As "dual credit" programs offering college credit for high school study become more popular, a NYSUT task force is looking at ways to ensure quality, access and value for students.

The task force, made up of unionists representing K-12 and college faculty, came up with several issues to be addressed by NYSUT policy.

Issues identified included funding, oversight, the role of collective bargaining, guaranteeing college credit and how to encourage participation by underserved students.

Warsaw Education Association's James Bennett asked if it might be possible for SUNY to create 10 universally acceptable credit-bearing courses, such as freshman English, that could be offered to high school juniors and seniors.

"That's a conversation we could have with the State Education Department," said NYSUT Vice President Maria Neira, who chairs the task force.

Neira said the goal for the task force is to work toward the development of a NYSUT policy on dual credit that protects the interests of students — as well as both K-12 and college educators.

"It's here and it's growing," Neira said. "We have to make sure it's being done right."

The group is expected to forward recommendations to the NYSUT Board of Directors before the end of the school year.

— Sylvia Saunders