Dual Credit at LSC-Houston North
Dual Credit at LSC-Houston North is an opportunity for high school students to earn high school and college credit simultaneously. Students demonstrating college readiness through a college placement exam can earn college and high school credits in the same course by attending classes at their high school, on a Lone Star campus, and/or online. We partner with independent school districts, charter schools, private schools, and homeschool parents to offer courses in the core curriculum, foreign languages, and workforce education.
Why Dual Credit?
Leap Into Dual Credit
Are you wondering what is dual credit and its benefits? How does dual credit differ from AP classes? What is the cost of dual credit classes? We’ll answer questions about our programs, qualifications, benefits, and how you save time and money by taking that leap into your future!
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Earn a workforce certificate or up to 60 transferable credit hours! Dual Credit courses allow you to earn high school and college credit at the same time! Start your college education with Dual Credit at LSC-Houston North!
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¡Los cursos de crédito dual le permiten obtener créditos para la escuela secundaria y la universidad al mismo tiempo! ¡Comienza tu educación universitaria con Crédito Dual en LSC-Houston North!
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Lone Star College-Houston North locations
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LSC-HN Fairbanks 14955 Northwest Fwy |
LSC-HN Fallbrook 12750 Walters RD |
LSC-HN Greenspoint 250 N. Sam Houston Pkwy E. |
LSC-HN Victory 4141 Victory Dr |
Meet the LSC-Houston North Dual Credit Team
Micheal Crouch
Manager, School Partnerships
Micheal.Crouch@LoneStar.edu
281.810.5653
Jane Buckner
VECHS Advisor
Jane.T.HakalaBuckner@LoneStar.edu
Jane’s work in public education began as a school health nurse, though she was quickly drawn into the education field. As a teacher, curriculum specialist in health and school administrator, she had multiple opportunities to work closely with students and families. Jane’s position as adjunct instructor at UH for 13 years enabled her to work with preservice teachers to create opportunities that promoted classroom wellness and the impact that has on academic achievement.
In 2007, Jane joined LSC-Tomball as an academic advisor, and later as Manager of the school’s first TRIO Student Support program. Jane and her staff created a strong model program to ensure student success. TRIO’s work with first generation students proved that with access to services and meaningful connections, academic success could be achieved. Jane considers herself to be a success partner with each student that she encounters.
Jane earned degrees from Northern Illinois University, University of Houston and Prairie View University. She enjoys reading, cycling and spending time with her family. While she has several volunteer interests, her top priority is projects that promote dignity among individuals and families that are striving to become stronger.
Dual Credit Counselors Corner
The Houston North Counselor’s Corner page serves as a support site for Houston North Dual Credit and Early College High School Counselors. Dual Credit Updates and important resources are housed here.
Eligible dual credit enrollment requires students to demonstrate college readiness in reading, writing, and/or math* as applicable to the course(s) the student plans to take. All students in Texas public colleges are required to demonstrate college readiness through approved placement testing. The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) is a state program designed to promote student success by assessing students' academic skills through the TSI Assessment (TSIA2). Dual Credit students may be exempt from TSIA2 with approved placement assessments scores from STAAR EOC, SAT, ACT, PSAT/NMSQT, or PLAN.
TSI Updates:
Beginning Fall 2021, the TSI (aka TSIA2) exam is divided into two component areas: for Language Arts & Reading (ELAR) and Mathematics. Based upon course selections for Dual Credit the student may be asked to take the TSI Assessment in each component area.
Level-One Certificate: A student may be TSIA2 exempt to enroll in eligible Level One certificate workforce (i.e., Career & Continuing Education) dual credit courses.
Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Associate of Applied Science: Students are required to satisfy TSIA2 requirements or submit other approved placement scores.
*Math placement scores are used for enrollment in freshman college-level Math courses (e.g. Math 1314, 1324, 1332, and 1342). Additional Math placement testing may be required for students requesting sophomore-level math courses providing the student has met the college readiness standard in Math as defined by the Texas Success Initiative.
TSI Updates:
Beginning Fall 2021, the TSI (aka TSIA2) exam is divided into two component areas: for Language Arts & Reading (ELAR) and Mathematics. Based upon course selections for Dual Credit the student may be asked to take the TSI Assessment in each component area.
Level-One Certificate
A student may be TSIA2 exempt to enroll in eligible Level One certificate workforce (i.e., Career & Continuing Education) dual credit courses.
Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Associate of Applied Science
Students are required to satisfy TSIA2 requirements or submit other approved placement scores.
*Math placement scores are used for enrollment in freshman college-level Math courses (e.g. Math 1314, 1324, 1332, and 1342). Additional Math placement testing may be required for students requesting sophomore-level math courses providing the student has met the college readiness standard in Math as defined by the Texas Success Initiative.
Take at least 2 dual credit classes and earn your six credit hours.
The goal of this pathway is for students to complete between 6-24 credit hours. This pathway is ideal for students that are TSI met in Reading and Writing by the end of their Sophomore year. Students on this pathway can begin taking college courses their junior year.
Students take courses that will accurate entry to the workforce.
Dual Credit Career and Technical Education (CTE) is a pathway that allows high school students to enroll in college-level CTE courses while still in high school. Such courses may be taken at either the high school or the college depending on equipment availability and credentialed instructors. The goal of this program is for students to complete at minimum 6 hours or up to a level one certificate or industry credential. This pathway would be available to students to enter at either the 11th or 12th grade year and is ideal for students that are not TSI met in Reading and Writing by the end of their Sophomore and/or Junior year.
Students who choose this pathway will take 14 or 15 dual credit courses applicable to an associate or bachelor’s degree.
The goal of this program is for students to complete the core curriculum. Students will earn 42-45 credit hours. This pathway is ideal for students that are TSI met in Reading and Writing by the end of their Freshman year and TSI met in Math at the end of their Sophomore year.
Students earn 60 credit hours and complete an associate’s degree!
The goal of this program is for students to complete 60 credit hours and earn an associate degree or Associate of Applied Science through Lone Star College-Houston North. A few of the courses may be taken at the college during the academic year or in the summer. This pathway is ideal for students that are TSI met in Reading and Writing by the end of their Freshman year, TSI met in Math at the end of their Sophomore year and can commit to summer and/or after school classes. Transportation is required. Students on this pathway can begin taking dual credit courses during their 10th grade year.
Registration Policies and Procedures
Adding and Withdrawing from Courses
- Dual credit students have an exceptional admit status on their accounts because they have not graduated from high school. As a result, dual credit students will not be able to add a class or withdraw from a class on their own. When a student wishes to add or withdraw a course, they must work with their high school counselor.
- If a student wishes to add a course, they must submit a dual credit registration form to their counselor. The counselor must then sign off on the form and submit it to their LSC Dual Credit office.
- Students cannot take more than 18 semester credit hours in one semester without approval from the LSC Vice President of Instruction.
- Mini sessions and online classes require LSC approval.
Dual Credit Withdrawl Policy
If a student chooses to withdraw from a dual credit college course, he or she must meet with their high school counselor FIRST. The high school counselor can assist the student in withdrawing from the college side of a dual credit course. The student must complete and submit an official college Withdrawal Form prior to the college's last official date for withdrawal. Failure to do so could result in the student receiving an "F" on his/her official LSC transcript. The student will also need to work with the high school counselor to enroll in the appropriate high school course.
No Dual Credit Drop Form is required from the student before the term begins. After the term begins, a student must complete a Lone Star College drop form so that the withdrawal from the Dual Credit course can be properly processed. Failure to complete a drop form could result in an F on a student’s college transcript.
Below C Process
Students must maintain a C or better in dual credit classes. If a student earns below a C in any one dual credit class, they may not be eligible to continue taking dual credit classes. If the high school approves, the student may be able to appeal their dual credit status.
Disability Services
If a dual credit student with disabilities is taking a class on an LSC campus or with an LSC instructor, they have the same access to LSC Disability Service Offices that other Lone Star College students have.
LSC Disability Service Providers are available to work with Dual Credit Students to determine eligibility and to identify and implement reasonable accommodations. Visit?Campus Contacts.
Dual Credit Faculty Support
Early Alert
Faculty members who wish to submit an Early Alert form to Student Services can do so at any time during the semester. Follow-up emails will be sent to faculty member with any updates regarding the alert or once the alert is completed.
LSC Library and Tutoring Resources
Did you know that all your dual credit students have access to LSC Library Resources for free? Dual Credit students can request a student ID card, schedule tutoring services, learn about academic integrity, find course materials on reserve, search the library catalog, request books, find articles in research databases, and explore research guides.
Getting Your Barcode
You will need an ID card with a barcode on the back to access the library databases. If you do not have one, follow these steps to get a barcode.
