Running Start is a
program of the State of Washington, the Office of the Superintendent of Public
Instruction, and the State Board of Education, and is generically referred to
as a dual-enrollment program. Running Start allows high school juniors and
seniors to attend regular college classes at community and technical colleges
to earn credit toward their high school diploma on the high school transcript,
while concurrently earning college credit on a college transcript. In the
Issaquah School District, we have articulated agreements with the following
colleges for Running Start enrollment:
How to enroll:
Students wishing to
participate in the Running Start program first must apply at the college of
their choice (deadlines vary). Once accepted, each college has their own
process that students must follow before they can register for classes. All
colleges require a placement examination for mathematics classes, as well as
placement into English 101, even if they do not plan to take English at the college.
Once the student has met the college's placement requirements, the student meets
with the school counselor to complete the Running Start Enrollment Verification
Form. This is the very LAST step in the enrollment process. Once in possession
of the signed Verification Form, students submit the form to their college and
are then permitted to register for classes. Bellevue College has published this nifty guide to enrolling.
Things to keep in mind:
Transportation – This consideration can be overlooked in the enthusiasm to
enroll in Running Start. Transportation to/from Running Start classes is the
student/family’s responsibility. There are no district-provided transportation
options. When choosing a Running Start college, consider the transportation
requirements carefully.
Academic Progress at
GEHS – Gibson Ek students
may take a maximum of 10 credits per quarter at Running Start, however this
course load will place the students academic progress at Gibson Ek in jeopardy
due to the educational and internship requirements at our school. Students are
strongly cautioned to take no more than 6 credits per quarter in order to
maintain their academic progress at Gibson Ek High School.
Cost – While the Running Start program covers the tuition cost
for attending classes at the college, course fees and books are a family
responsibility. There are supports for these costs for students with documented
need.
Attendance – Students are expected to attend their Gibson Ek classes
regularly. Absences due to the requirements of a student’s college classes are not
excused. Careful planning when registering for college classes is essential
to avoid conflicts.
Full-Time Running Start - Because the Gibson Ek diploma is not awarded on the basis of credits earned in specific coursework like a traditional school, students who wish to pursue full-time Running Start must first transfer back to their home area high school. Please schedule an appointment to discuss the implications and procedures of pursuing full-time Running Start.
English & Math Placement - All students must place into English 101 to participate in Running Start, and students who wish to take math at the college must take the math placement exam. For English placement, students may use their high school SBA ELA test scores of level 3 or higher (middle school SBA scores may not be used), or PSAT scores of 480 or higher in Evidence-based Reading and Writing (taken in the last 2 years). If you want to use test scores for English placement, send me a polite email with your college student ID number. Transcripts may not be used for Gibson Ek students because Gibson Ek does not award, record, or report grades or GPA.
English & Math Placement - All students must place into English 101 to participate in Running Start, and students who wish to take math at the college must take the math placement exam. For English placement, students may use their high school SBA ELA test scores of level 3 or higher (middle school SBA scores may not be used), or PSAT scores of 480 or higher in Evidence-based Reading and Writing (taken in the last 2 years). If you want to use test scores for English placement, send me a polite email with your college student ID number. Transcripts may not be used for Gibson Ek students because Gibson Ek does not award, record, or report grades or GPA.
Useful links:
Bellevue College course equivalencies for ISD graduation requirements
Current Running Start Enrollment Verification Form (digitally signed)