Working together to ensure quality
Through MnCEP concurrent enrollment providers are encouraged to share best practices and address challenges together. Among the initiatives that are organized by MnCEP and its member programs are:
- Statewide Inspired Practice conferences for concurrent enrollment teachers in selected disciplines
- Workshops about the standards and accreditation process of the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP)
- Twice-yearly member meetings
- Annual surveys of concurrent enrollment providers
- A member listserv
Through conferences, meetings, workshops, and the listserv members share models for effective program delivery and evaluation, strategies for improving stakeholder communications, and more.
NACEP Accreditation
The National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP) was started, in part, because concurrent enrollment providers desired a way to validate quality and foster improvement in programs nationwide. NACEP has articulated measurable criteria in curriculum, staff development, student assessment, and program evaluation that are the basis of quality programs. For more information about NACEP and the accreditation process visit the NACEP website at www.nacep.org.
Ten Minnesota concurrent enrollment programs are NACEP-accredited. They are located at Central Lakes College, Northland Community and Technical College, Mesabi Range Community and Technical College; University of Minnesota, Crookston; University of Minnesota, Duluth; and University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. Minnesota State University, Mankato; Riverland Community College, Austin; Southwest Minnesota State University, Marshall, and St. Cloud State University.
Minnesota legislation requires that high schools receiving state funding for concurrent enrollment work with a NACEP-accredited program, or with a program that has demonstrated comparable standards.