2015-16 STATE
OF EDUCATION
IN TENNESSEE
INTRODUCTION
When the U.S. Chamber of Commerce gave
Tennessee an “F” for truth in advertising in 2007, the
imperative to improve the quality of public education
in the state became undeniable. Since then, changes
to ensuring every Tennessean graduates from high
in policy and practice have transformed Tennessee’s
school prepared for success in their postsecondary
education system. Now, Tennessee must embed
and working careers requires collective, collaborative
reforms of recent years into the practices of schools
action.
and districts statewide. This moment presents a
compelling opportunity to assess the progress
Since 2009, the State Collaborative on Reforming
Tennessee has made for our state’s students since
Education (SCORE) has published a comprehensive
2007 and affirm a vision for continued progress in the
annual report on the state of public education in
years ahead.
Tennessee. These reports provide an up date on
Tennessee’s work to improve student achievement
The significant student achievement progress made
and set education priorities for the coming year,
in Tennessee in recent years can be attributed to
priorities, which are meant to guide the work of all
shared commitment among educators, policymakers,
education partners in the state.
parents, and other partners statewide to promote
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high-quality teaching, enhance the rigor of academic
The 2015-16 State of Education in Tennessee report
standards, focus on using data to inform educational
reflects insights gained through conversations with
decision-making, and provide dedicated, visionary
teachers, principals, and district leaders across
leadership in school buildings and districts. These
the state. Every year, SCORE conducts a Listening
areas of work must remain ongoing, but further steps
Tour, hosting focus groups with teachers, principals,
are needed to build on the foundation of recent
and district leaders. These conversations highlight
educational gains. Fostering a culture of commitment
both successes and challenges faced in schools