How do teachers introduce students to state-of-the-art science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) technologies if their schools don’t have the equipment? Tackling challenges like this, particularly in rural settings, often requires innovative solutions. You might say it requires thinking “outside the box.” The Upper Cumberland Rural STEM Initiative (UCRSI) decided, however, that the perfect solution…
This blog post originally appeared in the Data Quality Campaign’s blog, The Flashlight. “How will I know if my child is ready for college?” This is a question I heard a few weeks ago from a parent in a rural part of Tennessee. It is a question that I hear quite often when I…
Those who remember the View-Master from childhood will recall the dazzling images they cast before the user’s eyes. While the image the View-Master presents is vivid and entertaining, it lacks the motion, sound, and character development of a movie. Movies progress over time, and deliver the viewer a complete, 2-hour picture of a series of…
I just stared at a student, stunned when I heard him say none of my students are bright. All I could mutter was, “I teach plenty of bright kids. All of my kids are bright. They’re brilliant.” He dropped his pile of textbooks on my desk and took my load from me. “It’s just… you…
Confession: I have only been a mediocre instructional leader in my building. Why the self-reflection? I have heard for the past few years that principals are supposed to be the instructional leaders in their buildings, so I decided to analyze my role. By conventional standards I have been a decent principal, but as an instructional…
(Nashville) – The State Collaborative on Reforming Education (SCORE) tonight announced the four winners of the 2012 SCORE Prize during an event at the historic Ryman Auditorium. The winners – three schools and one school district – were recognized for dramatically improving student achievement. The prize event, attended by educators, parents, students, and other stakeholders,…
Maryville City Schools strives to make its community a better place by providing high-quality instruction for all students. “Our community expects us to perform at a high level and to provide an exemplary education for their children,” one school principal said, adding that their students should be competitive with kids around the nation. One manifestation…
One of the most memorable experiences from high school was the summer that I spent building trails in Denali National Park, Alaska. Not only was the work itself challenging and rewarding, but it also gave me a unique opportunity to learn about local ecology and culture outside of a traditional classroom setting. I didn’t realize…
The Loudon County School System plays an active role in changing the culture of education in the state. All facets of the system, from county administrators to principals and teachers, are dedicated to improving outcomes for students, no matter the challenges they face. The district’s work has contributed to improved levels of student achievement and…
SCORE sought out students to write essays about innovation happening in their classrooms across Tennessee. We received many inspiring stories about schools and teachers rising to the challenge to improve student achievement and narrowed the list down to five semifinalists. More than 2000 people voted in the Facebook semifinalist poll, and three finalists were selected:…
The Williamson County School System shows that hard work pays off in education. Superintendent Dr. Mike Looney describes the district’s outlook as an “urgency emergency” that is guided by student achievement data. The results speak for themselves. The county has made strides in narrowing the achievement gap and improving college-going rates. By raising expectations and…
When the term gap closure first came on the radar in a big way this summer, responses ranged from: “Show me the data” to “Gap is closing…where will I buy my jeans?” It was a semi-foreign concept to many educators because overall achievement and growth have always been our aim—not who is out performing whom…
Mt. Juliet High School has made significant progress in reducing the achievement gap between black and white students. At Mt. Juliet, experienced teachers serve as mentors to incoming faculty, and all teachers collaborate across the curriculum. Principal Mel Brown says that this has allowed the school to raise expectations in the classroom. Mt. Juliet is…
With a commitment to high expectations and student data, Fred Page High School proudly sends nearly 80 percent of its student body to college. To keep students updated on how they’re doing, the school posts achievement data in the library so that students and faculty can identify areas of challenge and growth. The passionate teachers…
Maryville High School boasts an impressive 76.5 percent college attendance rate, due largely to the work ethic of its students and teachers. The standards are not just raised for Maryville students, but also for Maryville teachers as well. Asking more of these students better prepares them for college and the real world. Instead of shying…
More than 100 business, community, and education organizations across Tennessee today launched an effort to support high academic standards in K-12 public education. This group, the Expect More, Achieve More coalition, seeks to build statewide and local awareness of Tennessee’s ongoing effort to raise expectations in the classroom through the Common Core State Standards. “One…
Power Center Academy sets the standard for proficiency in Memphis. The school holds its teachers and students accountable for an 80 percent proficiency benchmark. If students find they are below the school’s average, one teacher says they have nothing to worry about with Power Center Academy’s team of dedicated teachers and staff who have the…
Jo Byrns High School leaders say they’ll do whatever it takes to make sure all children succeed. From enrichment classes to small-group remediation, the school works together to improve student learning. Starting in middle school, Jo Byrns—a school that serves students in grades 7 through 12—focuses on the importance of pursuing higher education. These high…
An eighth grade math teacher said the best part of South Cumberland Elementary School is that everyone works together to do the best for students—since they’re our future. At her school, teachers use data to inform instruction and the principal works directly with students on their math skills. These efforts have helped South Cumberland’s students…
Art educates the whole child. From music to painting, students are able to express themselves through the arts. A handwritten poem on a colored American flag and a collage of the continents are among the artwork currently displayed at SCORE’s offices. The Tennessee Arts Commission was recently awarded over $1 million from the U.S. Department…