Early Post-Secondary Opportunities
Lorna Baxley
Early Post-Secondary Opportunities (EPSOs) are a great way for students to prepare for college! EPSOs, for those that do not know, are courses and/or exams that a student can take in high school to earn credit for college or other post-secondary education paths.
The Tennessee Department of Education says, “Early postsecondary opportunities allow students to:
earn postsecondary credits while in high school.
become familiar with postsecondary rigor and expectations.
develop confidence and skills for success in postsecondary learning.
make informed postsecondary and career decisions.
decrease the time and cost of completing a certificate or degree.”
The EPSO opportunities available at West High include Advanced Placement, Dual Enrollment, Local Dual Credit, State Dual Credit, and Industry Certifications. Every year, West High participates in EPSO Week, a week full of events and activities that encourage students to take advantage of the benefits EPSOs offer. “Our goal in Hamblen County is to prepare all students to be college and career ready,” Mr. Moreland, a history teacher at West, says. “This involves giving them the education and training that they need, but also those ‘soft’ or professional skills that colleges and businesses tell us they are looking for. We hope that many of these students will stay in Hamblen County and continue to contribute to our community.”
Additionally, if you’re a student and you’re interested in promoting EPSO courses, the school has issued the EPSO Logo Contest! The challenge is to create a logo or design that helps students understand the goal of the Office of Early Post-Secondary. If you are interested, the rules are listed below. The deadline for your entry is Friday, Oct. 23rd.
EPSO courses and exams are very rigorous, but anyone who is willing to put forth time effort will surely succeed. Anyone interested in participating in Early Post-Secondary Opportunities should speak to a teacher or guidance counselor.
Sources:
Tennessee Department Of Education- https://www.tn.gov/education/early-postsecondary.html
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