The Beam
One subject, reported all the way down. A single Tennessee story every Thursday, with the numbers and the people behind it.
2026
The Beam#12 On the Fly: State Primary and General Election Preview
Tennessee voters head to polls today to choose nominees for governor, state legislature, and other statewide offices.
The Beam#11 Two new public charter schools approved in Memphis
Memphis board approves two Urban Dove charter schools with unanimous support, while a third applicant remains under consideration.
The Beam#10 Kevin Dyson's Music City Academy Takes on a Titan of a Task
The proposed public charter school faces approval next week in a school district that hasn't approved one since 2021.
The Beam#8 Research finds economically disadvantaged student proficiency gap not closing
Tennessee's economically disadvantaged students are gaining ground on state tests, but the achievement gap remains stubbornly wide.
The Beam#7 State Representative Elaine Davis Wants to Better Support Student Well-Being
Davis
The Beam#6 State testing results show notable improvements in reading
Tennessee students posted significant gains in reading proficiency on state assessments, with officials pointing to recent literacy initiatives.
The Beam#5 State to Consider Targeted Approach to Incentivizing Higher Education
Tennessee lawmakers are weighing a plan to tie university funding to graduate earnings and workforce needs.
The Beam#4 Nation's Report Card finds signs of pandemic recovery
Southern students still trail other regions as national test scores show modest gains from pandemic lows.
The Beam#3 Knox County Schools May Seek Book Ban Law Reform
Knox County Schools superintendent reinstated "Roots" after the district banned it under Tennessee's 2024 book law.
The Beam#2 Neely's Bend High School to Open in August
Neely's Bend Middle School expands to high school this fall, keeping students on track toward graduation.
The Beam#1 Memphis School Board Cites Dated Study in Top Urban School District Claim
The district's claim relies on research that predates the pandemic and uses enrollment figures from at least seven years ago.