With many amazing dual enrollment classes offered at Shadow Ridge, one option available to seniors is English 101/102.
Paige Smith, English 101/102 dual enrollment teacher, said, “Dual Enrollment English isn’t your typical English class. Over the course of the year, students can earn six transferable college credits, double what most AP classes offer.”
The class is flexible and does not require a high-pressure AP exam at the end. Instead, it features engaging and relevant lessons that students find interesting and useful.
Smith explained, “Writing is still at the heart of the course, but it’s anything but boring.” She continued, “Students explore college-level academic writing, professional and business writing, creative pieces, and even research writing. The research process is broken into manageable steps, so it never feels overwhelming. In fact, students are often surprised, and proud, when they realize they’ve completed a 10-page research paper almost without noticing.”
Like most dual enrollment classes, English 101/102 is challenging, but it helps students in the long run by preparing them for college and other rigorous courses they will take in the future.
For students interested in the program, Smith provided a breakdown of each quarter. “The first quarter is all about setting students up for success beyond high school. We focus on the exact writing skills they need for college applications and real world opportunities.
“The second quarter shifts into APA research writing, where students choose a topic that directly connects to their future. They research a college they’re considering, a major they may pursue, or a career path they’re interested in.
“The third quarter centers on news literacy, where students examine the impact of fake news, the spread of conspiracy theories, and the role of responsible journalism. They learn how to evaluate sources, identify misinformation, and practice journalistic writing, skills that are essential for informed citizenship and academic success.
“The fourth quarter is hands-on and future-focused, as students build their own websites, giving them practical experience with a skill they will be expected to use in many college courses.”
Teachers like Smith enjoy teaching the class and value the opportunity to help students become the best versions of themselves while preparing them for future success.
Smith said, “I love teaching Dual Enrollment English because I see real, lasting value in what I teach, and I genuinely enjoy helping students grow into confident, capable writers. Knowing that the skills they develop in this class will be invaluable once they reach college makes the work incredibly rewarding, and I’m extremely proud of that.”
