Ohio’s College Credit Plus program, which began in the 2015-2016 school year, will be fully implemented across the state in 2016-2017. College Credit Plus gives eligible students in grades 7-12 the opportunity to earn college credit through any public Ohio college or university at no cost for tuition, fees or books, while simultaneously earning high school credit for the same course. This program is also offered through some participating private colleges or universities, and may involve a limited cost to students participating through those institutions.

For students, this is an opportunity to get an early start on college, to earn college credits prior to graduating from high school, and to explore their interests in higher learning. Local high schools may have agreements with specific local universities or colleges, however, students may choose to gain credits from the institution of their choice.

For Ohio teachers, it may mean returning to school for additional coursework. Credentials for high school teachers serving as instructors for College Credit Plus are the same as for faculty teaching the same course on campus, and include either a Master’s degree in the discipline they will be teaching, or a Master’s degree plus 18 concentrated and cohesive semester hours of coursework relevant to that discipline. As teachers are working towards the credentials, they may teach College Credit Plus courses, as long as they are mentored by a credentialed faculty member.

A $10 million grant has been provided by the Ohio Department of Education and the Ohio Department of Higher Education to selected universities to both develop programs and to assist teachers in obtaining the needed credentials.

Ohio school districts are concerned about the high out-of-pocket costs, including tuitions, books, and fees. Funds to support enrolled students come out of each district’s total allocations from the state. Lobbyists are pushing for students who can afford it to pay a portion of the costs and other revisions to the program funding structure.

For more information

College Credit Plus Resources for Teachers and Administrators including a list of Ohio Schools offering credentialing programs and pdf copies of the final regulation documents

https://www.ohiohighered.org/ccp/resources

Ohio Department of Higher Education – $10 Million Grant

https://www.ohiohighered.org/press/10_million_grant_funds_awarded_help_educators_earn_credentials_teach_college_credit_plus

School District Perspectives—Article from the Columbus Dispatch June 1, 2016

http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2016/06/01/school-districts-want-to-lessen-load-of-programs-cost.html

College Credit Plus Law (from the Ohio Revised Code)

http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/3365