A Guide For Policymakers 2016 - 17 | Page 17

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. A G U I D E F O R P O L I C Y M A K E R S / 2 0 1 6 - 1 7 | 16