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A “Ready Graduate” is a student who is prepared for the real world through the innovative coursework offered at their school.
Tennessee has laid a firm foundation for our students’ future by raising standards to a more rigorous level that will prepare them for college and careers; establishing fully aligned assessments to ensure all of our students are developing problem-solving and critical thinking skills; and by using evaluation and accountability systems based on multiple factors.
ESSA builds on this work by reaffirming the importance of standards, assessment, and accountability and through empowering states to make decisions for our kids. ESSA replaces No Child Left Behind, and Tennessee will fully transition to ESSA in the 2017-18 school year. Much of the work we have outlined in our waiver and in the Tennessee Succeeds strategic plan – which was developed with extensive stakeholder engagement – is in sync with the new law and will allow for a seamless transition.
Career Technical Education in is an integral part of the ESSA plan which helps students prepare to be successful on their chosen path in life.
We encourage students to take advantage of the many opportunities available to prepare for college or a career. Each high school has courses that provide rigorous curriculum, hands-on job preparation and the ability to earn college and industry credits and certifications (for free!)
To be a Ready Graduate, students are encouraged to complete one of the following:
• ACT Composite score of 21 or higher
• Four Early Post Secondary Opportunities, or EPSOs
• Two EPSOs & pass an industry certification
• Two EPSOs & a 31 on a military entrance exam - the Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) and the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB).
An Early Post Secondary Opportunity, or EPSO, is a high school course or program that allows a student to gain college credit or industry certification. In order for an EPSO to count, a student must take the applicable exam.
Macon County Schools students will be able to take approved industry certification exams for FREE during the 2022-23 school year thanks to Macon County Schools CTE being awarded the competitive Perkins Reserve Grant. This grant levels the playing field so all students can earn in demand industry credentials to differentiate themselves whether they are planning to enter the workforce or continue their postsecondary education.
Dual Enrollment (DE) State Dual Credit (SDC)
Local dual credit (LDC) Industry Certification (IC)
College Level Exam Program (CLEP) Advanced Placement (AP)
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