Accelerated coursework boosts chances of student success

Over the last few weeks thousands of students graduated high school across Central Florida.

Many of them will continue their education, pursuing a postsecondary degree that can be a clear path to expanded career opportunities, higher lifetime earnings and better health.

But what might be less clear at first glance is how the courses those students took during their high school years can directly impact their postsecondary success — particularly when it comes to accelerated coursework.

Accelerated coursework encompasses rigorous classes, including dual enrollment (DE) and Advanced Placement (AP).

These classes challenge students with increased academic rigor, pushing them to think critically about a wide range of subjects. Additionally, accelerated coursework give students a jumpstart on earning college credit, potentially saving them thousands in tuition.

They are exactly the kinds of classes we should encourage students to take. And now we know these courses significantly boost postsecondary success too.

New research from Helios Education Foundation and WestEd shows a clear link between participation in accelerated coursework and finishing high school, enrolling in college and completing a degree.

Among all Florida public school students who began ninth grade in fall 2008, those who took a dual enrollment course were 2.4 times more likely to go to college. They were also more likely to stay there and earn a degree — the best path to economic success.

DE students, for example, were 1.3 times more likely to stay in college after two semesters and 1.7 times more likely to earn a bachelor’s degree than students who did not take dual-enrollment courses. The study found similar benefits for students taking AP courses.

The impact of accelerated coursework is notable among Black students, who are 1.3 times more likely to attend college and 1.6 times more likely to graduate with a bachelor’s degree after having taken a dual-enrollment course in high school. Accelerated course taking can significantly aid Orange County Public Schools’ 27% Black student population to complete a postsecondary degree and advance in Central Florida’s competitive workforce.

This is why it’s so critical that education leaders take steps to ensure that all students have an opportunity to participate in dual enrollment and AP coursework. The impact is truly transformative.

At Helios Education Foundation, we aim to accelerate the pace of educational improvement in Florida by specifically focusing on strengthening education outcomes for Black students and those from low-income backgrounds. These are the populations where support is most critical, and they are often those most in need of intentional support. Our research shows that, by removing barriers to accelerated coursework for all students, we can measurably improve some of the most meaningful education metrics.

The reality is that Florida has made great strides to close opportunity gaps and eliminate barriers for students. But this must be reinforced with quality advising and thoughtful policies so all students know about the accelerated course offerings available to them.

Our research — and the stories of countless Florida students — demonstrates that accelerated coursework provides students with college credits, reduces tuition costs and helps close the achievement gap by giving students from all backgrounds the chance to access more opportunities.

That means better academic outcomes for all students and more vibrant and engaged Floridians, who are the foundation for our state’s success.

Paul J. Luna is president and CEO of Helios Education Foundation.