872 dual enrollment classes would be eliminated as well.

Dianne Braden, a teacher at Carl Hayden High School for the Center for Computer Studies, believes that dual enrollment is essential for the success of a community.

"Giving high school students the opportunity to test their ability with college level courses not only empowers them with knowledge, but it also reveals to them that they can do this…that they can succeed in college," said Braden. "Approximately 75 percent of our students who take dual enrollment classes move on and go to college. I personally believe that if we eliminate this opportunity, many of our students will be less inclined to go to college, which ultimately effects our community."

Braden teaches two multimedia courses that meet the requirements for dual credit at Phoenix College.

"I don’t think that people understand the seriousness of this issue," added Braden. "These inner city students are extremely brave to take on a college-level course while in high school. It truly gives them the knowledge and extra bit of courage that they need to continue. You cannot underestimate the value of these courses. I see it first hand."

Arizona’s dual enrollment program has a number of benefits. Not only does it increase the college-going rate, but it also lowers the high school dropout rate. This program is more affordable for parents and students as high school students begin higher education coursework at community college prices – which differs per high school. Also, students get a jump-start in reaching their higher education goals. They can complete some of the core coursework and earn certificates and degrees sooner than if they had to wait until after high school graduation.

Brenda Toscano, a junior at Carl Hayden, is currently taking one of Braden’s classes through Phoenix College. She aspires to be a surgeon, so getting a headstart on college is a high priority for her.

"This is a great program for high school students," she said. "Attending college is difficult for a lot of people. We all deserve an opportunity. I’m afraid if they take this away, it would prevent a lot of people from going to college. These classes push us to go further."

Mike Fakeri, Calculus and Pre-Calculus instructor at Camelback High School, sees dual enrollment as a bridge between high school and college.

"Dual enrollment encourages and motivates students to go to college," he said. "If Arizona lives by the motto, ‘no student left behind,’ then we cannot afford to take away this valuable bridge. Dual enrollment opens the door to another world of education."

Fakeri also believes that there is a direct relationship between those students taking dual enrollment classes and those who decide to attend college.

"This program is encouraging our students to continue their education," he added. "As a community we would be doing ourselves a disservice if we eliminated dual enrollment. Overall, our community reflects the output of our educational system; therefore, encouraging our students to take their education to the next step and move on to the next level is critical for our community to flourish."

Additional students and graduates from both Camelback High School and Carl Hayden High School reveal their thoughts on the continuation of this program.

Thomas Brown, 2001 Carl Hayden Graduate (Graduated with 3.8 G.P.A.)
Brown, who is currently studying at Arizona State University, owes his success to Braden and her classes.

"Mrs. Braden raised the bar and expected us to communicate and learn on that level of intelligence," he said. "That’s what these courses do for students. They encourage students to think on a higher level. Once you go above and beyond what is expected of you, there is no way that you go below the standard. I can’t believe that our state government is even considering cutting the funds, which would ultimately take away this program. It’s not moral. Just talk to the students, listen to our stories and see how far we’ve gone because of these classes."

Tierrell Brown, 2001 Carl Hayden Graduate (Graduated with a 3.9 G.P.A.)
Brown is currently in his second year at Arizona State University and believes that these classes are extremely important for low-income schools.

"This program is so important, especially for low income schools," he said. "These classes push students to go on to college. If this program is eliminated, without a doubt, I would say 100,000 student would see it as if the state was taking away their hopes and dreams."

Danielle Adair, Junior at Camelback High School
Adair plans to enroll in a dual enrollment class next year. She is currently taking the pre-course in an effort to make sure she is ready for Pre-Calculus.

"It would be hard for me to afford college classes or credit if it was not for dual enrollment," she said. "This will help me get started."

Brenda Urquidi, Junior at Camelback High School
Urquidi is currently in her first year of Pre-Calculus.

"The class builds you up a lot," she said. "You learn a lot about the subject; however, these classes teach you what you still need to succeed in college. The class has really helped me get ready for the next level."

In the eyes of these instructors and students, if Arizona hopes to see a more educated and skilled workforce, then it cannot afford to eliminate opportunities that promote continued success.