Tennessee
U.S.
Rank
Score:
75%
Grade:
C
Rank:
#21
One of the only states to enact significant changes in 2019, Tennessee created a new semi-independent Statewide Commission to authorize schools, a good step to be sure, but it had a rocky start in its initial attempts to authorize and become independent of political influences. Lots more to be done as the state’s population continues to expand.
Law passed: 2002
Most recently amended: 2019
Number of charter schools: 98
Number of charter students: 40,130
Cap on the number of schools allowed:? No
Virtual charters allowed? No
AUTHORIZERS: Local school districts; the Achievement School District for charter schools within a local education agency (LEA) for students who live in a low-performing school zone; and, as of 2020, the Tennessee Public Charter School Commission (the Commission) for applications sponsored by local school boards. The Commission replaces the state board as an authorizer, though the state board has been established as the formal accountability body for charter school authorizing and compliance. Appeals for denied applications for start-up charter schools go to the state board of education until December 2020. After that, appeals will go to the Commission.
GROWTH: No cap here on the number of charter schools allowed, but there are provisions in Tennessee law that make it difficult for successful charter schools to expand; one example is a requirement that successful charters that wish to expand begin the application process anew each time.
OPERATIONS: Charter schools do not have a blanket waiver from state rules and regulations that apply to traditional district schools. Instead, they must apply to the local district and state education commissioner for waivers from specific regulations, a practice that creates unnecessary challenges for fledgling applicants. Tennessee prevents operators that have a for-profit corporate structure from managing charter schools which is an unusual restriction in states.
EQUITY: Law prescribes district authorized schools receive an amount equal to the per-pupil local and state funds and all applicable federal dollars. Commission-authorized schools receive an amount equal to the per-pupil state fund from the LEA in which the student resides. The state provides a small amount of money (around $300 per student) for charter school facilities funding. Tennessee doubled the state’s previous contribution to the Charter School Facilities Fund, bringing the total to $12 million for the coming grant year. Transportation funding may be made available but not mandated.
Score:
Grade:
D
Rank:
#12
Having ruled that a scholarship program for children from low-income families in the state’s two largest districts – Davidson and Shelby counties – is constitutional and may go into effect, the Tennessee Supreme Court gave a green light in August 2022 to the Education Savings Account Pilot Program, which provides approximately $7,000 in funds for students to attend the independent school of their choice. While the Tennessee program is small – capped at 5,000 students – it’s likely to be expanded as the public sees the benefits of parents tailoring education to their students. The state also supports high need students with individualized education accounts.
Law enacted: 2015 and 2019
Number of programs: 2
Statewide Participation: 137
Types of programs: Education Savings Account, Voucher
Education Savings Account
Individualized Education Account Program
An Education Savings Account program enacted in 2015 gives parents of students with specific special needs access to an Individualized Education Account (IEA). Initially the EA program allowed only students with disabilities including autism, hearing and vision impairments, dsylexia and traumatic brain injury to use education funds in the private school determined by their parents to best serve their needs. Approximately 300 families were using approximately their education funds to obtain customized education for their students at private schools and specialized education centers, which is roughly equivalent to 100 percent of the state and local funds reflected in the state funding formula that would have gone to the student had he or she attended a zoned public school – about $7,800. This year the IEA was modified to include students with dyslexia, which opens up the program to approximately 36,000 students. There is no cap on the program, but less than 5 percent of Tennessee students are eligible to receive a scholarship.
Voucher
Education Savings Account Pilot Program
Parents in the Metro Nashville and Memphis-Shelby County school districts received encouraging news in August 2022 when a judge lifted an injunction preventing the state from launching the education account pilot program enacted in 2019. The ESA program will create accounts worth up to $7,300 per student to be used for approved educational expenses, such as tuition, transportation and tutoring, for students who enroll in a private school. Only students in the aforementioned school district in households earning less than 200% of the federal free lunch program are eligible for accounts. For the first year, enrollment is capped at 5,000 students. The opponents’ injunction caused local students to miss out on two years worth of educational opportunities, further magnified by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Score:
Grade:
B
Rank:
#4
The state has overall strong teacher preparation programs at the elementary, middle and secondary level; allows teacher evaluations and performance to be a factor in compensation.
