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2026 State of Education in Tennessee: Moving Every Student Forward

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Setting a Vision for the Next Generation of Work-Based Learning

May 12, 2025
A memo titled "Building Pathways to Success" focusing on work-based learning in Tennessee high schools, with sections on foundations and future vision.

Tennessee’s recent policies and investments have built momentum toward strengthening education-to-career pathways for all students, which is an excellent foundation on which to build a new vision specifically for work-based learning (WBL) in our state. This third memo in our Building Pathways to Success series outlines key elements Tennessee must consider for a future of WBL that enhances student learning and leads students toward careers that enable economic independence. 

This memo highlights:

  1. Policies and investments that Tennessee leaders have recently pursued and implemented to strengthen education-to-career pathways. These nation-leading innovations continue to open doors for new opportunities
  2. Foundational questions that must be revisited around the purpose of WBL and creating a stronger definition for high-quality WBL experiences
  3. Learnings and best practices from successful WBL programs across the state and country that Tennessee can incorporate into their new vision for the next generation of WBL

The first two memos in this series offer an overview of what we know about WBL in Tennessee and highlight the barriers to strong implementation of WBL in our state. Both are available here:

Other Memos in This Series

Report on Tennessee high schools' work-based learning, with text and chart on student metrics. Blue and red color scheme with SCORE header.

MEMO ONE: WORK-BASE LEARNING PARTICIPATION & SUCCESS The document discusses barriers to implementing work-based learning in Tennessee high schools, focusing on staffing and integrating academic offerings.

MEMO TWO: BARRIERS TO IMPLEMENTING WORK-BASED LEARNING