NACEP National Standards for Quality

NACEP Standards are measurable criteria that ensure quality in concurrent enrollment and college-provided faculty model programs. They are used for accreditation but also serve as a framework for improving program development. As the only national standards for these programs, they are widely adopted into state policies and recognized by professional associations and regional accreditors.

Concurrent Enrollment Program (CEP)

DEFINITION: NACEP defines concurrent enrollment program (CEP) as college credit-bearing courses taught to high school students by college approved high school teachers. 

  • College courses offered in the high school are of the same quality and rigor as the courses offered on-campus at the sponsoring college or university.
  • Students enrolled in concurrent enrollment courses are held to the same standards of achievement as students in on-campus courses.
  • Instructors teaching college courses through the concurrent enrollment program meet the academic requirements for faculty and instructors teaching in the sponsoring post-secondary institution and are trained in course delivery and are provided ongoing discipline-specific professional development.
  • Concurrent enrollment programs display greater accountability through program evaluation.

 COLLEGE PROVIDED FACULTY MODEL (CPF) 

DEFINITION: NACEP defines college college-provided faculty model (CPF) as any college credit-bearing courses taught to high school students by college-provided faculty regardless of location or delivery method. This enrollment is due to a partnership between the high school and the college/university. 

  • Students enrolled in college-provided faculty model courses are advised, enrolled, and supported as consistently as traditional students.
  • Faculty are informed about policies and practices in relation to teaching high school students.
  • There is a clear partnership between the high school and college/university which supports this enrollment model.