Go to this link to fill out a barcode request. When you fill it out, put that you are an instructor in the comments section, and choose Houston North. They will email your barcode and assign you a pin, which you can change yourself later if you choose.
Faculty Teaching Online Resources
Click the link below for faculty resources to help assist with online class conversion. Note that you can request one-on-one instructional support scheduling through Virtual Teaching Assistance Center (VTAC).
Our Best Practices in Online teaching is a practical handbook for anyone teaching online or hybrid classes. The handbook contains information on setting up your class, communication, tips & tricks and much more. Advice from experienced instructors is used throughout to provide innovative ideas and to help you learn from their depth of experience. Click here to access the online handbook.
Instructional Technology
LSC-Houston North Instructional Designer, Cynthia Shade is available for a 30-minute individual support sessions via WebEx. Please make only one appointment in order to leave times for others.
There are D2L Open Labs (via WebEx) scheduled all week. Look on the VTAC Event Calendar for days/times.
Professional Development Opportunities
Discover the learning and growth opportunities presented by the office of Organizational Development by visiting the LSC OD Catalog
Dual Credit Counselors Corner
The Houston North Counselor's Corner page serves as a support site for Houston North Dual Credit and Early College High School Counselors. Dual Credit Updates and important resources are housed here.
The resource packet for adjunct and dual credit instructors has many of the tools that you will need to get through the semester. The packet includes checklists for required administrative duties, job aids, teaching ideas, and more.
Instructional Technology
LSC-Houston North Instructional Designer, Cynthia Shade is available for a 30-minute individual support sessions via WebEx. Please make only one appointment in order to leave times for others.
There are D2L Open Labs (via WebEx) scheduled all week. Look on the VTAC Event Calendar for days/times.
Early Alert
Faculty members who wish to submit an Early Alert form to Student Services can do so at any time during the semester. Follow-up emails will be sent to faculty member with any updates regarding the alert or once the alert is completed.
LSC Library and Tutoring Resources
Did you know that all your dual credit students have access to LSC Library Resources for free? Dual Credit students can request a student ID card, schedule tutoring services, learn about academic integrity, find course materials on reserve, search the library catalog, request books, find articles in research databases, and explore research guides.
Getting Your Barcode
You will need an ID card with a barcode on the back to access the library databases. If you do not have one, follow these steps to get a barcode.
Go to this link to fill out a barcode request. When you fill it out, put that you are an instructor in the comments section, and choose Houston North. They will email your barcode and assign you a pin, which you can change yourself later if you choose.
Faculty Teaching Online Resources
Click the link below for faculty resources to help assist with online class conversion. Note that you can request one-on-one instructional support scheduling through Virtual Teaching Assistance Center (VTAC).
Our Best Practices in Online teaching is a practical handbook for anyone teaching online or hybrid classes. The handbook contains information on setting up your class, communication, tips & tricks and much more. Advice from experienced instructors is used throughout to provide innovative ideas and to help you learn from their depth of experience. Click here to access the online handbook.
Professional Development Opportunities
Discover the learning and growth opportunities presented by the office of Organizational Development by visiting the LSC OD Catalog
Dual Credit Student How-Tos
Adding and Withdrawing from Courses
- Dual credit students have an exceptional admit status on their accounts because they have not graduated from high school. As a result, dual credit students will not be able to add a class or withdraw from a class on their own. When a student wishes to add or withdraw a course, they must work with their high school counselor.
- If a student wishes to add a course, they must submit a dual credit registration form to their counselor. The counselor must then sign off on the form and submit it to their LSC Dual Credit office.
- Students cannot take more than 18 semester credit hours in one semester without approval from the LSC Vice President of Instruction.
- Mini sessions and online classes require LSC approval.
Dual Credit Withdrawl Policy
If a student chooses to withdraw from a dual credit college course, he or she must meet with their high school counselor FIRST. The high school counselor can assist the student in withdrawing from the college side of a dual credit course. The student must complete and submit an official college Withdrawal Form prior to the college's last official date for withdrawal. Failure to do so could result in the student receiving an "F" on his/her official LSC transcript. The student will also need to work with the high school counselor to enroll in the appropriate high school course.
No Dual Credit Drop Form is required from the student before the term begins. After the term begins, a student must complete a Lone Star College drop form so that the withdrawal from the Dual Credit course can be properly processed. Failure to complete a drop form could result in an F on a student’s college transcript.
Below C Process
Students must maintain a C or better in dual credit classes. If a student earns below a C in any one dual credit class, they may not be eligible to continue taking dual credit classes. If the high school approves, the student may be able to appeal their dual credit status.
