As an educator, I’m always on the lookout for innovative ways to empower my students and provide them with opportunities that can shape their futures. When I stumbled upon Modern States, a non-profit organization offering free online courses that enable students to learn college-level content, I immediately recognized its transformative potential for my students.
Personal Experience with College-Level Examination Program
Back when I was a college student, I first encountered the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) as a means to earn college credit. Administered by the College Board since the 1960s, CLEP exams assess college-level knowledge and are accepted for credit at over 2,900 colleges and universities. Taking advantage of this program saved me both time and money on my own academic journey.
Introduction to Modern States and its Impact
Fast forward to today, where I find myself working in a state and a school dedicated to helping students earn college credit before they even graduate. This is where Modern States enters the picture. Launched in 2017, this organization offers a library of 32 online courses taught by college professors to prepare learners for CLEP exams. By completing these courses and passing the exams, students can earn valuable college credits.
Incorporating Modern States into the Classroom
Upon discovering Modern States, I was initially overwhelmed by the prospect of integrating it into my teaching curriculum. However, after carefully aligning the course modules with my Social Studies curriculum, I devised a plan to seamlessly incorporate preparation for the U.S. History I CLEP exam into my classes. Making participation in Modern States and the CLEP test optional for my students, while offering extra credit for passing the exam, proved to be a successful approach.
Building Student Engagement and Confidence
To foster student buy-in and understanding, I share my personal journey of discovering CLEP exams in college and highlight the benefits of saving time and money. By setting high expectations and instilling confidence in my students, I’ve witnessed remarkable growth and success in them. Encouraging students to rise to the challenge has been a rewarding experience.
Establishing a CLEP Testing Center
Recognizing the logistical challenges students faced in traveling to external testing centers, I collaborated with my assistant principal to establish a CLEP testing center within our school. This initiative has simplified the testing process for students, eliminating barriers and ensuring a familiar setting for their exams. The ease of access has significantly contributed to the success of my students in earning college credits.
Celebrating Student Achievements and Impact
At the conclusion of the last semester, I was thrilled to see 100 percent of my students who took the U.S. History I CLEP exam passing, with 92 percent passing U.S. History II. Witnessing 30 of my students earn college credit for free was a testament to the effectiveness of Modern States and the CLEP program. With nearly 700,000 learners benefiting from Modern States courses and an estimated savings of nearly $200 million in tuition and fees through CLEP exams, the impact of these initiatives is truly remarkable.
Conclusion: Empowering Students for Future Success
In essence, Modern States has become an invaluable tool in my classroom, providing students with an affordable and accessible pathway to higher education. By enabling students to earn college credits while still in high school, these initiatives offer a significant head start on their academic journey and set them on the path to future success.
Expert Insight:
Allison Collier, Social Studies Teacher at Collierville High School and Tennessee Fellow of the James Madison Memorial Fellowship
