Minister On Dual College Enrolment Success

Mr. Speaker,

Today I invite you, members of this Honourable House, and indeed, the people of Bermuda to join me in recognising the achievements of our public high school students,who are participating in the Bermuda College Dual Enrolment programme and taking advantage of undertaking entry-level college courses.

Mr. Speaker,
The Bermuda College Dual Enrolment Programme allows qualified high school students to enrol in college-level courses at the Bermuda College, which upon successful completion the students earn academic college credit while still attending their respective high school. The Bermuda College introduced the concept of ‘dual enrolment’ as a means of introducing high school students to higher education while still taking courses towards their high school graduation requirements.

Mr. Speaker,
If the high school student decides to further their education at Bermuda College or if they decide to attend an overseas post-secondary institution, the dual enrolment programme allows them a reduction in the “time-to-degree”. A growing body of research suggests that allowing students in high school to complete even a single college class as part of a dual enrolment programme significantly increases their chances of graduating from high school and later completing a college degree.

Mr. Speaker,
In order to be considered for the Dual Enrolment programme, students are required to have successfully completed their Senior Year 2 [S2] at either The Berkeley Institute or CedarBridge Academy; and, they must be in good academic standing in their Senior Year 3. Additionally, the students need to sit the Accuplacer College Placement Test [CPT] and be deemed college-ready based on the results of their CPT.

Mr. Speaker,
As straightforward as this process might seem, it in fact involved lengthy discussions between the high school teachers and guidance counsellors, parents, the Academic Deans and the Recruitment Officer at the Bermuda College, to make this tremendous opportunity for Bermuda’s students, a real wholesome experience. It took a paradigm shift for teachers, parents and students to value and prepare for the College Placement Test. This shift made all the difference between readiness to begin college-level courses, and being required to undertake developmental or college preparatory courses.

Mr. Speaker,
In Fall 2014, the efforts of all key players, that is, our teachers, guidance counsellors, parents, students, and the relevant College personnel – resulted in 42 public high school students enrolling in the Dual Enrolment Programme. Eleven [11] of the 42 were full-time students which means they were taking four [4] or more college courses. The students were registered in 82 academic courses that included accounting, biology, computer information systems, economics, English, mathematics and psychology. In addition, five [5] students were enrolled in the College Skills Course—Strategies for Student Success. This course is a mandatory course for all Bermuda College students who have no college or university experience and assist students in making the adjustment to college life. Components of the College Skills Course include academic planning, career planning, transferring to institutions overseas, preparing for work, assessing personal skills and choosing healthy lifestyle behaviours.

Mr. Speaker,
Of the 82 academic courses, 72 courses or 88% of the grades ranged from “A” to “C”, which means our students earned between 74 and 100 per cent on these courses. In addition, the five students enrolled in the College Success course achieved a 100 percent pass rate.

Mr. Speaker,
I ask that this honourable House join me in congratulating our public high school students in this dual enrolment programme for earning globally transferrable university level credits while still in high school. Well Done!

Mr. Speaker,
According to a report published by the US-based National Centre for Education Statistics [NCES], 82% of high schools reported that their students were enrolled in a dual enrolment programme. Bermuda College and our two public high schools are to be commended for ensuring that our high school graduates will be just as competitive as their North-American counterparts upon the completion of the programme. The partnership of our public high schools with the Bermuda College demonstrates what Bermuda’s students are capable of when given the opportunity to achieve at a higher level. It also reflects what is needed to raise the college readiness and success of our high school students – a strategy that comprises the collective efforts of our students, our teachers, and our parents working together.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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