The Board believes that students who wish to pursue postsecondary-level work while in high school should be permitted to do so. In accordance with this policy and accompanying regulation, high school students may receive course credit toward the fulfillment of high school graduation requirements for successful completion of approved postsecondary courses offered by institutions of higher education.
This policy and accompanying regulation do not apply to students seeking to enroll in postsecondary courses pursuant to the Accelerating Students through Concurrent Enrollment (ASCENT) program or a “dropout recovery program” pursuant to the Concurrent Enrollment Programs Act (the Act). Students seeking to enroll in the ASCENT program or a dropout recovery program will work with district administrators and meet the Act’s applicable requirements.
Definitions
For purposes of this policy and accompanying regulation, the following definitions will apply.
“Concurrent enrollment” means the simultaneous enrollment of a qualified student in a district high school and in one or more postsecondary courses at an institution of higher education. Concurrent enrollment does not include a student’s simultaneous enrollment in: a district high school and in one or more secondary career and technical education courses, advanced placement courses, or international baccalaureate courses; an early college course and a postsecondary course; a p-tech school and a postsecondary course; or a district high school and a postsecondary course that does not fall within the definition of concurrent enrollment.
“Qualified student” means a person who is less than 21 years of age and is enrolled in the ninth grade or higher grade level.
“Postsecondary course” means a course offered by an institution of higher education and includes coursework resulting in the acquisition of a certificate; an associate degree of applied sciences, general studies, arts, or science; and all baccalaureate degree programs.
“Institution of higher education” means:
- A state university or college, community college, junior college, or area vocational school as described in title 23, C.R.S.;
- A postsecondary career and technical education program that offers postsecondary courses and is approved by the state board for community colleges and occupational education pursuant to applicable state law; and
- An educational institution operating in Colorado that meets the Act’s specified criteria.
Eligibility
Qualified students seeking to enroll in postsecondary courses at the district’s expense and receive high school credit for such courses will follow the procedure accompanying this policy, including but not limited to timely submitting an application and establishing an academic plan of study. Qualified students must meet the minimum prerequisites and academic readiness for the postsecondary courses in which they seek to enroll.
The Board determines the manner in which it provides opportunities for concurrent enrollment. However, the district will not unreasonably deny approval for concurrent enrollment or limit the number of postsecondary courses in which a qualified student may enroll unless the district is unable to provide access due to technological capacity.
Academic credit
Academic credit granted for postsecondary courses successfully completed by a qualified student will count as high school credit toward the Board’s graduation requirements, unless such credit is denied.
High school credit will be denied if a qualified student does not receive a passing grade for the postsecondary course. High school credit will be denied for postsecondary courses that do not meet or exceed the district’s academic standards. High school credit will also be denied for a postsecondary course substantially similar to a course offered by the district, unless the qualified student’s enrollment in the postsecondary course is approved due to a scheduling conflict or other reason deemed legitimate by the district. Concurrent enrollment is not available for summer school.
Agreement with institution of higher education
When a qualified student seeks to enroll in postsecondary courses at an institution of higher education and receive high school credit for such courses, the district and the participating institution will enter into a written cooperative agreement in accordance with the Act.
Payment of tuition and additional costs
The district will pay the tuition for postsecondary courses in accordance with the Act and the district’s cooperative agreement with the institution of higher education.
The qualified student and the student’s parent/guardian will be responsible for the cost of textbooks and fees for postsecondary courses.
Transportation
The district will not provide or pay for the qualified student’s transportation to the institution of higher education.
Notice
Information about concurrent enrollment options will be made available to high school students and their parents/guardians on an annual basis. In addition, at least six weeks prior to the beginning of the enrollment period for postsecondary concurrent enrollment courses, written notice (which may be sent electronically) will be provided to high school students and their parents/guardians of the postsecondary courses offered at no tuition cost to qualified students at the district and at an institution of higher education, any anticipated costs of textbooks and fees to the qualified students for these courses, and the number and transferability of course credits that a qualified student may earn by enrolling in and successfully completing a concurrent enrollment course.
Information about concurrent enrollment options and the benefits of participating in concurrent enrollment during high school will be provided to middle school students and their parents/guardians electronically at least once during the school year and at least once during the summer.
Adopted: Prior to June 2016
Revised: June 2016
Revised: September 2020
Revised: August 2021
Revised: December 2022
LEGAL REFS.: C.R.S. 22-32-109 (1)(nn) (discussion of the requirements for and benefits of concurrent enrolment must be part of ICAP process)
C.R.S. 22-35-101 et seq. (Concurrent Enrollment Programs Act)
C.R.S. 22-35-103 (15)
C.R.S. 22-35-104 (b)(I)-(V) (required notices to high school students and their parents/guardians)
C.R.S. 22-35-104 (1)(a)(I)-(III)
1 CCR 301-86 (State Board of Education rules regarding the Administration of the Concurrent Enrollment Program)
CROSS REFS.:
Administrative policies:
IHBK, Preparation for Postsecondary and Workforce Success
IKF, Graduation Requirements
JFC, Student Withdrawal from School/Dropouts
Lake County School District R-1, Leadville, Colorado