Internet Open Opportunities for High School Students I interviewed Chris Brumwell on her birthday. She told me her age in a mathematical equation. Chris has been the math teacher in Big Sandy for many years. She also serves as the academic counselor for the students as well.
Chris told me the students have an opportunity from Montana Digital Academy to select from 13 subject matters with several courses in each subject. This allows them to take classes that are not taught in a classroom or will enable them to redo a class they didn't do well in previously. It opens numerous opportunities for students to learn. 133 teachers teach online. Chris said, "Students can take classes we can't offer them here. Specialized classes."
Another option online is Dual Credits. Chris told the school board about the program around ten years ago, and the board approved the opportunity to do so. Since that time, the student could take college credits in a variety of subjects earning both credits towards high school graduation and college. She works with mainly three schools, MSU Billings, Great Falls MSU, and MSU Northern.
In Big Sandy, in the past, there have only been seniors involved taking about four classes; however, in the last few years, the number of students taking advantage of the program has increased. In the last couple of years, only juniors and seniors have taken the classes, and this year one sophomore has also decided to take a class. This year 20 college classes will be finished by Big Sandy high school students. Normally, the cost is approximately $160 per class college credit of 6 from Northern or MSU Billings, Great Falls MSU Bozeman, however this year BSU Billings was free! "We look through all three colleges and pick what's best for the student."
She recommends they take their CORE classes like writing, math, science, humanities, fine arts, and cultural diversity. For example, MSU Northern has 30 classes and Great Falls College MSU has over 60 classes to choose from. Students will have those done before they even get to college. As well, the cost is incredibly low in comparison.
Chris had just returned from visiting MSU-Great Falls, a two-year Community college with five Big Sandy students. She told me that statistically, 80% of students who attend a community college graduate. On the other hand, 20% of the students who entered a University graduate. Where ever a student does decide to go, they can get ahead start while they are in high school. This allows them to graduated college as quickly as three years if they work hard, and faster yet if they choose a two year program quicker yet!
