Jenna’s article is among a series of news stories that were completed in Ms. MacMillan’s 3rd period journalism class.

New this year, Ball State professor Pam Marshall is leading the introduction to teaching class offered at Fishers High School every Thursday. This is done with the goal of connecting high schoolers to Ball State giving them an opportunity to further their education. 

This program has developed with the help of social science teacher Kristin Marr as well as Ball State staff who have built the dual credit program. This allows students such as junior Lila McConnell to take advantage of this opportunity.  

McConnell is most excited about “being able to experience what it’s like in the classroom, because in college, you don’t get the chance to go into classes like what I’m doing in elementary schools now.” 

Each Thursday when Professor Marshall leads class a variety of things are worked on including projects, readings, discussions, presentations and applications to current work.  

“[The most recent assignment was] researching different court cases through different districts and finding whether some of them kind of relate to what’s happening today or whether it’s gotten better,” said McConnell. 

Given that the class is dual credit, students are able to earn college credit for the work they’re doing now, while also learning skills needed for college early on, such as knowing how to use a syllabus.  

 Marr would argue that the greatest benefit that students get is experiencing “career exploration and knocking out credits that are required in college while still in high school.” 

Students in this program are able to build ties with Professor Pam Marshall and Ball State University as a whole. Giving them a better chance to further their education at Ball State University.  

“It’s like my freshman year of college, so just having the opportunity to be doing this kind of helps your chances of getting in, and we’re already enrolled into Ball State… so I think it helps our chances,” said McConnell. 

Students such as McConnell who are interested in becoming early education teachers have been able to relate to Professor Marshall and build connections that will benefit them later. 

“It’s just a really fun opportunity to talk with her and.. she also, taught elementary and junior high before going to college, or before she taught college. So just hearing her experiences and everything is just like really cool,” said McConnell.