- What is the Early College AllianceSM?
The Early College AllianceSM (ECA) is a new, public early / middle college program on the campus of Eastern Michigan University in partnership with local school districts, Washtenaw Intermediate School District and EMU.
- Where will the program be located?
The ECA is located on the campus of Eastern Michigan. Students enrolled in the ECA will be attending all classes on the EMU campus.
- What will be the course of study?
Each student will have a Personalized Learning Plan (PLP) that will contain his/her customized Academic and Career Pathway. The Academic Pathway will be aligned with the new Michigan High School Graduation requirements, state examination requirements and post-secondary coursework. The Career Pathway will be aligned with industry standards in one of these selected areas: health, medicine, mathematics, science, technology and business.
- What makes this program different?
This program will allow successful students to:
- Choose an early college program while remaining connected to high school.
- Prepare for 21st Century careers in health, medicine, mathematics, science, technology and business.
- Graduate from high school with a diploma and up to 60 college credits.
- Attend classes on a university campus with support.
- Learn in a college environment that fosters maturity and academic growth.
- Gain strong skills for college success.
Students who are currently 9th or 10th graders who are interested in enrolling in the ECA @ EMU for 2008-09 academic year should visit the ECA web site www.earlycollegealliance.org, or contact the ECA at (734) 487-4290.
- What "type" of students should be encouraged to enroll in the ECA?
Any interested student currently in 9th or 10th grade should see the ECA as a viable choice.
The ECA is designed to meet the learning needs of every type of student. The ECA is a non-time centric program allowing students to accelerate through the program based on skill acquisition, not credit accumulation. The ECA is an excellent fit for either advanced students, students who are struggling or students who are unsure if post-secondary education is the right option for them.
- Can special education students enroll in the ECA?
Yes! There is an ECA teacher consultant on staff to provide special education support in conjunction with Eastern Michigan University's (EMU) office of Access Services.
- Is the Early College AllianceSM (ECA) suitable for a student interested in literature/social science or a career in education?
Yes. The ECA curriculum has a strong math and science focus designed to prepare students for 21st Century careers in the areas of health, medicine, mathematics, science, technology, and business. That said, students who finish the ECA program will be more than adequately prepared to pursue other career areas, and most importantly any student who is interested in the early / middle college experience is well suited for the program.
- How are students referred to the ECA?
Students are not be referred to the ECA, but rather all Washtenaw county students who are interested in the early / middle college experience should know about the ECA option to ensure that they make the appropriate educational choice for themselves. We prefer students choose to enroll in the ECA because they perceive it as a viable and appropriate educational opportunity that meets their individual short- and long-term educational needs.
- What is the process for enrolling students for the ECA?
The ECA enrollment policies and procedures are explained in the enrollment packet, which will be made available to the public on January 22nd, 2008. Students interested in applying for enrollment in the ECA can either download the packet from the ECA website, or they can pick one up from the high school principal's office in the participating school districts.
Private, parochial, charter or home school students who reside in one of the four ECA districts (Lincoln, Milan, Whitmore Lake or Ypsilanti) are also eligible to participate in the ECA program. They are encouraged to contact either the ECA or their resident district for details.
Students who do not reside in any of the four ECA districts are also eligible to participate through School of Choice, and they, too, should contact the ECA for details.
Students who are currently in the 9th or 10th grade in any public school district or charter school are eligible to enroll for the 2008-09 academic year (see the enrollment packet for details).
Private, parochial, or home school students who can demonstrate proficiency on the Michigan Ninth Grade Level Content Expectations exam are also eligible to participate in the Early College AllianceSM @ EMU program (see the enrollment packet for details).
If the number of applicants exceeds the number of available slots, a lottery will be conducted in accordance with the procedures established by the ECA Superintendent Oversight Group. In addition to the required grade level, students will be required to complete a series of skill assessments, participate in a student / parent interview, and complete other ECA requirements.
- What are the completion requirements for the ECA?
ECA students receive their high school diplomas from the ECA district in which they are enrolled. 2008 and 2009 graduates will be required to complete all coursework of the Personalized Learning Plan (PLP) which meets or exceeds their ECA district graduation requirements. 2010 graduates and beyond will graduate under the ECA completion requirements which will meet or exceed the 2010 Michigan graduation requirements and their ECA district requirements.
- What is the timeline for students to complete the ECA program?
Each student has his/her own Personalized Learning Plan (PLP). Timeline completion depends upon the student's rate of progress through his/her PLP. Typically, it takes 3 years after entering the ECA program.
- When a student completes the ECA program will s/he receive a high school diploma?
Yes and much more. A student will receive a high school diploma from his/her ECA district, certificate of completion / diploma from the Early College AllianceSM @ EMU and an official transcript from Eastern Michigan University.
- What impact will the ECA program have on students?
It gives many students who might not otherwise have an opportunity for college to earn college credits while still in high school. It also offers strong, academically focused students the chance to enroll in advanced, college-level coursework. It also provides a new option for students who are either struggling to succeed in school, or perhaps don't currently feel connected to their school.
- Who teaches the ECA Classes?
Teachers deemed highly qualified in mathematics, science, social studies or English will teach the ECA classes. ECA instructors are drawn from the participating ECA districts.
All Eastern Michigan University (EMU) courses are taught by EMU faculty.
- Does the ECA have discipline and attendance policies?
Yes. Students and parents receive the policies as part of the enrollment / intake interview process.
- What calendar does the ECA follow?
Those students who elect to participate in the ECA will follow the ECA calendar which is tightly aligned with Eastern Michigan University's Fall, Winter and Spring semester academic calendars.
- Will ECA students be required to take the Michigan Merit Exam (MME)?
All ECA students will be required to take the MME at their ECA school district during the state testing period.
- Can ECA students participate in traditional sports and drama in their resident school district?
Students can participate in their ECA district co-curricular and/or extra-curricular activities. They will be required, however to arrange their schedule to accommodate their participation and provide for their own transportation.
- Can ECA students play college sports?
No. ECA students are ineligible to participate in intercollegiate athletics. Participation in EMU Club sports has yet to be determined.
- What is not provided for ECA students?
The ECA does not provide transportation, parking or meals. However, parking and food are available on EMU's campus at student expense.
Students and parents are encouraged to consider numerous transportation options such as, private transportation, car pooling or public transportation. The ECA continues to work with community partners to develop additional transportation alternatives.
- What happens to ECA students who decide the program is not the right fit?
Students who, after a reasonable period of time, determine that the ECA is not the right educational fit for them can "opt out" of the program. The ECA will work with each ECA student to facilitate this process.
- How will I know if the program is the proper fit?
It will be up to the parents and the student to determine if the program is the proper fit. Research shows that students who consistently make poor personal choices and/or who require strong external controls to moderate their behavior are, in general, not very successful in programs of this type.
ECA students are required to learn and consistently demonstrate strong life management, emotional, social and academic skills prior to transitioning to and enrolling in college-level coursework.
It should be noted, that students WILL NOT be credentialed to enroll in any post-secondary course at EMU unless EVERY one of their ECA instructors, including their Coach/Mentor credentials them to do so. At the ECA we like to say, "You cannot choose to be selectively excellent."
- How is the ECA financed?
The ECA is funded through a percentage of each district's Foundation Allowance. The ECA will continue to identify and seek additional funding through both public and private sources.
- Where can I access more information regarding the ECA, Early College High Schools and/or Middle Colleges?
http://www.earlycollegealliance.org/resources.html - See article links.
