Tennessee Department of Education reports improvement among all student groups on the ACT
New data from the Tennessee Department of Education indicates that the state average composite ACT score increased from 19 in 2023 to 19.3 in 2024, among other notable findings.
Poll shows widespread support for expanding charter schools, private school vouchers
A new statewide poll from the Beacon Center of Tennessee indicates that 61 percent of Tennesseans support expanding charter schools statewide, with only 14 percent in opposition.
Proposed legislation would allow immediate sports eligibility for high school transfers
State Rep. Scott Cepicky, R-Culleoka, has proposed legislation for the upcoming session that could move the state’s high school athletics governing body to allow athletes to transfer schools with fewer restrictions.
Tennessee School Boards Association opens applications for Prospective Superintendent Academy
The Tennessee School Boards Association (TSBA) is looking to prepare more educators to lead school districts across the state as Tennessee faces a shortage of superintendent candidates.
2024 Year in Review: School threats, voucher debate, book bans and more
From school threats to book bans and higher-ed funding debacles, 2024 marked a year of controversy and contention among education policymakers.
Tennessee Department of Education names 2024-25 Tennessee Principal, Supervisor of the Year
The Tennessee Department of Education has named the 2024-25 Principal of the Year and Supervisor of the Year, along with the two 2024-25 Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) state finalists, a recent announcement said.
Board of Regents notes 19 percent increase in TCAT enrollment
New data from the state indicates that total enrollment in Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (TCATs) increased to 44,723 during the 2023-24 academic year.
Tennessee bill would allow schools to display Ten Commandments
A Tennessee legislator recently introduced a new bill that would allow public schools to display the Ten Commandments on school property.
Tennessee Department of Education data notes ‘significant gains’ in Education Savings Account program's second year amid push to expand school choice
New data from the Tennessee Department of Education notes growing participation in the state’s Education Savings Account program as more and more parents express interest in expanding school choice.
Tennessee lawmakers introduce legislation to make pre-kindergarten free for all four-year-olds
Tennessee Sen. Charlane Oliver, D-Nashville, and State Rep. Aftyn Behn, D-Nashville, recently introduced legislation to make pre-kindergarten free and accessible for all four-year-olds statewide.
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.