The inaugural class of Early College High School (ECHS) freshman has begun its first college course as part of the ECHS curriculum, officially becoming college students at Austin Community College (ACC).

ECHS freshmen began “Effective Learning: Keys to College Success,” or EDUC 1300, a three-credit transferable course that provides knowledge and skills needed for success in college. EDUC 1300 connects students to a support system of faculty and other college students who want to set and pursue effective personal, academic and career goals, manage college course loads and master effective study skills, according to ACC.

“This semester marks an exciting start for our first class of freshman,” ECHS Principal Clarissa Rodriguez said. “After successfully passing the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) college entrance exam, our students can begin their first college transition course and earn three hours of transferable credit. Through this course, we are preparing our Legacy Class of 2020 for success as they begin their academic journey toward an associate’s degree.”

The course, held in ECHS portables and led by ECHS teacher Jordan Stewart, outlines study habits, behavior and expectations of a college student. EDUC 1300 is a required core course for all first-time ACC students.

“EDUC 1300 helps us understand how the curriculum, organization and interactions all differ from what we’re used to in middle school and high school,” ECHS Freshman Alexa Morton said. “We’re learning about what college is like in this class. We won’t have that experience quite yet, but we have the knowledge of what is to come.”