Dr. Paul Perrault, the senior vice president of community impact and learning at Helios, is calling for putting Florida high school students on paths toward higher education–and to help them succeed in college and in life. It all centers around accelerated learning programs like Advanced Placement (AP) and dual enrollment.
The new research conducted by Helios Education Foundation and WestEd finds that in Florida, only 45 percent of adults hold an associate degree or higher. Perrault said the pursuit of degree attainment must take center stage to ensure Florida’s economic vitality.
The research shows the significant impact of accelerated coursework – including dual enrollment, AP, and international baccalaureate (IB) – in high schools, driving postsecondary success and empowering students to excel.
“Accelerated coursework, such as dual enrollment and advanced placement courses, not only prepares students for college but also increases the likelihood of college completion,” said Perrault.
Helios pointed to recent data that underscores the transformative effects of accelerated learning programs on degree completion. Among Florida students entering high school in fall 2015, those who took an AP course were three times more likely to go on to earn a bachelor’s degree than were those who took no AP courses. In the 2008-2009 school year, those who took a dual enrollment course were 1.7 times more likely to complete a bachelor’s degree.
Noting that a postsecondary degree offers numerous benefits, including improved economic opportunity, higher lifetime earnings, and positive community outcomes, Perrault added, “Recent research that we’ve done, and nationwide research, shows that somebody with a bachelor’s degree is going to earn about three times more over their lifetime compared to somebody with just a high school diploma.”
The study also highlights the positive impact of AP courses on degree completion among Black students. Black students who took AP courses in high school were 1.8 times more likely to attain a bachelor’s degree, while those who participated in dual enrollment courses were 1.6 times more likely to achieve the same milestone.
Accelerated coursework not only prepares students for the demands of higher education but also significantly increases their chances of completing postsecondary degrees – and by developing the necessary skills, knowledge, and confidence to succeed in college and beyond, these students gain the tools they need to thrive in today’s competitive job market, Perrault said.
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