High school, college, university partners benefit students

As is well known among educators, partnerships between colleges and universities can have substantial benefits for high school students. It is not just simply that students can take upper-level education courses and get credits toward a college degree. It actually expands the area of learning with new levels of knowledge for many subject areas.

There are many school districts throughout the United States and Canada that partner with higher education systems, including technical and four-year colleges. Students are able to take courses in math, science, history, literature.

One example in math where a student has passed algebra, geometry, and an advanced algebra course, they are then able to take the college level algebra class as well as courses in areas of geometry, higher algebra, trigonometry, research and statistics, and other areas.

College science classes can include physics, chemistry and biology and other areas as well. The science courses can provide students with new information that could lead to careers in those areas.

High school students can also take courses (at some colleges and universities) in engineering drawing and design. This area opens up a whole new area of potential careers that are not generally thought of until after a student graduates from high school and is investigating potential careers to determine a major in college.

Engineering drawing has many areas for potential careers. One example is civil engineering, which involves careers in highway designs and even areas such as airport and railroad construction design work. Engineering drawing also includes the engineering drawing skills for the development of new airliners, trucks and automobiles, and railroad passenger and freight equipment as well as new locomotives.

When high school students are able to take courses at a technical college or at a four-year college and university, it not only provides an opportunity to earn credits toward a degree, but it also fulfills and provides the credits for the high school diploma.

Being able to attend the courses also gives students new insights as to how post high school courses are taught and how to study effectively for their college years. It also provides students with new insights of the atmosphere of a college.

Students are also able to take courses on the computer. Although taking courses online do not have the same interaction with other students and instructors, they do have the opportunity to communicate with the instructor. This depends, of course, how the course actually is handled over the computer system.

There is no doubt about it. High school students who are able to take courses at the post high school level have many benefits. They can have a jump start on the credits required for graduation, plus have the new knowledge level in various areas that provides a more solid foundation for going to both technical and four year schools.

Having a partnership with post high school system expands the learning opportunities for students as well as being more prepared for their education and potential careers.

Patrick C. Dorin is a member of the Superior school board and retired as principal. He has also worked in the railroad industry and has published numerous books.

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