TRAINING AND RECRUITMENT: 78%
General Teacher Preparation 83%
Elementary Teacher Preparation 78%
Secondary Teacher Preparation 90%
Special Education Teacher Preparation 75%
Alternate Routes 65%
STAFFING AND SUPPORT: 81%
Hiring 80%
Retaining Effective Teachers 81%
TEACHER EVALUATION: 85%
Teacher and Principal Evaluation
TEACHER COMPENSATION: 78%
Score:
75%
Grade:
C
Rank:
#21
One of the only states to enact significant changes in 2019, Tennessee created a new semi-independent Statewide Commission to authorize schools, a good step to be sure, but it had a rocky start in its initial attempts to authorize and become independent of political influences. Lots more to be done as the state’s population continues to expand.
Law passed: 2002
Most recently amended: 2019
Number of charter schools: 98
Number of charter students: 40,130
Cap on the number of schools allowed:? No
Virtual charters allowed? No
AUTHORIZERS: Local school districts; the Achievement School District for charter schools within a local education agency (LEA) for students who live in a low-performing school zone; and, as of 2020, the Tennessee Public Charter School Commission (the Commission) for applications sponsored by local school boards. The Commission replaces the state board as an authorizer, though the state board has been established as the formal accountability body for charter school authorizing and compliance. Appeals for denied applications for start-up charter schools go to the state board of education until December 2020. After that, appeals will go to the Commission.
GROWTH: No cap here on the number of charter schools allowed, but there are provisions in Tennessee law that make it difficult for successful charter schools to expand; one example is a requirement that successful charters that wish to expand begin the application process anew each time.
OPERATIONS: Charter schools do not have a blanket waiver from state rules and regulations that apply to traditional district schools. Instead, they must apply to the local district and state education commissioner for waivers from specific regulations, a practice that creates unnecessary challenges for fledgling applicants. Tennessee prevents operators that have a for-profit corporate structure from managing charter schools which is an unusual restriction in states.
EQUITY: Law prescribes district authorized schools receive an amount equal to the per-pupil local and state funds and all applicable federal dollars. Commission-authorized schools receive an amount equal to the per-pupil state fund from the LEA in which the student resides. The state provides a small amount of money (around $300 per student) for charter school facilities funding. Tennessee doubled the state’s previous contribution to the Charter School Facilities Fund, bringing the total to $12 million for the coming grant year. Transportation funding may be made available but not mandated.
Score:
Grade:
D
Rank:
#12
Having ruled that a scholarship program for children from low-income families in the state’s two largest districts – Davidson and Shelby counties – is constitutional and may go into effect, the Tennessee Supreme Court gave a green light in August 2022 to the Education Savings Account Pilot Program, which provides approximately $7,000 in funds for students to attend the independent school of their choice. While the Tennessee program is small – capped at 5,000 students – it’s likely to be expanded as the public sees the benefits of parents tailoring education to their students. The state also supports high need students with individualized education accounts.
Law enacted: 2015 and 2019
Number of programs: 2
Statewide Participation: 137
Types of programs: Education Savings Account, Voucher
Education Savings Account
Individualized Education Account Program
An Education Savings Account program enacted in 2015 gives parents of students with specific special needs access to an Individualized Education Account (IEA). Initially the EA program allowed only students with disabilities including autism, hearing and vision impairments, dsylexia and traumatic brain injury to use education funds in the private school determined by their parents to best serve their needs. Approximately 300 families were using approximately their education funds to obtain customized education for their students at private schools and specialized education centers, which is roughly equivalent to 100 percent of the state and local funds reflected in the state funding formula that would have gone to the student had he or she attended a zoned public school – about $7,800. This year the IEA was modified to include students with dyslexia, which opens up the program to approximately 36,000 students. There is no cap on the program, but less than 5 percent of Tennessee students are eligible to receive a scholarship.
