When the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 halted Conant High School student Mia Parker’s career immersion at a suburban preschool, like educators everywhere, she pivoted to a virtual classroom.
“We held Zoom classes and ended up delivering live lessons from the preschool classroom, which actually turned out to be extremely gratifying, as I got to experience a difficult time, and see how teachers were able to change their entire lesson plans and curriculum,” said Parker, 17, who is now a senior and enrolled in her fourth year of Township High School District 211’s Education & Training career pathway.
The Schaumburg teen said she is grateful her high school’s career pathway program has provided her the opportunity to make an informed decision about her future when she heads off next fall to college, where she plans to major in education.
Despite the 2020-21 Illinois School Report Card’s preliminary data showing steep declines in student test scores during the COVID-19 pandemic, the frequent educational disruptions during the past two years do not appear to be discouraging a growing number of high school students from completing Advanced Placement, dual credit and career prep courses.
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During the last school year, Illinois saw nearly 9,482 more students enrolled in dual credit, 2,885 more students enrolled in Advanced Placement, and 954 more students enrolled in career and technical education courses, Illinois State Board of Education officials said in a statement.
A dual credit course allows a student to fulfill a high school requirement while earning college credit, which is transferable upon graduation. While the courses are typically taught at the high school by teachers certified to teach dual credit courses, some programs, like fire science technology, are offered to high school students on-site at local community colleges.
The uptick in enrollment was bolstered by a $500,000 increase in funding to cover the cost of AP exams for low-income students, ISBE officials said, with $43 million in state funding directed to dual credit and career and technical education programs at Illinois high schools.
The state board awarded $3.5 million in funding for Career Pathways Grants to support 100 high schools “in creating a pipeline for future educators with a focus on recruiting future teachers of color,” officials said.
For Township High School District 214 Superintendent David Schuler, the state’s growth in the number of high school students enrolled in AP, dual credit and career pathways courses underscores the importance of a nationwide initiative he leads redefining what it means for students to be prepared for college, career and life.
While the Arlington Heights-based high school district’s AP enrollment has remained steady during the pandemic, the number of students enrolled in dual credit classes climbed from 3,249 during the 2019-20 school year to around 4,050 during the 2020-21 school year, Schuler said.
Even before the district’s six high schools were fully reopened, teachers rallied to safely offer in-person, socially distanced, project-based instruction for students enrolled in several career and technical pathway programs, including manufacturing and automotive technology, Schuler said.
With the manufacturing industry struggling to find skilled employees, Schuler said the district is also working collaboratively with local manufacturing companies that provide students with internships and work experience, he said.
“We want our students to be part of that talent pipeline, which also supports our community’s economic development,” Schuler said. The district is using federal COVID-19 funds “to make sure every student in the district has access to opportunities.”
At Palatine-based District 211, officials are also encouraged by strong interest during the pandemic from students signing up for AP, dual credit and career pathways courses — all of which not only helps guide a student’s career choice, but can save families money, said Michele Napier, director of college and career readiness.
“Our goal early on in the student experience is to give them opportunities to explore,” Napier said. “The question we ask students is, ‘what are you passionate about?’ It might mean you’ll need a certificate, a two-year or four-year college degree, or maybe you’re interested in the military or want to go straight to work. Every path is different, but we’re here to support you.”
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