Dual Credit Classes Good College Prep Monday, January 12, 2009 By Zalak Patel [ArticleImageHyperLink] Advertising Being a junior and senior in high school can be very stressful. You have homework to do, tests to study for, extracurricular activities, and college to worry about. For many of these students, worrying about college is the most stressful part about high school.   Luckily for them, they can take dual credit classes at CHS. A dual credit class is when juniors or seniors takes a class in high school which gives them high school credit as well as college credit, explained Dual Credit Coordinator Mrs.Forsythe. Mrs.Forsythe teaches college chemistry and physics for dual credit and she advises students to take dual credit classes.   "Students have a lot of access with one on one with the teacher that they wouldnt get in college and in college [a course] taught over 16 weeks is spread out into a year in high school," said Mrs.Forsythe.   Another teacher who teaches dual credit classes is Mr.Hansen, who teaches Spanish III/IV. Mr.Hansen has been teaching for 20 years, 4 of which have been at Cameron High School. Since teaching at CHS, he has always taught dual credit. He also previously taught for dual credit at different places. Mr.Hansen said he likes the idea of taking dual credit classes in high school and he would've liked the chance to take them when he was in high school.   "It's a good idea. [Dual credit] gives students good college prep and a point in the right direction for college."   Mr.Hansen also said he advises students to take dual credit classes because students are able to learn at a college level and get an idea on college expectations and that it is a good opportunity for a head start.   Not only do teachers think taking dual credit classes are a good idea, but so do the students. Students are taking dual credit classes for different reasons.   Junior Elizabeth Tracy is taking Honors Biology for dual credit this year. She said she is taking the dual credit class so she will be more prepared for college.   Junior Jessica Issleib is taking Spanish III, honors biology, college chemistry and trigonometry. "I am taking dual credit because it gives me credits for college and the experience of taking advanced courses," she explained.   The deadline for the registration of dual credit courses for second semester classes was on Tuesday January, 13. This year the cost is $55 per credit hour at Wenworth and $65 per credit hour at Benedictine.   No matter the reason why you are taking dual credit classes, they will help you once you get to college. If you aren't yet a junior or senior, then you'll have to wait a few more years to take dual credit classes. If you are a junior or senior and have questions about dual credit classes, don't hesitate to ask Mrs.Forsythe.

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