Voucher
Education Savings Account Pilot Program
Parents in the Metro Nashville and Memphis-Shelby County school districts received encouraging news in August 2022 when a judge lifted an injunction preventing the state from launching the education account pilot program enacted in 2019. The ESA program will create accounts worth up to $7,300 per student to be used for approved educational expenses, such as tuition, transportation and tutoring, for students who enroll in a private school. Only students in the aforementioned school district in households earning less than 200% of the federal free lunch program are eligible for accounts. For the first year, enrollment is capped at 5,000 students. The opponents’ injunction caused local students to miss out on two years worth of educational opportunities, further magnified by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Score:
Grade:
B
Rank:
#4
The state has overall strong teacher preparation programs at the elementary, middle and secondary level; allows teacher evaluations and performance to be a factor in compensation.
TRAINING AND RECRUITMENT: 78%
General Teacher Preparation 83%
Elementary Teacher Preparation 78%
Secondary Teacher Preparation 90%
Special Education Teacher Preparation 75%
Alternate Routes 65%
STAFFING AND SUPPORT: 81%
Hiring 80%
Retaining Effective Teachers 81%
TEACHER EVALUATION: 85%
Teacher and Principal Evaluation
TEACHER COMPENSATION: 78%
Score:
Grade:
C
Rank:
#30
Until Covid, the state did not acknowledge what is now being called By the state education commissioner “a critical resource.” Only modest efforts have existed. The Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Technology Partnership Grant was created in April 2020 by the Tennessee Department of Education, making $1 million available for school districts to support digital learning accessibility for students with disabilities. The state also has the PBS Teaching Tennessee initiative, which encourages students to use PBS shows and content to supplement summer education to prevent learning loss as well as provide some content for mathematics and ELA for parents and summer school teachers.
On a district level, Bristol Tennessee City Schools has been encouraging digital education and personalization and has provided laptops for all 4th-12th grade students in the state to use both in class and at home.
While short lived, it’s worth noting that in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Tennessee DOE partnered with Trevecca Nazarene University to provide teachers with digital and remote learning professional development for the summer. Over 8,000 teachers signed up within the first week.
Bandwidth: “95.4% of students in Tennessee can access the Internet at speeds of 100 kbps per student, and many students are connected at higher speeds. But there is still work to be done. 44,962 students still need more bandwidth for digital learning.”
Tennessee DOE has personalized learning initiatives that expand opportunity for many students across the state.
The Competency-Based Education Pilot promotes personalized learning by allowing schools to explore and learn about student-centered instructional approaches and flexibility. In 2019, there were 19 schools in 15 districts participating.
Tennessee DOE collaborated with ICF’s Appalachia Regional Comprehensive Center to create the Tennessee Micro-Credentialing Pilot for teachers to make personalized learning a part of teacher development. There are currently 45 districts participating, and 245 micro-credentials earned by teachers so far.
On March 16, Gov. Lee recommended all schools close temporarily in response to the COVID-19 crisis, and, on April 24, recommended they remain closed for the duration of the school year. Tennessee was not as quick to communicate guidelines and expectations for remote learning as many other states. Although it did provide training to teachers and schools on digital teaching platforms and guidance on planning, there was no requirement that districts ensure continuous learning. A set of state resources includes an online STEAM resource hub and other general information though not easily accessible.
July 28, the state released reopening guidelines that encourage in-person instruction. The governor emphasized the importance of parents having a choice whether to send their children in person or learn virtually and announced statewide resources and options for virtual learning.
Fast Facts
4th Grade Math Proficiency:
8th Grade Math Proficiency:
12th Grade Math Proficiency:
4th Grade Reading Proficiency:
8th Grade Reading Proficiency:
12th Grade Reading Proficiency:
Graduation Rate:
Average SAT Score:
Average ACT Score:
Public School Enrollment:
Percent Enrolled in Charter Schools:
Average Student Funding:
Score:
Grade:
C
Rank:
#30
Until Covid, the state did not acknowledge what is now being called By the state education commissioner “a critical resource.” Only modest efforts have existed. The Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Technology Partnership Grant was created in April 2020 by the Tennessee Department of Education, making $1 million available for school districts to support digital learning accessibility for students with disabilities. The state also has the PBS Teaching Tennessee initiative, which encourages students to use PBS shows and content to supplement summer education to prevent learning loss as well as provide some content for mathematics and ELA for parents and summer school teachers.
