- Research Brief
Counselors’ Insights on Early Postsecondary Opportunities: Trends from the 2025 Tennessee Educator Survey
- By Kaitlyn Dodgen
Key Findings
- Over 90% of counselors reported that their school offers dual enrollment. Those in rural areas reported more partnerships with TCATs.
- Counselors reported student interest as the most helpful information in enrolling students in EPSOs. Counselors with smaller caseloads were more likely to use their knowledge of individual student fit.
- Counselors in rural areas were more likely to agree their schools have clear goals for EPSO enrollment and the Ready Graduate indicator.
- Counselor respondents in rural schools reported higher EPSO awareness among their students, particularly regarding TCAT Dual Enrollment.
- Rural counselors are more likely to report scheduling conflicts and teacher availability to be the top barriers to offering EPSOs at their schools, while urban counselors are more likely to report low student interest and lack of eligibility and preparation.
Suggested Citation
Dodgen, K. (2026). Counselors’ Insights on Early Postsecondary Opportunities: Trends from the 2025 Tennessee Educator Survey. Tennessee Education Research Alliance.