Our view: Funding education

All states have some form of the Running Start program, which allows high school students to take college courses and get credit for both. But not all of them take full advantage of it.

They should, because it encourages increased participation in a program that provides positive returns on investments. Washington state pays for the college credits. Idaho does not – and it is hurting itself on multiple levels.

All students need to be challenged, but that’s especially true of motivated learners. A Horatio Alger Foundation survey from 2005-06 found that 90 percent of students want more opportunities for challenging courses.

Running Start, which was started in 1992, provides that challenge. Students in the program get a preview of what college is like, and many prefer the more serious atmosphere and accelerated learning pace. For one thing, they don’t have to sit idle while teachers struggle to gain control of classrooms.

But because Idaho students have to pick up the cost – $65 per credit – the program is underused.

About 500 to 600 students take early courses at North Idaho College and the University of Idaho. By contrast, approximately 10 percent of students – or 16,500 – take early college classes in Washington state. About 2,000 students participate through Eastern Washington University and the community colleges in Spokane.

If the credits were free, Idaho could boost participation.

Beyond challenging students, officials should take a closer look at the advantages for taxpayers, tuition-paying parents and the state’s budget.

Running Start helps students gain a college diploma more quickly. Some students have even attained an associate’s degree by the time they’ve graduated from high school. That means they may only need to spend two years at four-year institutions.

That’s significant in an era when students struggle to graduate in four years because of rapidly rising costs and the unavailability of slots in required courses.

Budget-conscious legislators would be wise to pay now to save significant dollars later.

Students say they want a challenge and they’ve proven they can handle the work: A University of Washington survey found that Running Start students carry an average grade point average of 3.12. The rest is up to the adults.