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Running Start |
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The Running Start Program provides an opportunity for eligible juniors and seniors who are affiliated with a public high school to enroll in college courses. Created by the Washington State Legislature, the program provides academically qualified students an opportunity to take college courses as part of their high school program.
Students may enroll simultaneously in high school and college classes or solely in classes at their local community college. Most students in the Tahoma District participating in Running Start attend classes at Green River Community College. Some have attended Bellevue Community College or Highline Community College. Students earn both high school and college credit for college level classes taken at the college. Classes taken at the college as part of the Running Start Program are limited to "college level courses" (most classes numbered 100 or above qualify). Tuition is paid for by the school district; books, class related fees and transportation are the responsibility of the student.
In addition to Running Start, there are other programs for earning college credit in the high school. These include College in the High School through the University of Washington, Advanced Placement, and Tech Prep. For more information about Running Start, please contact Tahoma Senior High School at 425-413-6200.
Students considering participating in the Running Start Program must
be registered in a Washington State public high school with junior (11 credits) or senior (17 credits) status
meet application quarterly deadlines
take the Compass (placement) Test at Green River Community College
Place into English 110 or Math 102 (equivalent to pre-calculus)
English 110 (Freshman English) qualifies students to take all college level classes other than math or science. Math 102 is equivalent to Pre-calculus and qualifies students to take either math or science classes. Students who qualify in both areas are the most successful in the Running Start Program.
Successfully completed classes receive both high school and college credit. One five credit class at the college earns one high school credit.
Credits from the college are transferable to all other Washington State public colleges and universities and most Washington State private colleges. Some private colleges do not accept Running Start credits. Students are encouraged to contact private schools and out of state colleges concerning their transfer policies.
It is recommended that students do not enroll for more than 15 quarter credits which is a time commitment similar to a 45 hour a week job. Students who are participating in school sponsored activities, like athletics, must be enrolled in the equivalent of 4 high school classes per quarter. Most students will be taking from 1 to 4 classes at Tahoma High School.
Advantages to the Running Start program include:
Students can earn up to two years of tuition-free college credit while finishing high school. The district pays the tuition.
One of the ways students have an opportunity to take advanced classes is through Running Start.
Students have an opportunity to experience post-secondary education while in high school. This experience can be helpful in making the transition from home to college away from home and in making future educational plans.
Students who find the traditional high school is not fitting their needs may flourish in a different educational setting.
The independence of students on the college campus affords the opportunity to develop personal responsibility.
Students and their families should take into consideration the maturity level of their student when considering Running Start. Some students who are academically ready may find the independence and fast pace of college classes overwhelming and would benefit from remaining in the high school. The material covered in an 11 week quarter at the college is the equivalent to that which is covered in a year of high school.
Students who are successful in Running Start tend to be independent learners who are well organized.
Socialization my be an issue for some students. The high school provides a social network and social experiences for teenagers, some of which may not be available at the college. There is great age diversity on the college campus.
Transportation is the responsibility of the student. Dependable transportation is a must and students should take into consideration travel time and parking time when planning class schedules.
Books and class fees are the responsibility of the student. Class fees at Green River include: special services fees (50 cents per credit), a technology fee (maximum $20), and a facilities fee ($10-$20). There may be other fees as well, for example in Art. Books range from $40 - $70 each. Some used books are available. Some classes may require several books.
The scheduling of college classes may conflict with high school classes or extracurricular activities. Scholarships and some of the more competitive colleges use leadership and community service as an important consideration. If students are going to participate in Running Start, they are encouraged to remain involved in activities, leadership and community service. They will need to have letters of recommendation from high school staff who know them well in their junior and senior years of high school.
The high school is the final authority on what is required for high school graduation. Students must work closely with the high school counselor to insure graduation requirements will be met.
Running Start students are regular college students with the same privileges and responsibilities of any other college student.
Student Responsibility
Students are expected to meet class deadlines, be prepared for class,
ask questions and conduct themselves in a manner that contributes to
their own learning and that of the other students in the class. If
students are having difficulty or want additional information, it is
their responsibility to seek out the instructor. Instructors
have posted office hours when students can come to see them for help
or discussion. Appointments can often be made outside of office
hours.
Class Pace
Course subjects are taught and material is covered at a much
faster pace in the college than in the high school. for example,
the same amount of subject matter in one course that is taught in one
year of high school is taught in one eleven week quarter at the
college. There is little time for instructors to stop and review
lessons for students who do not understand the material or were absent
from class. However, instructors encourage students to come to
their offices for help.
Homework
College classes demand an average of at least two hours of
homework for each hour of class. A five credit class will have
approximately ten hours of homework each week. Total time
commitment for a five credit class will be approximately fifteen hours
a week. There will be no classroom time for homework.
Attendance
The instructor may or may not take attendance. It is the
students' responsibility to be prepared each day for class and to meet
all deadlines. Some instructors give pop quizzes.
They expect all papers to be turned in on time and some offer no
make-up opportunities.
Class Participation
This is an important and integral part of being a college
student. Most instructors require students to participate in
class discussions; some even include class participation as a factor
in the student's grade. The students in the classes can range in
age from 16 to 80 and students need to be prepared for a variety of
opinions.
Academic Reports
Grades are available online to students. Grades
are reported on the permanent college transcript and the high school
transcript. Transcripts are
sent to the schools.
Academic Records
Students successfully completing classes under the Running Start
Program will receive both high school and college credit. The college's grade conversions are used in
transferring the credit to the high school transcript. If
students wish to apply to another college, they must list Green River
community College as a college attended and request an official
transcript be sent to verify previous college course work.
Class Size
Classes can vary in size from 10 to 55 students with the average
class size about 30 students. This class size makes it possible
for instructors to give individual attention to students who request
assistance.
Cost
Tuition costs will be paid by the Tahoma School District.
Class fees, books and other supplies are the responsibility of the
student. Class fees at Green River include: special services fees
(50 cents per credit), a technology fee (maximum $20), and a facilities
fee ($10-$20). Some courses have additional attached lab
fees. Books range from $40 to
$70. Some used books are available. Some classes require
more than one book.
Parking
A parking sticker is needed to park a car on campus. It is
available to all registered students free of charge.
Parent's Access to Student Records
Green River Community college follows federal guidelines under the
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act concerning access to student
records. No information will be released without the student's
written consent. Faculty will not discuss the student's progress
with anyone without the student's written consent. A Student
Information Release Form may be filled out and is available from the
Running Start Coordinator at the community college.
Last Updated Friday March 04, 2005
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