Tennessee’s K-12 Education Timeline
Tennessee’s once-historic academic progress has slowed as student outcomes stagnate and, in some cases, decline. Take a look at some of Tennessee’s key education milestones over the last 15 years:
“Historic funding overhaul
Tennessee updates its public education funding formula for the first time in 30 years through the Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement (TISA) Act, which was signed into law by Governor Bill Lee on May 2. Eligible students who are zoned to attend a Shelby County district school, a Metro Nashville public school, or a school that was in the Achievement School District are able to use state and local money toward education expenses, including tuition and/or fees at approved private schools under Gov. Lee’s ESA program Education Savings Account (ESA) Program following a July court ruling.
Read more about TISA and learn more about ESAs and other education options.”
“ Early Signs of learning losses from COVID-19
In the first set of state-level data released since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, results showed ”that COVID-19 has disrupted learning in every school district in Tennessee.” Data from the Spring 2021 Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) demonstrated the decline in student performance and how the disruption during the height of the pandemic impacted learning loss. ”
“COVID shuts down schools
Schools are forced to close early due to the COVID-19 pandemic, sparking fears of widespread learning losses and growing equity gaps. Lawmakers vote to cancel the annual TNReady assessment planned for Spring 2020.”
“New Charter School Oversight Board + New School Choice Program
At Governor Lee’s request, the General Assembly approves a new nine-member statewide charter school commission that will assume oversight for the state’s charter schools from the State Board of Education starting in the 2020-2021 school year. After the legislature approves a version of Lee’s education savings account (ESA) proposal, the Lee Administration decides to fast-track its implementation. Tennessee’s NAEP scores (a national educational assessment) remain stagnant, with declines in 4th grade math.”
“Testing Challenges Continue
The Tennessee General Assembly steps in to protect TNReady results from affecting student, teacher, and district evaluations in the third year of testing challenges. Tennessee students reach a new record average composite ACT score of 20.2 with a statewide student participation rate of 97 percent.
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“More Good News, But Signs of Trouble
Tennessee earns national attention and headlines for impressive student achievement growth. Tennessee’s 2017 high school graduation rate rises to an all-time high of 89.1% and Education Next raises Tennessee’s grade for academic standards to an A. However, NAEP scores decline and TNReady continues to have problems.
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“Testing Troubles
After initial online testing rollout problems force the state to move back to pencil and paper tests, Tennessee ultimately suspends the rollout of its TNReady testing altogether for 3-8 graders. Following extensive review, the state adopts new Tennessee-specific academic standards.”
“Big Goals and a Big Investment
Tennessee Department of Education sets a goal to move from the bottom to the top half of states on the NAEP scores by 2019. Then-Governor Bill Haslam pledges $100 million to raise teacher pay, beginning a multi-year trend of increasing teacher salaries in Tennessee. Tennessee’s No Child Left Behind waiver is extended, allowing the state to continue implementing its own accountability system.
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“A New Statewide Assessment
Tennessee Department of Education develops a new state assessment, TNReady, to evaluate students’ progress on state standards in English language arts and math. The first TNReady assessments were planned for the 2015-16 school year.”
“Fastest-Improving Students in the Country
Tennessee was named the fastest-improving state in the nation on the National Assessment of Educational Progress, the largest nationally representative assessment of what America’s students know in various subject areas. The state improved in overall national rankings in 4th and 8th grade math and reading; Tennessee 4th graders jumped from 46th in the nation in math to 37th and from 41st to 31st in reading. The state also saw strong improvements among Black students and students with disabilities.”
“A New Accountability System
Tennessee obtains a waiver under the federal K-12 education law No Child Left Behind that allows the state to develop and implement its own accountability system. The new state-specific accountability system aims to increase achievement among all student groups and reduce equity gaps by rewarding districts that show the most growth.
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“New Charter School Rules
The General Assembly approves charter school legislation that removes the cap on the number of charter schools allowed to operate in Tennessee, eliminates charter school enrollment restrictions, and allows the state Achievement School District to authorize charter schools within the district’s scope. The state also approves legislation to reform teacher tenure and help strengthen accountability for student outcomes.”
“State receives $500 million federal grant
Tennessee is awarded a $500 million Race to the Top grant from the U.S. Department of Education and then-Governor Phil Bredesen signs the First to the Top Act designed to support improved academic outcomes. The new law incorporates student achievement and growth data into annual evaluations, launches the Achievement School District to strengthen school turnaround efforts, and establishes a Teacher Evaluation Advisory Committee tasked with developing guidelines for the annual evaluation of teachers and principals.
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“The Lowest Performing State in the Country
Education Next ranks Tennessee’s academic standards an “F,” concluding it has actually been the lowest performing state in the country since 2003, noting the dramatic discrepancies in how Tennessee views its students based on its own tests compared to the NAEP results. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation invests $90 million in Memphis City Schools (now Shelby County Schools) to improve teacher effectiveness.
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“Focusing on College and Workforce Readiness
Tennessee launches the Tennessee Diploma Project, under the umbrella of the American Diploma Project (ADP) Network, to better align education standards and curriculum with the skills required for college and workforce readiness. The Tennessee Board of Education passes new standards aligned with the American Diploma Project.”
“Tennessee gets an “F”
Tennessee leaders announce a renewed commitment to education after the state earns an “F” from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for “Truth in Advertising about Student Proficiency.” According to the National Assessment Governing Board, “At the time, Tennessee rated 87 percent of eighth- graders as proficient or advanced in math based on the state’s standardized test results. On NAEP, however, only 23 percent of eighth graders were Proficient or above.””
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