More Assumption High School students are now earning college credit while taking high school courses, thanks to the district’s “ramped up” participation in the Louisiana Department of Education’s Fast Forward initiative.

Principal Jessica Thibodeaux noted that students are currently enrolled in 152 dual enrollment (DE) courses on her campus, which is up from 76 DE courses in the fall. This school year’s growth also reflects a huge increase from the prior year, when 48 students enrolled in one of six electives offered in the fall of 2021, and 46 students did so in the spring of 2022.

She said many courses are available online, but some of the more popular courses have been added as face-to-face classes on the campus.

“Over the past two years, we have increased opportunities to take dual enrollment on our campus, and our students are taking advantage of these opportunities,” Thibodeaux said. “For example, our numbers have grown with the state allowing Psychology Dual Enrollment to be a fourth option in the social studies category. “

“We also added introduction to Medical Terminology as a face-to-face class, which has contributed to our increased numbers,” Thibodeaux said.

She said her school will add Introduction for Computer Applications (CPTR 1100) as a face-to-face option next year, as well as full sections of online English and math courses.

            The state’s Fast Forward initiative includes recommendations set forth by the Louisiana Board of Regents, the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and the governor’s Dual Enrollment Task Force. These agencies recommend that all Louisiana public high school students complete high school with college credit and/or career-technical credentials. The initiative aims to meet the goal over the next six years, beginning with the freshman class of 2025.

            The Louisiana Legislature stressed the importance of the initiative through Act 204, which was passed in the 2020 Regular Legislative Session.

            “Research shows that dual enrollment programs have positive effects on students in that they are more likely to graduate from high school, transition to a four-year college and persist in postsecondary education,” Superintendent Dr. John Barthelemy said. “At the same time, postsecondary degree attainment greatly impacts employment rates and improves the ability to earn a livable wage.”

            “We want to prepare our students for current and emerging professions and giving them a jump start on the required credentials is very important,” Barthelemy added.

            Thibodeaux said her campus is working closely with Fletcher Technical Community College in Houma and Nicholls State University in Thibodaux to add even more opportunities for students.

            “As far as what we are offering, students can choose almost anything on the course catalog at either institution that they meet the prerequisites for and we will work with them to enroll them in a course,” she said.

            Thibodeaux noted that students can also earn college credit in those courses that offer CLEP tests. Students who pass the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) exam for qualified courses can earn college credit or be exempt from those classes at the post-secondary level.