No first-period bells. Working in your own space, on your own time. Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) offers students a chance to get ahead while saving money and allowing flexibility. However, students need guidance and information about the reality of the program if they are going to succeed in a college setting. While the courses are free for students, tuition still has to be paid. Last year, the district paid $320,847 tuition for 100 students, a figure that Principal Sean Gaston notes is equivalent to the salaries of almost four full-time teachers.
“The majority of the payment of PSEO classes is actually Albert Lea schools, so tax money,” said Gaston. “Depending upon how many classes a student takes, the school pays all the way up to a student being full time, which can be four or five classes.”
Gaston reports the projections for next year are continuing to go up. PSEO enrollment is estimated to increase by another 20 students, and tuition costs for the district could go up another $100,000.
“You’re getting close to a half a million worth of PSEO,” said Gaston. The district made a $2.5 million cut in the budget for next year.
There are, however, many benefits to taking college classes while still in high school. Students are able to earn a diploma while building toward a future education without student debt.
“I took PSEO to get most of my college credits done,” said Jacob Luoma (12) who has taken 11 PSEO courses his junior and senior years. He is planning to serve in the Air Force after graduation. “[I] want to get done with college as quick as I can. I just want to get straight to working.”
There are two paths available for ALHS students: PSEO and College in the Schools (CIS). PSEO allows students to take courses either physically or virtually from Riverland Community College and other select institutions. These courses cost approximately $248.37 a credit for PSEO.
CIS brings the college curriculum into the high school classroom. For many, the choice is between the independence and flexibility of PSEO or the hands-on support of the high school environment in CIS courses. These courses cost approximately $21.68 a credit for CIS.
“If you were to look at the Riverland syllabus for calculus, I teach about 35% more content,” said Kevin Gentz who teaches CIS-Pre-Calculus, CIS-Calculus and CIS- Statistics. “The college in the school’s course requirement is the minimum that we cover in the class.”
Success in PSEO requires learning time management skills and motivation. These can be big issues for high school students. College professors aren’t as involved in a student’s daily progress. When the workload becomes overwhelming, there may not be anyone to provide reminders or oversight.
“Once you’re a PSEO student, we actually can’t help, you’re truly on your own,” said Gaston. “If you do run in any hiccups, even though you are still our student, we can’t provide those supports. You’re having to do so much on your own and that’s the hidden side people sometimes don’t look at. The biggest thing I hope our students understand is while PSEO seems like the best option, the [CIS] credits are the exact same.”
The freedom of PSEO often leads students to procrastinate, which can create significant academic issues like failing classes or withdrawing. According to Riverland’s website, “The student is responsible for 100 percent of the tuition and fees for courses withdrawn from. Withdrawing from a course will not affect the student’s GPA. However, it will affect their completion rate.”
But what happens if a student fails, withdraws or stops attending a class when they aren’t the ones paying for tuition? ALHS pays the bill.
“[This year] Our counselors were notified by Riverland, when they got grades, that this was the largest number of our students who have ever not passed PSEO classes,” said Gaston of the Fall Semester. “The cost is that we pay for that class anyway. So, if a student takes an F, if they withdraw midway through, anything like that, once it’s past the deadline the school district still pays the bill.”
Since it is a college class, an F will affect a student’s college GPA and transcripts which could complicate future college applications, scholarships and academic eligibility for sports.
“People that just want to start taking college classes and getting to know what college level courses are like and start getting that college mindset,” said PSEO student Janely Perez (12) about preparing for college courses. Perez said GPA is something to take seriously because it impacts both college and high school.
Those who aren’t ready for the responsibility are finding out too late and could begin college on academic probation.
“I think a bigger thing is we’re having students take classes they need for graduation, failing them, then we have to come back and tell them that was replacing your English 12 class, or your English 11 so now you’re not going to graduate,” said Gaston about earning graduation credits off campus. There often isn’t time for remediation like credit recovery between finalizing college courses and ALHS graduation.
Although PSEO is a great opportunity to get a head start on the future goals, students should consider if it is the right path for them. PSEO is not for everyone, being knowledgeable about what is involved in going PSEO is important.
