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July 26, 2019 What We Are Reading
States Are Ratcheting Up Reading Expectations For 3rd-Graders
Third grade reading performance is one of the most important early benchmarks we have for predicting a student’s long-term academic and career success. As a result, several states are exploring new ways to improve third grade reading and close achievement gaps. This month, NPR reported that states work to increase third grade reading levels are looking to a variety of new policies: tudies...Read MoreJune 17, 2019 News
Nashville schools interim director taps Tennessee’s Achievement School District chief for top post
In a major coup for Nashville public schools, interim Director Adrienne Battle is appointing the state’s education turnaround czar to a top Cabinet position. Sharon Griffin, who heads the state-run Achievement School District, will join Metro Nashville Public Schools on July 1 as the chief of innovation. As well, Hank Clay, Communities in Schools of Tennessee CEO,...Read MoreJune 7, 2019 News
Here’s the No. 1 concern that Tennessee’s new education chief heard during her statewide listening tour
After visiting classrooms in 30 school districts across the state, talking regularly with superintendents and other stakeholders, and reviewing more than 25,000 comments from teachers, Tennessee’s new education commissioner says one theme keeps emerging: the need to support the mental health needs of students. “Without question, it’s the No. 1 piece of feedback I heard from every single...Read MoreJune 6, 2019 News
How Can States and Districts Make Teacher-Leadership Roles More Effective?
Research has shown that teachers having leadership roles in their schools can lead to improved student achievement. So why not formalize those roles? That’s the argument in a new report by the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching, a group that works to increase educator effectiveness. The group convened a panel discussion at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday...Read MoreMay 27, 2019 News
Bill Gates eyes the work ahead for Tennessee in education during visit to Nashville
Tennessee is making strong improvements in raising academic achievement among its students, but Bill Gates believes there is plenty of work still ahead for the Volunteer State. Improvements for the state over the last several years include changing its academic standards, curriculum and feedback to teachers, Gates said. But low academic achievement in...Read MoreMay 16, 2019 News