Acceleration mechanisms have become the latest academic initiative to improve postsecondary education, leading to political debates relating to acceleration mechanisms. Because Dual Enrollment is the most popular acceleration mechanism in Florida, program accountability outcome measures have become increasingly important. Literature review revealed few studies examining degree acceleration of community college students due to dual enrollment participation. This study determined that dual enrollment students: (1) were more likely to complete their Associate's degree from community colleges when compared to non-dual enrollment students; (2) showed evidence of shorter time-to-degree; and (3) were graduating with an Associate's degree from community college's with approximately one credit hour more than non-dual enrollment students, eliminating concern that dual enrollment students earn excessive numbers of credit hours.
Additional questions examined the program's effect on gender, enrollment status and ethnicity. Results provide support for the program. Statistically significant differences were found among program type, gender (female), enrollment status (full time) and ethnicity when predicting likelihood of degree completion, and when measuring time-to-degree and number of credit hours earned to graduate. These findings are important to the Florida Community College System in identifying programs that improve Associate in Arts degree completion rates. Findings should encourage state legislators and higher education officials not only to promote dual enrollment as a viable acceleration mechanism, but to provide necessary fiscal support. The commitment to articulation between educational sectors may be creating a climate of K-14 cooperation. Timely degree completion becomes important when state and institutional officials plan educational expenses and future resource demands. Greater likelihood of shortened and actual degree completion for full-time dual enrollment students may impact FTE funding sources and performance outcome measures within the Florida Community College System. Findings imply that state officials need to explore options to increase ethnic participation.
My Research