Local Education, News, State Education Brandon Paykamian Local Education, News, State Education Brandon Paykamian

Dekalb Schools and Graduation Alliance launch new online high school completion program

Adults in Tennessee who have not graduated from high school can now earn a high school diploma rather than a GED through a new online program recently launched at Dekalb County Schools in partnership with the online education provider Graduate Alliance.According to a recent announcement, the new Dekalb County Diploma Completion Program gives students flexibility to complete their high school requirements, as well as access to 24/7 tutoring and personalized support from teachers and academic coaches.

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Local Education, Nashville Vanessa Helgeland Local Education, Nashville Vanessa Helgeland

John Overton junior selected to serve on Metro Nashville school board

Members of the Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) Board of Education chose John Overton High School rising junior Hannah Nguyen to serve as one of two student board members.The board’s selection committee reviewed applications from students across the district and interviewed five finalists before determining Nguyen was the best fit to represent all MNPS students.

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Parent poll reveals 'Nashville's hidden literacy crisis'

The education and parent advocacy organization Nashville PROPEL has released a white paper detailing what local parents think about “Nashville’s hidden literary crisis,” as well as how that crisis affects students of color.According to a news release emailed to Tennessee Firefly, less than 30 percent of students in the Metro Nashville Public Schools district are reading on grade level despite nearly 80 percent of parents believing their children are at or above grade level, a finding consistent with national trends.

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Local Education, News, State Education Brandon Paykamian Local Education, News, State Education Brandon Paykamian

TDOE announces presidential teaching award state finalists

The Tennessee Department of Education has named four state finalists for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching (PAEMST), the nation’s highest honor for U.S. K–12 science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science teachers.According to a news release last week, awardees were recognized for their contributions to teaching and learning, as well as the

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Local Education, Local Government, Memphis Brandon Paykamian Local Education, Local Government, Memphis Brandon Paykamian

Memphis-Shelby County Schools officials promise staff won't lose their jobs under district reorganization plan

Memphis Shelby County School Board members and Superintendent Marie Feagins addressed concerns about the school system’s plans to reorganize district personnel at Tuesday’s meeting, reassuring current staff that they will remain employed with the district.

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Clarksville-Montgomery school board discusses reading proficiency requirements, arming teachers and COVID-19 relief funding

Clarksville-Montgomery County School Board discussed reading proficiency requirements, the decision not to arm teachers, and the impact of COVID-19 relief funding during last week’s meeting.

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Memphis school and law enforcement officials oppose allowing teachers to carry guns

In a joint video message, Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) Superintendent Marie Feagins, Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner, Jr., and Interim Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn Davis emphasized that they believe firearms have no place in schools.

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Local Education, Memphis Reana Gibson Local Education, Memphis Reana Gibson

Student transition team presents recommendations to Memphis-Shelby County Schools

New Memphis-Shelby County Schools Superintendent Dr. Marie Feagins has looked to a variety of voices for assistance as she charts a path for the state’s largest school district.On Tuesday she heard from the youngest advisors.The 103-student transition team known as the “Legacy Builders” met at the Memphis Botanic Garden to present feedback for how the district can increase support, engagement, and academics.

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Knoxville, Local Education Reana Gibson Knoxville, Local Education Reana Gibson

School resource officers to remain the only armed personnel in Knox County Schools

The Knox County Schools Board of Education unanimously passed a resolution affirming that school resource officers (SRO) and law enforcement officers will remain the only armed personnel allowed in school.This resolution came from board member Kristi Kristy, one of two school board members that proposed separate resolutions to oppose the new law that allows teachers to carry guns in school. Board member Katherine Bike made the other resolution, but withdrew it due to the board feeling that they ultimately say the same thing.

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