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Articulation: Giving High School Students A Head Start On College
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If you have a Tech Prep program at your school, you’ve likely heard of articulation. However, unless you participated in the articulation process, you may not be aware of the benefits to your students and why they should be a part of Tech Prep. According to the New Webster’s Dictionary and Thesaurus, one definition of articulation is “the way in which different parts are joined together.” |
 Photo courtesy of Western Maricopa Tech Prep. |
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Tech Prep’s articulation process is exactly that: The way a high school career and technical program is linked to a post-secondary certificate or degree program to become a streamlined 2+2 program. The purpose of articulation is to increase academic rigor within the high school program, reduce duplication of course work at the post-secondary level, and recognize the accomplishments and advanced skills gained during the student’s high school training through college credit and/or advanced placement in the post-secondary portion of the program. During the articulation process, secondary and post-secondary instructors meet to review standards and competencies taught during the program and align curriculum. Even assignments, labs and other skill activities are discussed to ensure that students meet or exceed the requirements for college credit or advanced placement. The award of articulated credit varies from consortium to consortium. However, all articulated programs must have a signed articulation agreement outlining the agreed-upon sequence of courses and provisions for granting credit to participating students. In some areas, students “enroll” at the college, although the course is taken during high school hours (dual enrollment). In other parts of the state, the credit is awarded at the post-secondary institution following the completion of the articulation requirements, although the student does not actually enroll at the college during high school. The credit earned in an articulated program is generally provided by the post-secondary institution to students at a reduced rate (and in some areas, at no cost), and is generally transferable to other post-secondary institutions within the state. Elements of an Articulated Program For more information on articulated programs in your area, contact your local Tech Prep Consortium director. |
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