Education Decoder

If you have ever been confused by terms or acronyms professionals from other industries use with ease, you are not alone. 

Here are some insightful descriptions of common acroynms and terms used:

Additional information on college credits, transfers and more can be found via the University of Wisconsin System Credit Transfer Wizards.

PLTW
This is a national curriculum where students are engaged in thought provoking project-based learning critical thinking skills in Engineering and/or Biomedical Sciences. PLTW may allow students to learn college credit through Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) depending on grade and exam score at the end of the course.

CLEP Courses
Students earn college credit by taking a CLEP exam in the subject area they are proficient in. There are 33 different exams available. There is a test site located at Marian University. Contact 920.923.7164 to schedule an exam. Cost is $80 plus exam fee. College credit is often determined by the school/course.


COLLEGE CREDIT OPTIONS:

Advanced Placement (AP)
AP is a curriculum that is aligned with high school coursework to established college level work. Students who pass the test given in May with a 3 or higher (on a 5 point scale), can earn college credit or advanced standing at their college. The UW system has a list of policies found at: http://uwhelp.wisconsin.edu/testing/. 

Colleges vary on what the policy is so students should check with the college FIRST! The higher the score earned on the exam typically will increase the credits given at your college. Credits can range from 3 to 10 credits per exam. 

Cooperative Education Partnership 
The program (CAPP) with UW Oshkosh (UWO) allows students to take courses in high schol for UW Oshkosh credit. Cost savings is approximately 50% of the UWO tuition cost. This is LIMITED to Juniors and Seniors with at least one of the following 
requirements: GPA of 3.25 or above (on a 4.0 scale); ACT score of 24 or higher

Concurrent Enrollment (CE)
Concurrent Enrollment courses allow you to earn UW Fond du Lac and high school credit at the same time. You will develop college study skills and graduate from high school ahead of the game while learning in the familiar setting of your high school from an instructor you already know. Students need to pay for the credit but at a 50% reduced rate of $98.97/credit. Students earn both high school and college credits toward graduation.

Youth Options (YO)
Allows students to take courses at UW FDL or MPTC. The credits will transfer back to the high school at a 4-to-1 ratio, i.e. 3 credits = .75 high school credits. Credits are earned at both the high school and college. Students are capped at 18 credits total. The school district pays for the cost of books and tuition. This is LIMITED to students that meet GPA, attendance, and good credit standings. 

Dual Credit MPTC (DC)
The college course is delivered at the high school including competencies, assignments, grading policies, textbooks, and software (if applicable). The college course is taught by a Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) certified dual/transcripted credit high school teacher at the high school. These credits are earned by taking certain classes for which curriculum is aligned to the technical college. Students can be awarded dual credit for taking the high school class and earn college credit at the same time. Students complete paperwork in 
class at the start of the semester to enroll in a dual credit course. There is NO FEE to receive credit.