EARLY COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL @ MC
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESITONS
What is Early College High School?
Early College High School is an innovative high school in a partnership with Midland College, to provide students who are least likely to attend college with the opportunity to earn up to 60 college credit hours. Students will earn these college credits as they earn their high school diploma, at no cost to the student or his/her family.
What are type of degree will ECHS students graduate with?
AssociateDegree:
Graduatewith up to 60+collegecredit hours and anassociate of arts or science degreethatmay betransferabletoanypublicuniversity in the State of Texas.
Why is the early college model successful?
Early colleges make college success a reality for students that have traditionally been underrepresented in post-secondary. By working in close partnership, school districts and institutions of higher education are able to serve students in a more personalized and efficient manner that leads to higher levels of student success. The partnership between Midland ISD and Midland College is designed to create:
- A shared vision and common expectations for students and parents
- Focus on rigorous instruction and accelerated coursework
- A college-going culture that provides high school students with access to college facilities and services
- Student support systems which include tutoring, counseling and mentoring
- Collaborative teaching and professional development
- Increased high school graduation and retention for students at risk of not graduating
- Reduced barriers to college access for first generation college-goers
- Increased attainment of postsecondary education and training
Will every Early College High School @ MC student receive college credit?
The Early College High School @ MC provides opportunities for all participating students to successfully attain college credentials. It is designed to support student interest in college and careers and to individualize learning.
Will every ECHS@MC student receive a college degree?
Every student at ECHS@MC will have the opportunity to earn up to 60 college credit hours and an Associate of Arts or Science Degree from Midland College.
How are students selected for the ECHS?
All Students must submit a completed application and go through an interview process to be considered for the lottery selection.
Do I have to be a “straight A” student?
No, you just have to be dedicated and committed to earning your Associate of Arts or Science Degree or core college credit while you earn your high school diploma.
Can I participate in athletics or band?
Due to the rigor of the courses and time commitment needed to successfully complete the ECHS program, students will not have the opportunity to participate in athletics or a fine arts program. Additionally, we have clubs and student organizations such as Student Counsel, National Honor Society, Spanish club, Science Club and Yearbook that are available to all ECHS students.
Do ECHS students take classes with College Students?
Yes, students do take college classes with other MC students.
What happens if I am not prepared for college classes?
That is what the ECHS teachers and support teams are here for….support! They teach you during your support class how to organize, study, plan, take notes & manage your time. They talk to you about your future career and educational options and opportunities.
What supplies do I need for Early College High School?
All you need are the same basic school supplies as are needed for a traditional high school.
Will the students be required to wear school uniforms?
No, but they still have to follow the high school dress code.
If students get behind, can they accelerate and get caught up?
Yes, we will offer a number of student support services to assist students who are struggling academically.
Is the ECHS program like financial aid?
Since there is no money given to the students to help with the cost of college tuition and supplies, it is not like traditional financial aid, but it can be looked at as a scholarship since it provides the opportunity for students to earn up to 60 hours of college credit at no cost to the students or their family.
Will students be able to apply for scholarships?
Yes, students will be able to apply for scholarships to assist with the cost of continuing their education after high school graduation.
What is the highest degree that can be obtained during the four years that the student is enrolled in the early college high school?
An Associate of Arts or Science Degree is the highest degree a student can earn from Midland College.
Will students be allowed to decline attendance to the early college?
Yes, if needed, a student may decline their participation in the ECHS@MC program prior to the first day of school in 9th grade.
Are the dual credit courses aligned to the district’s curriculum?
Yes, all dual credit courses will be aligned to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills standards.
Are students required to take the STAAR exam?
We are a part of the Midland Independent School District so all students are required to meet state requirements for high school graduation which includes taking and passing the 5 STAAR EOC tests which include Algebra 1, English 1, Biology, English 2 and US History.
Will the ECHS schedule be aligned to the regular high school day and district calendar?
Courses taught at the Early College High School will be in line with the district’s academic calendar and bell schedule. Courses taken at Midland College will follow the schedule as defined by the college. It is important to understand that those two calendars are not the same. For example, during Thanksgiving break MISD lets students out earlier than MC.
Can students be dropped from a college course?
Students are not allowed to drop classes. Students who drop courses will be removed from the ECHS@MC program.
Will students take midterm and final exams for both the college and the ECHS courses?
Students will take midterm exams and finals for their high school and their college courses.
How many dual credit courses will students take per semester and year?
Early College High School students will only take one to two dual credit courses per semester during their first two years. Juniors and seniors will take from three to four dual credit courses each semester.
Will progress reports be provided for the college courses?
Yes, the students will be given their grades and their performance in the dual credit courses every 6 weeks. It is also important for parents to understand that you can have your students sign on to their college canvas and access their college grades where you can check on them daily.
Will students have opportunities for tutoring?
Yes, tutoring is available to assist students in need before school, during lunch and after school. Students also have access to the labs at MC.
Is Summer Bridge attendance required?
Yes, students are required to attend summer bridge if they plan on attending ECHS in the fall.
What facilities are at Midland College that will be available to the ECHS students?
All students in the early college high school have limited access to the gym facilities. All other facilities, library, student center and labs are resources available to the ECHS students.
What Is the TSI Assessment?
The TSI Assessment is a program designed to help your student determine if they are ready for college-level course work in the general areas of reading, writing and mathematics. TSI is a state mandated college entrance exam.
Who needs to prepare for the TSI Assessment?
Eighth grade students who have applied for the Early College High School @ MC will take the TSI Assessment in the summer prior to their 9th grade year.
All students must pass the reading and writing portion of the TSI prior to their Junior year.
All Students must pass the math portion of the TSI prior to their Senior year.
How much does it cost to take the TSI Assessment?
The TSI Assessment will be administered at no cost to the students or their families.
How long does the TSI Assessment take?
The TSI Assessment is not a timed test. The average time to complete all three sections of the test is 5 - 8 hours.
Can I use a calculator or reference sheets on the assessment?
No, calculators are not allowed to be used on the TSI Assessment. A calculator will appear on screen during sections where usage is appropriate. No study materials or reference materials may be used during the test. Also, cellular phones and all other communication devices are strictly prohibited in the testing room.
When will I get my TSI Assessment scores?
The TSI Assessment is scored immediately upon completion. Students will be given an unofficial copy of scores for advisement purposes.
How do I interpret my TSI Assessment scores?
Following your test, you will take your scores to the Early College High School counselor who will help you with interpretation.
If I need a better score, can I take the TSI assessment again?
Yes, you will have several opportunities to retest as needed.
How can I study for the TSI Assessment?
Yes, several study guide options are available on preparing for the TSI Assessment. Please visit the Midland College website for additional information on preparing for the TSI Assessment.