“None of the teachers are gonna actually hold your hand through the [PSEO] class,” said Luoma. “You’ve got to actually try, they’re not going to give you a study guide or anything.”
Tristan Camel (12), another PSEO student said time management is essential to success, “Getting it [assignments] done on time, the biggest part is not waiting until the last day.”
He and Luoma discussed the importance of being prepared for PSEO, like reading the syllabus to understand class expectations and knowing how to use the college’s technology like Brightspace and tutor.com.
“I’d recommend PSEO to students who are motivated, responsible and ready for a more independent learning environment,” said PSEO student Annais Garcia Ortiz (12). “It’s great for people who want a challenge or already feel like they’ve outgrown some high school classes. I think PSEO is a great opportunity if you’re ready for it. It can help you get ahead and feel more confident going into college.”
A benefit of CIS is a gradual introduction to college-level work with daily teacher support. High school classes are paced slower which allows for interventions or one-on-one coaching.
“The adaptation is that it’s five days as opposed to three,” said Gentz. “But at the end of the day, you are stepping into a college-level course. And as far as calculus is concerned, I’ve taught the students in the previous years, so I know where they’re at. I know what I need to review. I know what I need to cover.”
Students enjoy the independence and flexibility that comes with taking PSEO, especially paired with senior privilege which is in its second year and allows students to leave during lunch and study halls if they don’t have any unexcused absences, aren’t failing any classes and haven’t received any disciplinary actions.
“I took my [PSEO] classes so I could have some gaps in my school day,” said PSEO student Teaghen Tolbers (12). “But also so I can finish school earlier so I can start working.”
Tolbers also is enrolled in the work study program and attends classes at ALHS for half the day. Recently, he decided to attend Gustavus Adolphus College and will be playing football. He is looking forward to a four-year college experience.
“I think I’ll enjoy my experience in college,” said Tolbers. “Obviously, saving money is nice, but I still want to go for a decent amount of time to figure out how to live on my own and balance work and sports and school. So it’s [college] a good learning experience.”
Balancing PSEO with high school classes and other activities can also be difficult.
“One of the biggest challenges is definitely managing your time,” said Garcia Ortiz. “College classes move faster, and there’s less structure compared to high school. Also, balancing PSEO classes with high school activities or a job can be stressful.”
Another benefit of CIS is that students are in a familiar environment with classmates they know. This can be more comfortable for some students.
“I love the family environment that I try to create,” said teacher Therese Netzer who teaches CIS-Western Humanities English. “I know all my kids really well, and we have this atmosphere that is fun and light and happy. We talk face to face, and it is lively and fun, and senior memories and wacky stuff, and also learning.”
Netzer is the student council adviser who helps students organize and plan school events. She sees the importance of school culture and connecting with classmates.
“I feel bad that they’re [PSEO] missing out on the fun atmosphere that we have, because I think you have your whole life to be alone, in your house, working,” said Netzer. “But you don’t have your whole life to be with the people that you grew up around and making memories together.”
Staying connected to social circles and extracurricular activities is important for PSEO students.
“We’ve interviewed probably 60 PSEO kids over the last three years,” said Gaston. “They missed the stuff in school. They miss the friends at lunch. They miss the connection. It’s hard to feel connected to what’s going on in the building when you’re not there. We’ve seen some kids come back for senior year after they took PSEO as a junior.”
The draw of PSEO seems to be the finances and flexibility. For students who are ready for the commitment and responsibility, it can be a chance to get ahead in life but maybe CIS can offer the same financial benefits and some of the flexibility. The school is considering a hybrid model for CIS courses.
“I love my job,” said Netzer. “I love what I do. I would love to see the numbers get back to where they used to be. We used to have strong CIS programs and attendance at the high school. I would like to bring the kids back. And we’re going to Greece next year. So if you’re a CIS student, you can join us in Greece.”
CIS provides the same college credit while still giving students access to all the social and extracurricular opportunities that high school can offer. So, before taking PSEO courses students should understand the pros and cons that come with their choice. In the end, it is not only about the credits but the impact on the school, community and students.
