and classrooms and provide a clearer picture of the
supports needed to continually improve student
achievement in Tennessee. SCORE also gathers
information through individual interviews with state
and national partners who provide insight into
programs and policies implemented over the past
academic year. Finally, SCORE looks to other states
and current research to identify evidence-based
best practices in education that can drive solutions
to persistent problems in Tennessee. In addition to
research on policy, legislative changes, and promising
practices, this report reflects information gathered
through:
• 40 focus groups with teachers, principals, and
district leaders in eight regions across the
state
• 9 in-depth interviews with state-level leaders
in education
• 4 in-depth interviews with national education
partners
• Discussions with SCORE’s Steering
Committee, a group of more than 35
policymakers, educators, elected officials,
business leaders, parents, and students who
advise SCORE’s work
students are capable of a high level of
achievement.
• Fostering a Culture of Innovation: A culture
of innovation extends from the system
level through each school and classroom.
The policies and resources that govern
schools must create an environment where
innovation can thrive. Educators must seek
new ideas and embrace successful models
wherever they are found.
The first portion of this report provides in-depth
While these three areas of work do not encompass
updates on policies and programs that have been
all of the work that has been done in education
developed and implemented over the past year.
across the state, they reflect pillars of work that
This portion of the report is organized into three
SCORE prioritizes as an organization and that many
pillars that guide and organize SCORE’s work as an
education partners have invested in over recent
organization:
years. These pillars will guide SCORE’s work in the
• Empowering People: Every classroom,
school, and district must be led by passionate
years ahead, and this report will provide indicators of
success and highlight persistent challenges faced in
these areas.
and effective teachers, principals, and district
leaders, which requires better recruitment,
The second part of this report presents priorities for
development, and retention of high-quality
the coming year in education. SCORE has identified
talent. These individuals in turn need to feel
these priorities through extensive conversations with
equipped and empowered to engage in their
educators, community leaders, policymakers, and the
communities to advocate for what is needed
SCORE Steering Committee. The annual priorities
to drive student success.
are meant to guide not only SCORE’s work in the
• Insisting on High Expectations: Rigorous
standards aligned to quality assessments
set the clear expectation that all Tennessee
coming year, but the work of all education partners
in Tennessee. Through collaborative efforts toward
common goals, we can accelerate improvement in
Tennessee student achievement.
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