Course selection season is upon us! As the freshman, sophomores, and juniors are selecting their courses for next year, it is important to keep in mind our options! One of these (lesser-known) options is dual enrollment! Dual enrollment classes are available to juniors and seniors, and give students the opportunity to earn advanced placement and college credit!

The West Chester Area School District has a partnership with West Chester University to give students the opportunity to take some of these dual enrollment classes in a college setting. These classes are offered at the West Chester University Graduate Center Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. If taking one of these classes, students would leave East after 6th period and will travel with their means of transportation to the graduate center.

If you are interested in dual enrollment but don’t want to leave East’s campus, there are still options for you! Two dual enrollment courses are taught on-site by WCASD teachers. In the 2021-2022 school year, Advanced Geoscience: Astronomy and Geology will be offered.

Current freshmen and sophomores also have the opportunity to take Advanced Geoscience: Oceanography and Meteorology, which will be offered in the 2022-2023 school year.

In Advanced Geoscience: Astronomy and Geology, students “will examine the formation and composition of the universe [and] study the Earth’s history, composition, and processes.” This class is also a Blended learning course, meaning it is 2 double periods in class, and one blended online learning day. To take this course, students must have a prerequisite for successful completion of Biology and Chemistry. Successful completion of the course will earn students six college credits!

In Advanced Geoscience: Oceanography and Meteorology, students “will explore the physical and biological processes in the oceans [and] investigate the fundamental processes

that determine the weather and climate on Earth. This class also requires previous successful completion of Biology and Chemistry, is a blended learning course, and can also earn students six college credits!

Dual enrollment courses offered by West Chester University are either on a semester or full-year scale. The full-year courses are the two Advanced Geoscience courses, taught by WCASD instructors. The semester courses are as follows:

Fall Semester Courses:

• Elementary Japanese I: an introduction to Japanese with a focus on hearing, speaking, and writing.

• Introduction to Geospatial Technology and Analytics: an opportunity to develop critical thinking skills through the observation of data in terms of geospatial technology.

• Introduction to Anthropology: an exploration of cultural anthropology and concepts pertaining to mainstream U.S. society

• The Legal Environment of Business: an examination of the framework of the American legal system and its impact on a business environment

Spring Semester Courses:

• Elementary Japanese II: a continuation of basic language skills in speaking, reading, and writing

• Introduction to Ethics: develops the ability to anticipate difficult choices, think through moral questions, etc.

• Nutrition and Culture: study of diets, food choices, and internal/external cultural influences

Summer Semester Courses

• Studio Production: (offered every other year beginning in Summer 2020) focus on music in a studio setting, students will learn the basics of recording, editing, mixing, and mastering digital audio

• Scoring for Film and Television: (offered every other year beginning in Summer 2021)an introduction to scoring video/film, analyzing film soundtracks, and more

In summary, there is a dual enrollment class for everyone. And you can earn college credit! For additional information, check out the WCASD Course Selection Guide, which can be found on East’s website. Happy course selection!