BGSU receives grant for teacher training, College Credit Plus instruction

BOWLING GREEN, O—Bowling Green State University, in partnership with Owens Community College, has been awarded a grant that will enable over 80 high school teachers to work toward their master’s degrees and also become credentialed to teach College Credit Plus courses at their high schools. The training courses will be offered starting in January 2016.

College Credit Plus is offered through the state of Ohio and gives high school students the chance to earn college credits for free.

The grant, $800,000 of which was provided by the Ohio Department of Education Pathway II funds and $200,000 from BGSU, will allow high school teachers to increase their expertise in specific fields such as biology or Spanish and become credentialed to teach College Credit Plus courses in the region’s high schools. The teachers represent school districts throughout north central and northwest Ohio.

The funds will also be used to develop professional learning communities, identify high school teachers currently providing College Credit Plus course work as mentors, and to add faculty mentors for the teachers.

“The benefits of this grant are immeasurable, helping both teachers and students,” said BGSU President Mary Ellen Mazey. “Teachers will receive graduate-level coursework, which will in turn open more doors, break down more barriers, and provide the opportunity for high school students to complete college courses without leaving their schools.”

BGSU has courses or pathway recommendations for students in grades 7-10 that include 15 college credit hours in the general education realm, or BG Perspective courses, that will transfer to any other Ohio public college or university. There is also a 30-college-credit-hour pathway recommendation for high school juniors and seniors. All students must meet the admissions standards for the college they’re attending before being accepted into the program. College advisers are then assigned to help them choose courses and understand how they apply toward undergraduate degree options.