School is Back in Session

As we head into our third official week of school, teachers must be well-equipped with the information and data needed to teach their classrooms well. Last week, TNReady assessment results from the 2018-2019 school year were released. We are thrilled that teachers are obtaining this data earlier in the school year. The next step is to ensure everyone involved in the classroom is using the results in a way that improves instruction and enhances student learning. We cannot let another school year to go by without taking full advantage of the policies and strategies that will help our students succeed. Keep scrolling to see TSS’ full statement on the results.

Additionally, at TSS, we enjoy celebrating students, teachers, schools, administrators and staff. For that reason, we have created a #KnowYourWhy campaign to allow educators, advocates and leaders in the community have a voice to share the ‘why’ behind what they do every day. Check out Melissa Miller, Tennessee Teacher of the Year and first-grade teacher at Franklin Elementary School, as she shares with us the reason she feels compelled and inspired to teach below.

If you have a story you’d like to share, please let us know and we’d love to amplify it across our platforms.

TSS Statement on TNReady Results

NASHVILLE – Tennesseans for Student Success President and CEO Adam Lister released the following statement in response to the 2018-2019 TNReady assessment results:

“Tennessee teachers work hard throughout the year to help their students succeed, and by obtaining this data earlier in the school year, teachers will be better able to tailor their instruction and enhance learning, which is both encouraging and vital.

“However, too many students are still falling through the cracks, and it is critically important for elected officials and education leaders in our state to harness a renewed sense of urgency and focus to ensure Tennessee is doing more to ensure every student is prepared for success after high school. Policymakers must remain steadfast in pursing strategies that advance student achievement and challenge school districts to push past the status quo.

“We need to keep moving the needle, so this data should be an impetus for action at the local level to help future generations succeed. I look forward to seeing the growth that’s ahead for all Tennessee students.”

#KnowYourWhy

Tennesseans for Student Success is passionate about educators and advocates alike having purpose in what they do. By knowing the ‘why’ behind what you do, it is easier to be fully invested in your day-to-day.

Mrs. Miller encourages us to write down our why so that we can continue to grow as individuals and our purpose can continue to grow as well.

What’s your why? Use the hashtag #KnowYourWhy and tag @tnstudent to let us know on social media.

Congrats to SCORE!

SCORE, or the State Collaborative on Reforming Education, recently celebrated their 10th anniversary of working towards student achievement in the state of Tennessee. Their dedication and hard work to deliver academic progress from Kindergarten through career does not go unnoticed and is worth celebrating widely.

Take a moment to read the founder of SCORE, Bill Frist’s, op-ed on SCORE’s past and present endeavors here.

Tristar Reads: Summer Will Be Over in a FLASH!

So far this summer, K-12 students across the state of Tennessee have read well over 500,000 minutes by logging their hours on Tristar Reads!

Tristar Reads is all about preventing the summer slide, but also about having fun in the process. Don’t let the summer flash right before your eyes: enjoy every moment of sunshine, read your favorite books and log your hours at Tristarreads.com.

With THREE WEEKS of Tristar Reads left, don’t let this summer pass you by! If you are or are the parent of a student in grades K-12, you can still sign up for Tristar Reads. You’ll be entered for the chance to win a $1,000 scholarship! Log your hours with Tristar Reads now. Sign up for our weekly Tristar Reads email today!

Use Your Voice

• Do you want to learn more about how to advocate for Tennessee students and make a difference? Check out our online advocacy portal to do just that!

In Case You Missed It…

• The Daily Herald: Maury County Schools receive career readiness funds 
• WSMV: Local event helps schoolchildren gear up for success
• WMC: Bus drivers prepped and ready for new school year
• Johnson City Press: Unicoi County students, teachers head back to school
• Commericial Appeal: Tennessee’s school vouchers: 6 things we learned from the first draft of program rules
• Chalkbeat: Most test scores increase in Tennessee’s largest district; reading results down for youngest students