Department of Education
Dr. Tim Webb, Commissioner

Preparation for Technology Centers, Community Colleges and Universities

Career and Technical high school students may receive postsecondary (technology center, college, or university) credit for courses that they take during their high school years. This opportunity, which is already in place for many programs and schools across Tennessee, is required under the federal Career and Technical Education (CTE) Perkins IV legislation, which requires school systems to facilitate the transition of Career and Technical Education (CTE) students into baccalaureate degree programs. The opportunities are also required by Tennessee state law passed in 2007.

This credit may be received through dual credit or dual enrollment. Dual Credit and Dual Enrollment are different. Below is information defining dual credit and dual enrollment, in addition to links for further information.  

Articulation Agreement is another term which has frequently been used to describe cooperative written agreements between high schools and postsecondary schools through which students may be eligible to receive postsecondary credit while in high school. Articulation agreements within Tennessee are usually between individual postsecondary schools and secondary schools or school systems. Their provisions vary with the individual agreements. For additional information contact a career and technical education director for the school system, a school counselor or a related teacher at the high school.

A special note for Parents and Students: A wide variety of courses meeting dual credit, dual enrollment, or other articulation criteria is available through Tennessee secondary and post-secondary schools. The courses may be offered as part of a program of studies. Check with the resident high school to determine eligibility for courses, availability of courses, course or credit requirements, and cost, if any.

The followings definitions were approved by the P – 16 Council of Tennessee on June 2008:

Dual Credit is a postsecondary course or a high school course aligned to a postsecondary course that is taught at the high school by high school faculty for high school credit. Students are able to receive postsecondary credit by successfully completing the course, plus passing the assessment developed and/or recognized by the granting postsecondary institution. The institution will grant the credit upon enrollment of the student.

Dual Enrollment is a postsecondary course, taught either at the postsecondary institution or at the high school, by the postsecondary faculty (may be credentialed adjunct faculty), which, upon successful completion of the course, allows students to earn postsecondary and secondary credit concurrently. The student must meet dual enrollment eligibility under the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) and University of Tennessee (UT) policies.

Other Related Resources

The state law authorized public postsecondary institutions and LEAs to jointly establish cooperative innovative programs that link secondary and post-secondary through dual credit and dual enrollment agreements.For additional information on the state law, please refer to the Tennessee Code and Constitution, statute 49-15-109.