EPSOs In Action: Promoting Equitable Access and Success in Early Postsecondary Opportunities

In 2019, the Tennessee Department of Education held a research-practice mini-conference on early postsecondary opportunities (EPSOs). The purpose of this conference was to bring together policymakers, researchers, and practitioners to discuss new research findings on EPSOs and inform decision making around EPSOs in districts and schools. This brief discusses the major takeaways from the event, including thoughts from researchers, policymakers, and practitioners.

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Published:
April 2020

Authors:
Grace Shelton

Conference Takeaways

  • EPSOs can have positive effects on student achievement, high school graduation, and college going rates, and these effects vary across student groups and the type of EPSO.
      
  • The goal of EPSOs is to foster postsecondary success, however, research evidence suggests that students in both dual credit and AP programs often struggle to pass the dual credit exams and lose confidence in their own academic strength. 

  • Partnerships between K-12, postsecondary, business, and community organizations are vital to the development and management of EPSOs  

Video Recordings of Research Sessions

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Grace Shelton

Grace Shelton

Grace Shelton is the deputy chief of staff at the Tennessee Department of Education