College Before College (Part 2): When Achievement Becomes Accumulation

Students today are accumulating more credentials, more transcript hours, and more visible markers of achievement than ever before. But as acceleration expands, an important question sits underneath the surface: are we beginning to confuse the accumulation of credits with the deeper work of learning and personal growth?Corey Alderdice, a national voice on talent and transformation, explores the growing culture of optimization in education, the “quality lottery” surrounding dual enrollment experiences, and the difference between building a résumé and building a life of intellectual curiosity, exploration, and meaning.Learn more about the current landscape of college-level learning in high school in the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnership's report Beyond Rigor: Closing the Quality Gap in State Dual Enrollment Policy.For additional thoughts from Corey, visit coreyalderdice.com.You can also follow him on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, BlueSky, YouTube, Instagram, and Threads.