Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon Portland Community College

Dual Credit

Course assessments

Oregon developed the Dual Credit standards to assure the quality and consistency of Dual Credit offerings at colleges and universities throughout the state. The PCC Dual Credit program received approval in 2011. Part of that approval is dependent on an ongoing assessment of courses. The assessment section of the Oregon Dual Credit standards states: “The college or university ensures that Dual Credit program students are held to comparable grading standards as those expected of students in on-campus sections.”

High school and PCC faculty involvement in this process are necessary to assure the quality of Dual Credit courses and to develop collegial relationships. The course assessment requires that the high school course meets or exceeds the rigor, pedagogy, and outcomes of the on-campus course.

Assessments include…

  • A high school site visit with classroom observation – see the Dual Credit site observation form.
  • A syllabus and materials review – see Step 2: Course review.
  • A review of graded student work to ensure that college expectations are met by students who complete the course.
  • Workshops may be offered when the PCC faculty liaison considers them relevant and valid.

Course assessment process

  1. Before the course assessment:
    • The high school faculty member submits an updated PCC syllabus and schedule of learning activities to the PCC Dual Credit office by September 1.
    • The high school faculty member and PCC faculty liaison work to determine a convenient time to complete the course assessment.
    • The PCC Dual Credit Coordinator will notify PCC faculty liaisons and Division Deans with a list of the assessments needed by term.
    • The PCC faculty liaison will obtain the high school’s calendar and bell schedule.
  2. Dual Credit courses are assessed on the following:
    • How well does the high school Dual Credit course align with PCC’s Course Content and Outcomes Guide?
    • Does the high school Dual Credit course reflect the pedagogical, theoretical, and philosophical orientation of PCC and sponsoring academic departments?
    • Assessments are a requirement and comply with the Oregon Dual Credit standards.
  3. The PCC faculty liaison will:
    • Complete in detail the Dual Credit site observation form.
    • Provide you with constructive feedback regarding any improvements that may be needed.
    • Sign the assessment form on the line provided and obtain your signature on the line provided. Electronic signatures will not be accepted.
    • Submit the assessment form to the PCC Dual Credit office.
    • Provide you with a copy of the signed assessment form.

If it is determined that a course is not substantially the same as the on-campus counterpart, then to continue the articulation additional collaboration with the high school faculty, PCC Dual Credit Coordinator, and Faculty Liaison will be required.