One of the first lessons learned as North Carolina’s Early College High School director was the misconception that all early college high schools were the same.
Yes, they all focus on a target population of first-generation students and those underserved in higher education. Yes, they all blend secondary and postsecondary coursework so that students graduate with a high school diploma and an associate degree, transferrable college credit or a career credential. And yes, they all deliver powerful teaching and learning that transforms how a student thinks.
The differences appear in how the schools translate these goals into action. Some are four year programs; others are five. Some focus on college transfer; some focus on career pathways. Some are located on a college campus; some receive their college courses virtually. Not one of the 80 North Carolina early colleges is exactly the same as the other, and that’s a good thing.
Early colleges are Cooperative Innovative High Schools (CIHS), with “Cooperative” as the key word. Local districts work with their higher education partners, and business and community leaders to design schools that meets the needs of their community. These partners ensure the infrastructure for these schools by sharing vision, purpose and resources.
At the state level, the North Carolina Joint Advisory Council (JAC) is responsible for CIHS. As a joint council, we model and practice collaboration to ensure alignment of state policies and priorities to support the development and sustainability of early college high schools.
The council is made up of the following members:
- Sneha Shah-Coltrane, Director of Advanced Learning, NC Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI);
- Lisa Eads, Career and College Promise Coordinator, NC Community College System (NCCCS);
- Carol Cutler-White, State Director, GEAR up, UNC-General Administration;
- Roger Sims, Director for Enrollment Services and Outreach University of North Carolina General Administration; and
- myself, Joyce Loveless, Director of Early Colleges in North Carolina.
Sneha Shah-Coltrane commented to the other council members about the success of the collaboration, “What a year we have had together… one full of great work and progress – and visionary thinking. Thank you for all of your efforts as we continue to work together to advance our K-20 system!” Through this council, they support initiatives that impact all students in North Carolina public schools. The lens that each council member brings to the group is different and that is what makes this partnership so valuable.
The JAC is currently getting ready for the 2017 cycle of CIHS applications. Letters of Intent from districts and their higher education partner are due to NCDPI April 15th. We will jointly host a technical assistance workshop May 18th to answer questions from applicants and share promising practices from existing early college high schools.
Last year was the first year we provided deep support to local partners to fully develop their vision. This led to 13 new schools approved by NCDPI and the NCCCS scheduled to open this fall. Many of these schools will be the first early college to open in their community.
Whether at the state or local levels, the true power of the partnerships is in the process of sharing values that guide actions to ensure that students remain in the forefront of decision-making.
When the question was asked, what makes early college different? A parent from Buncombe County Early College said, “The teachers/professors and all staff have gone above and beyond to get to know my son and to develop his talents into strengths. My son once said to me, ‘I can’t believe they care so much about me’. Very nice for me as a parent as it takes a community to raise a child.”
Community and partnerships are key to student advancement. From the state level, to the district, to the teachers, we join together to ensure students have a clear path for success.
Joyce Loveless is the NC Early College Director and a senior director at NC New Schools/Breakthrough Learning.
