Dual Credit Courses at THS

Dual credit is a great way for high school students to get a head start on college by taking college courses while still in high school.  At THS, students can take both academic or vocational dual credit courses.  Academic courses are general academic courses that apply to any Bachelor's degree while vocational dual credit courses apply to 2 or more vocational certification or degree pathways.


How Do Students Qualify for Dual Credit
In order to be eligible for academic dual credit courses, the student must meet the criteria under TSI (Texas Success Initiative).  Essentially, if a student takes the STAAR test in English 2 or Algebra 1 and earned a scale score of 4000, (approximately 65%), they are eligible to take dual credit courses.  If the student does not meet TSI exemption status, the student must schedule a time to go to Kilgore College or Kilgore College-Longview Center to take the test.

To qualify for dual credit vocational courses, it is recommended that the student be a junior or senior and in the 3rd or 4th year of a CTE sequence.  Some vocational dual credit courses that are technical in nature may require some evidence of academic performance on STAAR or TSI.


How Much do Dual Credit Courses Cost?
Most dual credit courses at Kilgore College cost around $225 per 3 hour course; however, Tatum ISD will pay for the student's tuition, and as long as the student passes all courses taken, the student's tuition will continue to be paid for by TISD.

Textbooks for dual credit courses are not paid for by TISD; therefore, the student will be required to purchase textbooks from the KC Bookstore or through some other vendor.  Prices vary from course to course, but a typical textbook will generally range in cost from $100 - $170.

In the long run, dual credit courses are a huge savings to students and parents, since the cost of the course and textbook at Kilgore College will be around $400 including the cost of textbooks and related costs. Furthermore, tuition at Kilgore College is much cheaper than tuition at state colleges and universities.

What Dual Credit Courses are Offered at THS?

• English 1301 and 1302  (Academic)
• College Algebra (Academic)
• College Statistics (Academic)
• US History 1301 and 1302 (Academic)
• Psychology 2301 (Academic)
• Art Apprecation 1301 (Academic)
• Government 2305 and 2306 (Academic)
• Intro to Welding (Vocational)
• DC Electric (Vocational)
• Intro to PTAC (Vocational)
• Intro to PTRT (Vocational)
• Medical Terminology (Vocational)
• Anatomy and Physiology (Vocational)

How Do I Sign Up for Dual Credit Course?

Registration begins in the spring when students enroll in courses for the following year, and the THS Counselor will give the students and parents more information about enrollment and deadlines at that time.


Why Should I Take Dual Credit Courses?
Two-thirds of today's jobs require education beyond high school.  In fact most jobs that provide a comfortable living wage require a certification, associate's degree, or bachelor's degree.  That means that kids must pursue an education beyond high school.  In addition to making a decent wage, students who earn a certification or  degree are less susceptible to unemployment.  Dual credit courses are a great head start in earning a certification or degree.


Who Do I Contact for more Information
Jo Miller - THS Counselor
Allen Koch - THS Principal
John Wink - TISD Director of Curriculum and Federal Programs