Disability Services
If a dual credit student with disabilities is taking a class on an LSC campus or with an LSC instructor, they have the same access to LSC Disability Service Offices that other Lone Star College students have.
LSC Disability Service Providers are available to work with Dual Credit Students to determine eligibility and to identify and implement reasonable accommodations. Visit?Campus Contacts.
Dual Credit New Student
New Dual Credit Checklist graphic/video (adobe spark)
Meet School with your high school dual credit counselor to discuss dual credit pathways options. The counselor will also be your main contact for questions regarding registration, payment, and general concerns surrounding the dual credit program. Get more information at LoneStar.edu/dualcredit-eligibility.
*Note: Your counselor may already have scheduled dates for you to complete the items below.
Complete the LSC Admissions Application through Apply Texas.
- Check your email for your LSC username and ID number. You will usually receive this within 24-48 hours of completing the application. Save this information! You will need it to complete the registration paperwork.
- Bacterial Meningitis satisfaction is required only if you are attending an in-person or hybrid class on the college campus. You do NOT need to complete this step if you are attending a class at your school.
Placement Testing
Prepare for testing with TSI Test Prep (Optional) (link to TSI test prep)
Complete the Pre-Assessment Activity.
The activity is found in your my.lonestar.edu student checklist. (Skip this step if you have taken the SAT, ACT, or PSAT). Complete Placement Testing (ACT, SAT, PSAT, and/ or TSIA2 Testing). And submit all test scores and LSC ID number to your high school counselor.
- The testing fee is waived for all first-time dual credit testers. All first-time testers MUST take the full exam. Students can re-take sections of the exam for a small fee. Please visit our testing center website for more information.
- TSI testing can be completed either via remote proctoring or in-person proctoring at a LSC campus. Remote proctoring has an additional fee of $25 per administration. Please visit our testing center website for instructions on signing up for remote and in-person testing.
- LSC Testing Centers require a photo ID, testing ticket, and, if retesting, payment receipt from the Cashier's office.
Registration and Payment
Complete the Dual Credit Packet which includes the following documents: Dual Credit Exceptional Admissions Form (Registration Form for all students under 18 years of age)
- This form must contain all 3 signatures. Your counselor will complete the course section of the form.
Packet Submission
Submit completed packet with all guardian signatures to counselor or dual credit coordinator at your school for approval and registration. If you took the SAT, PSAT, or ACT please include a full score report in your packet to your counselor.
- After registration is complete, your counselor will notify you to make payment for your classes.
Dual Credit Returning Student
- Meet with your high school dual credit counselor for course approval.
- Satisfy Bacterial Meningitis Requirement. (Skip this step if you are taking ONLY online courses, courses at your high school, or if you have already completed this requirement.)
- Complete the Dual Credit Exceptional Admissions Form (Registration Form) and turn it in to your dual credit counselor.
- This form must contain all 3 signatures. Your counselor will complete the course section of the form.
- After registration is complete, your counselor will notify you to make payment for your classes. Instructions for payment can be found here.
Dual Credit Homeschool Student
- Complete LSC Admissions Application through ApplyTexas.
- Check your email for your LSC username and ID number. You will usually receive this within 24-48 hours of completing the application. Save this information! You will need it to complete the registration paperwork.
- Create a password for your MyLoneStar account and log into your student portal at my.LoneStar.edu. Satisfy Bacterial Meningitis Requirement.
- This is only required if you are attending an in-person or hybrid class on the college campus.
- Complete the Pre-Assessment Activity. The activity is found in your myLoneStar student checklist.
- This is necessary unless you are exempt from the TSI based on SAT or ACT scores
- Review for the TSI Assessment Prepare for the TSI Assessment. Study materials can be found here.
- This is necessary unless you are exempt from the TSI based on SAT or ACT scores
- Complete Placement Testing (ACT, SAT, PSAT, and/ or TSI Testing)
- The testing fee is waived for all first-time dual credit testers. All first-time testers MUST take the full exam. Students can re-take sections of the exam for a small fee. Please visit our testing center website for more information.
- TSI testing can be completed either via remote proctoring or in-person proctoring at a LSC campus. Remote proctoring has an additional fee of $25 per administration. Please visit our testing center website for instructions on signing up for remote and in-person testing.
- The testing fee is waived for all first-time dual credit testers. All first-time testers MUST take the full exam. Students can re-take sections of the exam for a small fee. Please visit our testing center website for more information.
