For the past several years, college faculty members have expressed concern about the rigor of dual-credit classes, especially those taught by high school teachers. Dual-credit classes have rapidly displaced Advanced Placement (AP) as a way for students to earn college credit before matriculating. Students taking AP classes must pass a standardized test to earn those college credits. The test was designed to ensure the quality and rigor of the AP classes. However, because of the dismal pass rates on the exam, school districts have increasing turned to dual-credit as an alternative.

While dual-credit hours are supposed to transfer directly to college credit at all state institutions, the concern for lack of rigor has caused some colleges to accept the credits only as electives.

Recently, Higher Education Commissioner Raymond Paredes has joined faculty members in expressing concern that the courses are not challenging enough. Meanwhile, school districts worry that, because of this concern, the state will reduce the scope of the dual-credit options. It is expected that the State Congress will address this matter when the next biennial session begins in January.