January 29, 2018
The state of our State is ….
We’re jumping into your inbox early today to invite you to watch Governor Haslam’s final State of the State address. In this yearly address to a joint legislative session, the governor presents their budget, their goals for the year, and the general state of things in the state.
If we were writing it, we’d spend the whole time celebrating Tennessee’s students, teachers, classrooms, achievements, and growth. We’d celebrate the increase in ACT scores and on-time graduation rates. We’d celebrate the largest investment in education in Tennessee’s history – all without a tax increase. And we’d celebrate Tennessee’s upward trajectory on the Nation’s report card. While we aren’t writing this year’s State of the State address, we will be watching. Watch with us tonight at 6 pm Central and help celebrate Tennessee’s successes in education.
We can’t simply look back on success and the accomplishments of the last decade, but we must keep pushing forward. This week, we are turning our focus to two pieces of legislation that are working through the legislative process. A quick reminder from last year, we’ll share bills each week, share our position, and share a way for you to advocate for them with your elected officials. At the end of the year, in our annual Legislative Scorecard, you can review your legislator’s support of the policies that improve student achievement.
Up this week are:
House Bill 1549 – Sponsored by Representative Terry
One of the biggest markers of success in the classroom? A quality teacher in every classroom. HB 1549 helps clear the way for high-quality teachers to come to Tennessee. Tennesseans for Student Success supports HB 1549.
Senate Bill 250 – Sponsored by Senator Gresham
While Tennessee’s 3rd-12th graders’ growth and achievement is measured, in part, by TNReady, it’s equally as important to make sure our K-2nd graders are on the right track for success. SB 250 allows school districts to use alternative growth models to demonstrate their students’ growth. If we wait until 3rd grade to make sure our kids are prepared for success, it will be too late. Tennesseans for Student Success supports SB 250.
Make sure you’re following our Facebook and Twitter accounts to see when these bills come up for a vote this week. We’ll keep you informed!