Memphis-Shelby County Schools and Tennessee’s public charter schools celebrate improved School Letter Grades
New data from the Tennessee Department of Education’s 2023-24 State Report Card shows that 290 schools have received an A for overall performance, on the second annual School Letter Grades.
State Board of Education defines expectations for new opportunity public charter schools
The 9 members of the Tennessee State Board of Education unanimously approved new rules that govern expectations for future opportunity charter schools.
End-of-course exams will now have less impact on high school students’ final grades
End-of-course exams for public high school students in Tennessee will now have less of an impact on students’ final grades, according to state education leaders.
New report finds Tennessee is bucking the national trend for who’s going into teaching
New data from the National Council on Teacher Quality says there are nearly four percentage points fewer teachers from historically disadvantaged groups than expected when compared against working-age adults from historically disadvantaged groups with degrees, among other findings that suggest the need to diversify the educator workforce.
Charter School Commission approves new location for Empower Memphis and an additional opening grade for Invictus Nashville Charter School
The Tennessee Public Charter School Commission has approved changes to a charter agreement with Empower Memphis Career and College Prep Charter Schools that would allow the operator to open a new school in a different location next school year.
Tennessee could see as many as 17 new public charter schools next year
Five Tennessee school districts across the state received letters of intent for 17 proposed new public charter schools by last week’s deadline. Letters of intent are the first official step in next year’s new start charter application process.
SCORE report stresses the need to connect students with credentials that ‘lead to economic independence’
A new report from the State Collaborative on Reforming Education (SCORE) says that only 44 percent of students pursuing postsecondary education in Tennessee actually complete a credential, with even fewer students earning credentials that “clearly lead to economic independence.”
Tennessee Department of Education says work-based learning enrollment is increasing statewide
A new report from the Tennessee Department of Education says Tennessee’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) and work-based learning (WBL) initiatives will play a critical role in building up the state’s talent pipeline in the years ahead.
Legislation to expand school choice, free meal programs, and pedestrian-friendly schools are among the first filed
Tennessee legislators have filed several bills this year that aim to tackle longstanding challenges in education, such as expanding school choice, enhancing student safety, and curbing distractions from cell phones.
New analysis finds Tennessee’s largest school districts underperforming math expectations
National education news organization the 74 found Tennessee’s largest school districts are achieving math proficiency at lower rates than expected based on poverty.
Federal Trade Commission claims company that provided weapons detection technology to schools made false claims about its effectiveness
The Federal Trade Commission has charged a company that produces AI-based weapons detection systems used by schools and other businesses with making misleading claims about its effectiveness.
Department of Education says few students have been held back under retention law
New data from the Tennessee Department of Education indicates that about 40 percent of third graders in Tennessee achieved proficiency in English language arts on 2024 state tests.
Tennessee recognizes 377 Reward Schools. Schools of choice led the way in the state’s two largest school districts
The Tennessee Department of Education announced the 377 schools across the state that have received the designation as Reward Schools for the 2023/2024 school year.
Public charter schools led the way in the state’s largest school district, accounting for nearly a third of Memphis-Shelby County Schools’ 34 Reward Schools.
Education leaders say teacher vacancy data shows a need for mentorship and professional development
While statewide teaching vacancy rates haven’t seemed to change much in recent years, Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) data indicates that the number of positions filled by teachers with temporary permits and other exemptions has increased.
New Comptroller’s report says nearly 60 percent of Tennessee counties have ‘monetarily significant’ school upgrade needs
While the majority of K-12 facilities in Tennessee are in “good” or “excellent” condition, a new report from the Comptroller’s Office of Research and Education Accountability says that nearly 60 percent of counties have a “monetarily significant school infrastructure need.”
Governor Lee applauds Trump pick to lead Department of Education. Opponents criticize her experience and ties to a sex abuse lawsuit
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee wasted no time applauding President-elect Donald Trump’s pick of a former professional wrestling mogul to serve as the United States Secretary of Education.
SCORE report says more data needed to evaluate and strengthen teacher pipeline programs
Despite several state initiatives in recent years to strengthen the teacher pipeline and fill K-12 classrooms with trained educators, many Tennessee districts are still struggling to meet their staffing needs, a recent report from the State Collaborative on Reforming Education (SCORE) said.
Parents and educators urge state commission to renew charter for LEAD Neely’s Bend Middle School
Since opening its doors for the 2015-16 school year, LEAD Neely’s Bend Middle School has garnered support from many parents in the Madison area who say the charter school’s approach to education has been beneficial for their children’s academic growth.
Education Commissioner Lizzette Reynolds requests nearly $58 million for summer learning camps
One of the key investments in Tennessee’s 2021 special legislative session was the creation of summer learning camps designed to help children overcome pandemic learning losses. The state has continued operating them ever since, and at Wednesday’s state budget hearing, Department of Education Commissioner LIzzette Reynolds made the case for an additional $57.8 million investment.
Governor Lee backs proposal to dump the Department of Education, despite questions what it might mean for students with special needs and rural Tennessee
You can add Tennessee Governor Bill Lee to the growing list of Tennessee lawmakers who support President-elect Donald Trump’s controversial proposal to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education. Lee posted a video on social media Wednesday to proclaim his support for the idea, even though the federal department is directly responsible for funneling more than $800 million to Tennessee.