Changes would harm Minnesota’s successful concurrent enrollment program

(St. Paul, MN…) Senator Carla Nelson (R-Rochester) voiced her opposition to the Higher Learning Commission’s (HLC*) plans to implement new qualifications for teachers who teach college courses in high schools. The new “rule” requires a high school teacher to have a master’s degree in the field, or a master’s degree in another field plus 18 graduate credits in the field being taught.

Minnesota’s concurrent enrollment program, where students take college classes while still enrolled in high school classes, has a long standing reputation for giving students a head start on their college education at no cost to them or their families. Senator Nelson has been a strong and long advocate for Minnesota’s concurrent enrollment system and its ability to reduce the cost of a college degree and help close the achievement gap.

“The new rule proposed by the HLC will limit the ability of districts to offer these highly-successful concurrent courses, especially in smaller districts,” said Senator Nelson. “It will be a devastating blow to the progress that has been and will result in making college degrees more costly for Minnesota students and their families.”

“The proposed teacher qualifications set by the HLC is higher than at many of our colleges and universities,” added Senator Nelson. “I am hopeful that Governor Dayton and Midwest governors in states impacted by the new HLC rule will stand with me in opposition to this costly change.”

“Opposition from political leaders and the public at-large may cause the HLC to reconsider their new rule regarding concurrent enrollment,” concluded Senator Nelson.

*The HLC is the independent, non-elected, non-appointed, non-profit group that accredits colleges, which is a requirement for financial aid.