In 2007, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Leaders and Laggards report gave Tennessee an “F” for truth in advertising
about student proficiency levels and an “F” for postsecondary readiness. While Tennessee reported that over 90
percent of students in grades 3-8 were proficient in math and reading, less than 30 percent of fourth- and eighthgrade students in Tennessee were proficient on the National Assessment of Educational Progress.8 These findings
spurred action in Tennessee, beginning with a shift toward a set of new academic standards that more closely align
with the skills and knowledge students need to succeed in college and career.
Academic Standards
define what students should learn, while curriculum is
the locally developed way to arrive at that knowledge
Academic standards are a common set of expectations
that establish desired learning outcomes for students
at each subject and grade level. In order for Tennessee
students to succeed in college and career, it is essential to
adopt and implement academic standards that align with
the needs of today’s workforce.
Key facts about academic standards:
• Standards are different from curriculum, as standards
• Standards are reviewed every six years through a
public process administered by the State Board of
Education (Figure 2)
• Improvements in academic standards lay the
foundation for increased student learning by ensuring
that expectations for student achievement are
aligned with the skills students need for success after
high school
Standards Review Process
Figure 2
PU BLI C CO M M E NT
Every Tennessean has the opportunity to review and offer feedback on what they like or dislike about
specific standards.
E D U C ATO R R E V I E W BY G R A D E L E V E L
The Educator Advisory Team is formed entirely from K-12 educators and members of the state’s higher education
institutions to review information from the public comment period and make revisions to the standards.
S ECO N D PU BLI C R EV I EW
The Standards Recommendation Committee – appointed by the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and
Speaker of the House – reviews the proposed revisions to the standards and posts them online, providing
Tennesseans another opportunity for input and feedback.
STA N DA R DS R E C O M M E N DAT I O N S
The Standards Recommendation Committee reviews the draft from the Educator Advisory Team and
feedback from the second public review, makes any final revisions, and presents overall recommendations
to the State Board of Education.
STAT E B OA R D R E V I E W A N D A D O P T I O N
The State Board of Education reviews the proposed standards and, as needed, asks for revisions from the
Standards Recommendation Committee. The SBE votes on adopting the standards and sets the timeline for
their implementation.
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