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Title:  Public-Use Data Files and Documentation (FRSS 104): Dual Credit and Exam-Based Courses, 2010-11
Description: This file contains data from a fast-response survey titled "Dual Credit and Exam-Based Courses." This survey provides national estimates on the prevalence and characteristics of dual credit and exam-based courses in public high schools. For this survey, dual credit is defined as a course or program where high school students can earn both high school and postsecondary credits for the same courses; exam-based courses are Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses. NCES released the results of this survey in the First Look report “Dual Credit and Exam-Based Courses in U.S. Public High Schools: 2010–11” (NCES 2013-001).

Questionnaires and cover letters were mailed to the principal of each sampled school in September 2011. The letter stated the purpose of the study and requested that the questionnaire be completed by the person most knowledgeable about dual credit and exam-based courses in the school, often the school’s lead guidance counselor or director of school guidance counselors. Respondents were offered the option of completing the survey via the Web. Telephone follow-up for survey nonresponse and data clarification was initiated in October 2011 and completed in February 2012. The weighted response rate was 91 percent.

The survey asked respondents to report information on courses for which they could earn dual credit with any postsecondary institution. Respondents reported on requirements that students must meet in order to enroll in dual credit courses. Data on whether students took any courses with an academic focus or with a career and technical/vocational focus were also collected. Other survey topics included whether courses were taught through distance education or at various locations, and whether the courses were taught by high school or postsecondary instructors. Respondents also reported whether most students (and their parents), the school, or district paid for various dual credit course expenses.
Online Availability:
Cover Date: June 2013
Web Release: June 14, 2013
Publication #: NCES 2013004
Center/Program: NCES
Type of Product: Data File
Survey/Program Areas: Fast Response Survey System (FRSS)
Keywords:
Questions: For questions about the content of this Data File, please contact:
NCES WebMaster.