Massive open online courses (MOOCs) have always been available
to anyone interested enough to take them, but edX is working on new courses
aimed at preparing high school students for college. The firm created 27
courses to get students ready to for college-level studies and ensure they're less likely to
need remedial courses, according to a report in eSchool News.
The High School Initiative is designed to help students prepare for college and advance-placement exams
and provide teachers with new course materials. All courses are free, but some
have an option to earn a verification certificate for a fee.
Student progress will be tracked on a page that features
a student’s overall score, along with assignments and scores. However, the
courses are not eligible for high school credit since they are not yet endorsed
by any accrediting agency and most states require that students be taught by a state-certified
teacher.