Saturday, September 7, 2024
Granbury High School offers 11th and 12th grade students continuing opportunities to earn college credits while still in high school. These programs include dual credit and dual enrollment options to help students accelerate their academic and career paths.
Principal Jamie Robinson highlighted the benefits of dual credit classes, which allow students to earn both high school and college credits simultaneously. These courses, taught by instructors with at least a master’s degree and employed by a college as adjunct faculty, require students to maintain their grades as they become part of their college transcripts. “Taking dual credit classes also prepares students for college-level courses,” Robinson said.
In contrast, dual enrollment classes allow students to decide at the end of the semester whether to include the grade on their college transcript.
GHS uses the University of Texas at Austin’s OnRamps program for its dual enrollment students. Since its inception in 2012-2013, OnRamps has provided high school students with authentic college experiences and the chance to earn college credit while staying in the familiar high school setting. Research has shown that completing dual enrollment courses can significantly increase students’ chances of earning a bachelor’s degree.
A recent grant has allowed students to take dual credit courses through Tarrant County College (TCC) for free, offering substantial financial relief to families. “When students can do it, it’s a fabulous break to the families,” Robinson noted. “The grant was a great surprise, and we hope that more opportunities like this will occur in the future.”
In addition to these academic opportunities, GHS offers a variety of industry-based certifications. These certifications allow students to gain credentials in fields such as automotive technology, healthcare, and many more, potentially reducing the time and cost required to complete college or trade school and increasing their readiness to join the workforce. Certified students can earn more money immediately after high school than those without such training.
GHS INDUSTRY-BASED CERTIFICATIONS
REVISED GPA SYSTEM
GISD is also implementing a new GPA system starting with this year’s ninth-grade class (Class of 2028). The revisions, based on the evaluation of policies from 10 similar districts, aim to update the district’s outdated GPA policy. The new system is designed to encourage participation in college, career, and military readiness, career and technical education, dual credit, and advanced placement courses.
The new GPA system includes four tiers on a 5.0 scale and provides weighted credit for advanced academic courses, aligning with what similar school districts are doing across the state. The college board’s rebranding of pre-AP courses as honors courses is also reflected in this system.
Robinson emphasized the updated policy aims to provide more appropriate and aligned GPA calculations, meeting district goals and the TEA’s A-F Accountability Systems standards. The new system is also more transfer-friendly and focuses on SAT/ACT preparedness.
For more information about advanced courses, industry-based certifications, and the GPA system visit: https://ghs.granburyisd.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?urec_id=3766605&type=d&prec_id=2442356
