College Algebra: First course offered in new Joint Enrollment Program

Raven Payne

AMERICUS — It’s 2:45 p.m. on a Friday. For students at Americus-Sumter County High School (ASCHS) North Campus, that means the day is almost over. But students enrolled in the new Joint Initiative program between Sumter County Schools and Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) appear to be enthusiastic and eager to be learning and partaking in the new course offered at the campus, College Algebra.

The Times-Recorder quietly interrupted the class. In the front of the classroom is David Ndaayezwi “Dr. N,” Ph.D, Ed.D, explaining a problem to 16 students, waiting to see and understand the answer. With no hesitation, they raise their hands — asking and answering questions — eager to move on to the next problem. As Ndaayezwi acknowledges the Times-Recorder and tells the class they will be involved in a brief interview, many students are still pushing Ndaayezwi to move forward with the next problem.

These are the classroom dynamics of a college course being taught in a high school setting. And the students in the class are excited about what the course has to offer. Of the 16 students, there are two juniors and 14 seniors. For many, the course is not challenging because they enjoy math, and for others, it’s a great experience — one that is motivational for classes to come.

Elizabeth Cole is a senior at ASCHS. She is on the college preparatory track and has fulfilled all of her math requirements to graduate.

“I am taking the course because I can get credit for both high school and college. That’s a convenience ... and I don’t have to commute between the two campuses, and that cuts the cost of gas and time,” said Cole.

Shariah McKenzie also a senior, having already fulfilled her math requirements. She is also on the college preparatory track and sees this opportunity as a great experience.

“I am gaining college experience in a high school setting. Like Elizabeth, I am done with my math requirements, but I enjoy math ... o I decided to take the class,” she said.

For Dwight Harris, also a senior on the college prep track, he sees being a part of this new Joint Initiative program as an opportunity to influence underclassmen.

“I agree with Elizabeth’s and Shariah’s answers. But I also see this as an opportunity to set precedent for other students. We are role models right now. We are setting an example to help challenge other students to go further,” he said.

Harris also said that this is a way to get a head start on college.

“It is cool to feel like I am in college, but still in high school. You know it’s that feeling that I am not quite ready to be in college but not ready to leave my comfort zone — high school. So it’s a great experience,” he said.

The new enrollment program, SCS/GSW Joint Enrollment program, is one sponsored by the school system with a twist. This new initiative brings the campus to high school. All the courses taught through the program will be taught at the high school, but by a GSW professor. The enrollment is free and the college credit the students earn can be used at any other school in the University of Georgia System, with the exception of Georgia Tech and the University of Georgia.

“We are bringing a different link and image between the two institutions. There will be new faces within the school, but it is all for the same focus: preparing our students for post-secondary education,” said Ndaayezwi.

According to Ndaayezwi, the program has taken off to a good start and the students are working well with the transition. He said the program is proving to be impactful and motivational to other students interested in enrolling in the future classes.

“I see students now who can’t wait to take the SAT, especially the juniors. They are taking the test now so they can participate in the future classes,” said Ndaayezwi.

The new class is a buzz around the campus. The students enrolled now are spreading the word about the course and getting other students excited about the expectations of the program.

“They are eager to know what the next classes will be ...t his is a big thing now. It’s getting the students motivated to want to be challenged and preparing them early,” said Ndaayezwi.

The students enrolled now, Ndaayezwi described as being a “good bunch.” Many in the class Ndaayezwi has taught before and sees their progression and grasp of the course as interesting.

“These students have taken advanced algebra/trigonometry. I taught most of them and I raised the bar, which makes taking college algebra easier for them,” said Ndaayezwi, explaining that he always goes beyond and above the course requirements.

And for Ndaayezwi, this method is proving to be working.

“Going that extra mile is coming into play now. I taught previous courses using college mechanisms and this course seems like a review for most of them,” he said.

Ndaayezwi said the pace of the class is moving at an accelerated rate.

“I am changing the way the syllabus was designed because they are understanding so quickly,” he said.

But this is just the beginning for the program. Ndaayezwi said the program will continue to expand as they learn what is lacking and what needs to be taught. In the future, Ndaayezwi is hoping that four additional courses can be added for the 2008-2009 school term, beginning first with English 1101 and adding other courses.

“This is truly college preparation. Both entities of the program have been supportive and the students are excited about it. Who wouldn’t when you know that by the end of your high school career, you can also obtain up to 12 college credit hours going towards your post-secondary education? We are looking for great things and to come out really strong at the end.”

Text Only