K12 Dual Credit Resource Guide 2020-2021 | Page 12

TRANSCRIPTED HLC Frequently Asked Questions (continued): 7. How and why were the high school credential guidelines developed? Due to the increase in dual credit offerings throughout the nation, HLC conducted a study of Dual Credit Programming. Dual Credit in U.S. Higher Education: A Study of State Policy and Quality Assurance Practices was conducted in 2012. This study found quality concerns regarding rigor of coursework taught by high school instructors with secondary faculty credentials and capabilities cited as a critical quality issue. The resolution to the rigor discrepancy was to enforce dual credit teacher credential requirements. 8. What are the HLC requirements for dual credit teachers that teach General Studies or Core Subject area courses? Master’s degree or higher in the teaching discipline taught or a master’s degree in another discipline along with a minimum of 18 credits in the discipline being taught. For example, a teacher that teaches Intro to Psychology would meet requirements with the following: • Master’s degree in Educational Leadership plus 18 graduate credits in Psychology OR • Master’s degree in Psychology 9. How does HLC define General Studies or Core Subject Area coursework at NWTC? Math, English/Writing, Communication, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences and Foreign Language 10 10. What are the HLC requirements for dual credit teachers that teach Career and Technical Education/ Occupational courses? Completion of a degree in the discipline or subfield in which they teach, with coursework at least one level above that of the courses being taught or developed, unless an occupational license or credential is required for a specified course. For example, a teacher that teaches Automation 1 would meet the requirement with the following: • Bachelor’s degree in Education with licensure in Technology Education OR • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering 11. How does HLC define Career and Technical Education/ Occupational Coursework at NWTC? Technology Education, Agri-culture, Engineering, Business Education, Marketing, Art, Information Technology, Family and Consumer Education, Health Sciences, Culinary, Early Childhood, Para-educator. For more information on courses available through Wisconsin universities and private colleges, please visit NEWERA Graduate Credential Quest (graduatecreditquest.com).