Why is this important?
Dual enrollment programs allow students to take college classes while enrolled in high school. These classes count for both high school and college credit. Dual enrollment increases students’ chances of graduating from high school, as well as enrolling in and completing college, yet Arizona students with disabilities are missing out on these benefits. Across Arizona, the average high school participation in dual enrollment courses is 24.5%, while for students with disabilities, it’s less than 2%.

Who can enroll in dual enrollment classes?

The law states that students shall be admitted to the community college under the policies adopted by each community college district, except that all students who are enrolled for college credit shall be high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors or seniors.

Can students with disabilities (students with IEPs and 504 plans) enroll in dual enrollment courses?

Yes. Students with disabilities must meet the same criteria as their nondisabled peers for enrollment in dual enrollment programs. The law states that “all students who are in the course, including those not electing to enroll for college credit, shall satisfy the prerequisites for the course as published in the college catalog and shall comply with college policies regarding student placement in courses.” These criteria can vary by community college and by course.

What accommodations or modifications can students receive in dual enrollment courses

The law states that a child with a disability shall have access to any supplementary aid, service or accommodation provided in the child’s IEP or 504 plan. Under Arizona law, dual enrollment courses are still high school courses that count toward graduation requirements, which means student protections under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act apply. Since students with disabilities already receive the special education services and accommodations listed in their IEPs at their high school, extending these services and accommodations to dual enrollment courses, which also take place at the high school, should be seamless.

The college-approved textbooks, syllabi, course outlines and grading standards that apply to the courses when taught at the community college will apply when those courses are taught as dual enrollment courses and will apply to all students in the courses.

NOTE: If significant modifications are needed for an individual student, the community college may decide not to award college credit.

What is the process?

The actual process will vary from district to district and should be laid out in the intergovernmental agreements between the community colleges and high school districts. In all cases, the key is to begin planning early – freshman year. Speak to your special education director or school administrator. They may already have the community college contact information.

What can high schools (or IEP teams) do to facilitate the participation of students with disabilities in dual enrollment courses?

Start planning early and incorporate dual enrollment courses into students’ IEP transition plans. Dual enrollment is a proven bridge from high school to college and career, and the IEP transition plan is the roadmap.

When students with disabilities complete 9th grade or turn 16, whichever is first, their IEPs must include a plan for their transition to post-school life. These plans are often underutilized in facilitating dual enrollment participation, but they should be the foundation for students’ postsecondary pathways.

The Transition Guide provided by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services clearly states that “If under State law, attending classes at a postsecondary institution, whether auditing or for credit, is considered secondary school education for students in grade 12 or below and the education provided meets applicable State standards, those services can be designated as transition services on a student’s IEP and paid for with IDEA Part B funds consistent with the student’s entitlement to FAPE.”

This means dual enrollment courses can be a transition service if included in a student’s IEP, and the associated costs can be covered by a high school district’s IDEA funding.

For More Information

Dual Enrollment in Arizona High Schools

This project was supported by the Arizona Developmental Disabilities Planning Council through the Administration for Community Living of the Department of Health and Human Services as part of an award totaling $1,500,930 with 0% from non-governmental sources.