By David Vitrano

L’Observateur

RESERVE – The dual enrollment program at East St. John High is growing once again.

St. John the Baptist Parish Superintendent Courtney Millet and River Parishes Community College Chancellor Joe Ben Welch signed a “memo of understanding,” creating a partnership between the two schools.

“It increases the number of offerings for the kids,” said Heidi Trosclair, the district’s media coordinator.

The initial offerings from the school are courses in chemistry (honors) and biology II. These classes will differ from the usual dual enrollment offerings in that they will be taught by college professors on the high school’s campus. Usually, students must travel to the college campus to partake in dual enrollment offerings.

Students who participate in dual enrollment classes can get both high school and college credit.

The district has similar agreements with SUNO, Southeastern Louisiana University, Louisiana Technical College and Fletcher Community College.

Thanks to the recently passed GRAD Act, dual enrollment credits are accepted by any public university in the state.

Dr. Kathy McWaters, supervisor of 9-12 curriculum, is based at East St. John, and Trosclair said she has worked diligently to secure the relationships between the high and partner institutions of higher learning.

The dual enrollment program at ESJ has grown from 16 students in 2007-08 to over 200 students this year.