Standards and Accreditation

National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP)

Program quality standards are the basis for accreditation and a framework for program development.

The National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP) is the sole recognized entity nationally for the accreditation of dual credit programs. As dual credit partnerships expand across Connecticut, it is critical that all concurrent enrollment programs are high quality. Therefore, the CSDE has engaged in a three-year contract with NACEP through November 2026 to support Connecticut institutions of higher education (IHEs) and their K-12 partners to implement best practices with respect to dual credit programs and for the IHEs to attain NACEP accreditation. Through this contract, NACEP will provide live webinars, virtual problems-of-practice collaborative meetings, preparation for accreditation sessions, and two intensive in-person institutes on program quality and accreditation.

NACEP Webinar Series for Connecticut IHEs and District Partners

Promoting Program Quality and Building a Path to NACEP Accreditation

In this inaugural session with NACEP, we start with an overview of Connecticut’s dual credit expansion efforts, learn about NACEP’s role in the work ahead, and what to expect in 2024. Then we delve into the fundamental aspects of creating meaningful partnerships that drive dual enrollment program success. From finding the right partner to navigating common challenges, the goal is to equip you with the tools and insights you need to cultivate thriving collaborations. View the session to kick off this journey by focusing on partnership, the essential foundation of any program. Recorded March 13, 2024.

The Faculty Liaison and Dual Credit Teacher Relationship

Effective faculty and teacher relationships are an important way to bridge the gap between high school classrooms and college campuses, fostering meaningful connections that enrich the educational experience for students and educators alike. In this session, representatives from NACEP and their partners explored ways to fortify the critical relationship between high school dual credit instructors and their faculty liaisons. Recorded April 25, 2024.

Student Supports and the Student Experience

At the very core of quality dual credit work are the essential elements of appropriate engagement, advising, and dedicated support services for students. In this session, representatives from NACEP and their partners explored empowering strategies tailored to dual credit students. Panelists explained effective advising strategies and mindsets and participants gained insights into working with students with disabilities to support them on their journey toward academic success. Recorded May 30, 2024.

Evaluation: Collecting and Using Program Data

What is the one thing you wish you had data on that would:

Improve your dual credit program.
Focus your program on equitable access and student success.
Prioritize the needs of your students.

Good data can put you in the driver’s seat and allow you to report what is working and what is not to policymakers. But how can you get this data or information? And how do you use it to enhance the quality of your program? In this session, the CSDE in partnership with the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP) explore how to find national, Connecticut state-level, and program-level data and how to use that information to improve dual credit programs. Recorded November 14, 2024.