guy INNOVATION ABSTRACTS «2

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CO-OPING WITH HIGH SCHOOLS

Response to Changing Community Needs

Recent economic changes in states such as Texas have forced educational institutions to re-examine how they can meet student needs effectively and economically. School districts, where growth of new programs and the addition of physical facilities to accommodate them seemed virtually limitless, find themselves making difficult choices as they adjust spending to stay within local and state budgetary cuts. North Harris County College (NHCC), a suburban community college in the Houston area, and Spring Independent School District (SISD), one of its feeder-school districts, are working together to find a solution that will provide a quality automotive technology program for high school students.

Recognizing a Need

When SISD planned for the 1986-1987 school year, administrators realized that facilities must be added to accommodate vocational-technical programs. Classroom space was allocated based on a proposed building to house automotive technology. Sharp increases in construction costs and decreased state allocation of funds for building soon precluded the building program. At the same time, NHCC vocational and technical planners looked at similar budget constraints. Although they faced no shortage of space, they did realize that the continued success of their program required expensive updating of equipment. Administratof4 began a series of negotiations to determine whether a cooperative effort might allow students to pursue training in an area where there is a strong local job market. Transfer of the program to the college campus would free high school classroom space for other classes and reduce expenditures for capital equipment and instruction. It would allow SISD to honor its commitments to other programs while indirectly funding equipment purchases at the college.

Negotiating an Agreement

Fall, 1986, was the first semester for the shared program to be in place. The contract provides that a maximum of twenty first-year and twenty second-year automotive students in high school will come to the college campus for the automotive technology training. SISD had a total of fifty-six students interested in the first-year program. The final selection of twenty students was determined by the district. Those who are in the first year of the program meet for three hours and twenty minutes for three afternoons per week.

The introductory courses in the first two semesters are enhanced versions of those taught at the college to college students: Mechanical Practices and Auto Engines I. The textbook selection was compatible with both the high school and the college curriculum. Minor adjustments in course content were made to ensure that the new courses would include all essential elements as defined by the State for secondary classes. High school senior students who had completed these introductory courses in high school were eligible to enroll in one of three selected auto courses meeting in the evening for six to eight contact hours per week. The college reserved five slots in each section for these contract students. As part of the pre-enrollment process, each advanced student was asked to select his first, second, and third choices. All students were placed in either their first or second choice.

In addition to monies paid by SISD to the college and designated for capital expenses, supplies, and instructor salaries, the district also provides students with textbooks and tools. The original plan included SISD‘s busing students to and from the two high schools (close to the college). However, students have requested and been allowed to form car pools. The only expense for students enrolled in this program is transportation. There are no college charges to students for tuition, supplies, or fees. As a result of this joint effort, SISD anticipates significant savings for 1986-1987. The capital expense money has been used by the college to purchase more equipment for the automotive lab. This equipment can and will be used by all students enrolled in NHCC automotive classes.

Earning Academic Credits

The first-year contract automotive students can earn credits while enrolled as high school students (credits

accrue toward an Associates of Applied Science degree if they meet stated requirements). These college

Kop Community College Leadership Program, The University of Texas at Austin, EDB 348, Austin, Texas 78712 11