INFORMATION FOR
William Paterson University and the Hamilton Township High Schools have initiated a new dual enrollment program to offer eligible students access to intermediate-level courses in Spanish and give them a jump-start on earning college credits while in high school.
Currently, 29 students from Hamilton Township’s three high schools—Steinert, Nottingham, and Hamilton West—are enrolled in dual enrollment courses Intermediate Spanish I, Intermediate Spanish II, and Advanced Spanish Composition. Each course is taught by Hamilton teachers under the supervision of Professor Maria Tajes of William Paterson University’s Department of Languages and Cultures.
“An extensive body of research has shown that dual enrollment students are more likely to finish high school, attend college, and complete their degrees than other students,” says Joshua Powers, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at William Paterson University. “We are excited to partner with the Hamilton Township School District to provide their students with the opportunity to earn college credits and get a head start on beginning their college careers.”
Students who complete the courses will have their credits recorded on an official William Paterson University transcript. In addition, upon entry to the dual enrollment program, Hamilton Township School district students are conditionally admitted to William Paterson pending successful completion of the dual enrollment course with a grade of C or better, and attaining a high school diploma. Students who enroll at the University may apply their credits toward a major in Spanish or toward the world language requirement.
“This is an exciting opportunity for our students to earn college credits while still in high school. This collaboration between William Paterson University and Hamilton Township School District is another example of our efforts to provide our students with programs and learning that prepares them for post high school education,” stated HTSD Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Scott Rocco.
“We see this as another opportunity to help our students shine in the college admissions process and / or work force,” says Anthony Scotto, Director of Curriculum and Instruction for the District. “I appreciate the time and effort Mr. Batlle (curriculum supervisor), our world language teachers (from all three high schools), and educational partners at William Paterson have worked to make this vision a reality.”
For more information, contact: Dr. Patrick Noonan, Director, Transfer Programs and Special Sessions, at noonanp@wpunj.edu or at 973-720-3080 and Mr. Alejandro Batlle, HTSD World Languages Supervisor, at abatlle@htsdnj.org or at 609-631-4100, Ext. 3011.
Photo: Hamilton West High School, Mr. Chorba’s AP Spanish Class; (pictured left to right) Jocelyn Gonzalez Naranjo, Mellanie Cortes, Arlene Peralta, Seth Chorba (Teacher), Gian Garcia-Sanmartin, Shalma Massiry Fontalvo, and Widmary Hernandez-Lopez