Attend New Student Orientation
- Download Homeschool Packet [EC1] and complete all required forms (obtain homeschool, parent, and student signatures). See chart to for a breakdown of all of the forms required for first time registration. CHART
- Upload all necessary registration documents in the online form HERE.
- If you do not receive registration confirmation within 2 business days please email the dual credit team at HN-DualCredit@LoneStar.edu for assistance.
- Dual Credit Exceptional Admissions Form (Registration Form)
- This form must contain all 3 signatures. Your counselor will complete the course section of the form.
- Parental Consent & Waiver Form (For all students under 18 years of age)
- Agreement Regarding Minor on Campus Form (For all students under 16 years of age)
- FERPA Form (Not required but strongly recommended)
Dual Credit Parent
Dual Credit is a Great Choice for Your Family!- Adobe spark video
The LSC-Houston North Dual Credit program meets the Aldine ISD College for All initiative. We offer academic and workforce dual credit pathways to prepare students to enter directly into the workforce or for academic transfer to a university. Visit the LSC ________ Your student will have the opportunity to earn a workforce credential or an associate degree and high school diploma at the same time. Core Curriculum courses seamlessly transfer to many public local, state, and national universities
Students have full access to all Lone Star College-Houston North including computer labs, libraries, tutoring services and activity clubs.
Dual Credit Costs
Lone Star College waives the tuition (the price you pay for class by credit hours) for dual credit courses. Students only pay for fees charged to all students for library and learning center services and textbooks. Initial placement testing fees for the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Assessment is waived for dual credit students. Retesting is available at $10 per section. Textbooks and other instructional materials may be purchased from the LSC bookstore or other textbook retailers in new, used, rental, or e-book formats.
College Expectations
As a college student, your student is expected to take initiative. This includes, attending class, seeking academic help, and addressing any problems they may have directly with their instructors. It is also important for parents to realize that college classes may cover sensitive adult content.
Are Dual Credit Classes Challenging?
Completing college level course work while in high school can provide a challenge student may not be experiencing in typical high school courses; however, LSC-Houston North’s Dual Credit program was designed to help our students succeed with our student support services.
What Support Does LSC Provide to My Child?
Support systems at LSC-Houston North have been established to assist our dual credit students in being successful in their dual credit courses and beyond. Dual credit students receive access to learning labs, free tutoring, career planning, transfer services, computer access.
For students with disabilities, please visit LSC Dual Credit Disability Services.
How Does My Child Apply to be a Dual Credit Student?
If your child is interested in completing an application for dual credit, follow this aid and tip sheet to ensure the dual credit application is completed correctly.
Reasons Students May Not Be Able to Register for Classes
Dual Credit Exceptional Admissions Form (Registration Form) was not submitted or received Incomplete Dual Credit PacketEmail HN-DualCredit@LoneStar.edu to resolve a registration block.
- Placement Scores may not satisfy requirements for class
- Outstanding fees on student account from previous semester
- Student made below a C in a Dual Credit course.
- Course prerequisites are not satisfied
- Service Indictors preventing registration
Communicating with Faculty and Staff
As a dual credit student, your student’s records are considered confidential under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 ("FERPA") and are not releasable without student consent, even if the student is a minor. In order to obtain records regarding a specific student, your student must submit an authorization form to release educational records. It is strongly encouraged for students to complete the Authorization to Release Education Records in their dual credit packet and include the student’s high school counselor and other parties whom LSC may disclose educational information to.
Dual Credit Advising
Contact our office for individual Dual Credit advising appointments, email HN-DualCredit@LoneStar.edu or call 281-810-5622.
At Lone Star College-Houston North there are 4 distinct pathways to pursue dual credit depending on student eligibility through the Texas Success Initiative. The four pathways include: College for All, Dual Credit CTE, Dual Credit Core Complete and Dual Credit- Collegiate Academy. Each pathway allows high school students to enroll in college courses for credit prior to high school graduation. College credits earned through these pathways can be applied toward high school and college graduation and can be transferred to other colleges or universities.
How does a student complete their degree following a dual credit program?
At Lone Star College-Houston North, our school partnerships staff have created a seamless process to transition your child from High School to become a Houston North-Panther and complete their remaining courses for their chosen degree plan.
Dual Credit Questions and Answers
LSC-Houston North Links
Questions? We're here to help!
HN-Outreach@LoneStar.edu.
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