NASHVILLE – The State Collaborative on Reforming Education (SCORE) has released this statement from SCORE Director of Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness Samantha Gutter about today’s announcement that Tennessee Pathways is aligning with the Drive to 55 to accelerate work across the state:

Ensuring that high schools propel students toward successful postsecondary studies and careers is one of the top priorities for Tennessee education for the next eight years. Parents and employers tell SCORE they are concerned that too many students graduate from high school underprepared for the demands of higher education and the workforce. Education and business leaders have identified better coordination of the state’s existing programs as one need, so aligning Tennessee Pathways with Drive to 55 and providing coordinators for all regions are sensible next steps. It will take a clear vision, greater collaboration and coordination, and innovative and focused solutions to fully prepare students to maximize the opportunities that will lead to fulfilling and prosperous work-lives.