As part of an effort to learn more about the implementation of Tennessee’s First to the Top plan to improve student achievement, my colleague Laura Moore and I have been talking with educators across the state and gaining an incredibly valuable perspective on what is changing in classrooms, schools, and school districts. While policymakers can…
The Achievement School District (ASD) represents an unprecedented effort to improve public education opportunities for Tennessee students and families. Created with bi-partisan legislation as part of Tennessee’s successful application for Race to the Top funding, The ASD is a statewide organization dedicated to taking schools currently in the bottom 5% of academic performance and within…
The holiday season is such a wonderful season – there are so many little things that come around this time of year that bring me joy. The anticipation is invigorating. As of this morning, I’m adding something new to my list of little joys: the sound of students talking about what’s needed to get into…
The new teacher evaluation (TEAM) in Tennessee has caused a flurry of conversation among educators, legislators, media, and the general public. The idea that all teachers in a public school system be evaluated at a minimum four times per year is upsetting to some and much different than the previous model. At most, teachers were…
A good friend of mine that had worked in education in Tennessee for many years told me before he passed away that change is hard and slow, and in education it is often harder and slower. With the implementation of the new TEAM (Tennessee Educator Acceleration Model) evaluation system, I believe that statement is true….