On a district level, Bristol Tennessee City Schools has been encouraging digital education and personalization and has provided laptops for all 4th-12th grade students in the state to use both in class and at home.
While short lived, it’s worth noting that in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Tennessee DOE partnered with Trevecca Nazarene University to provide teachers with digital and remote learning professional development for the summer. Over 8,000 teachers signed up within the first week.
Bandwidth: “95.4% of students in Tennessee can access the Internet at speeds of 100 kbps per student, and many students are connected at higher speeds. But there is still work to be done. 44,962 students still need more bandwidth for digital learning.”
Tennessee DOE has personalized learning initiatives that expand opportunity for many students across the state.
The Competency-Based Education Pilot promotes personalized learning by allowing schools to explore and learn about student-centered instructional approaches and flexibility. In 2019, there were 19 schools in 15 districts participating.
Tennessee DOE collaborated with ICF’s Appalachia Regional Comprehensive Center to create the Tennessee Micro-Credentialing Pilot for teachers to make personalized learning a part of teacher development. There are currently 45 districts participating, and 245 micro-credentials earned by teachers so far.
On March 16, Gov. Lee recommended all schools close temporarily in response to the COVID-19 crisis, and, on April 24, recommended they remain closed for the duration of the school year. Tennessee was not as quick to communicate guidelines and expectations for remote learning as many other states. Although it did provide training to teachers and schools on digital teaching platforms and guidance on planning, there was no requirement that districts ensure continuous learning. A set of state resources includes an online STEAM resource hub and other general information though not easily accessible.
July 28, the state released reopening guidelines that encourage in-person instruction. The governor emphasized the importance of parents having a choice whether to send their children in person or learn virtually and announced statewide resources and options for virtual learning.
4th Grade Math Proficiency:
8th Grade Math Proficiency:
12th Grade Math Proficiency:
4th Grade Reading Proficiency:
8th Grade Reading Proficiency:
12th Grade Reading Proficiency:
Graduation Rate:
Average SAT Score:
Average ACT Score:
Public School Enrollment:
Percent Enrolled in Charter Schools:
Average Student Funding:
Bill Lee (R)
First term began in 2019 (two-term limit)
Governor Bill Lee won a commanding victory and with a trifecta in Tennessee could build on his past four years of movement in the right direction. We hope Tennesseans let their Governor know they are ready for more parent power and significant shifts in policy towards educational freedom.
There is good leadership and strong support for parent power in both the House and Senate. A modest ESA bill, with geographic limits was adopted and 2019 also brought important improvements to the charter law, but there are still unnecessary restrictions and the business Community while active doesn’t seem to appreciate the difference between weak laws with the right name and strong laws. This is the time to expand parent power to reach all Tennessee families.
There is no Blaine Amendment in Tennessee and opinions have confirmed that providing for educational choice through vouchers would be constitutional.
School report cards are easily accessible from Tennessee’s DOE website by clicking Top Links. Reports are not extremely detailed, but include performance indicators on student growth and academic achievement, and a brief overview on the school environment.
Educational options and private school scholarship information are also easily accessible on the DOE website as well, under the Students and Families tab, further increasing transparency.
School board elections are not held during the general election cycle, which usually means lower voter turnout and less chance for parents voices to be heard.
Bill Lee (R)
First term began in 2019 (two-term limit)
Governor Bill Lee won a commanding victory and with a trifecta in Tennessee could build on his past four years of movement in the right direction. We hope Tennesseans let their Governor know they are ready for more parent power and significant shifts in policy towards educational freedom.
There is good leadership and strong support for parent power in both the House and Senate. A modest ESA bill, with geographic limits was adopted and 2019 also brought important improvements to the charter law, but there are still unnecessary restrictions and the business Community while active doesn’t seem to appreciate the difference between weak laws with the right name and strong laws. This is the time to expand parent power to reach all Tennessee families.
There is no Blaine Amendment in Tennessee and opinions have confirmed that providing for educational choice through vouchers would be constitutional.
School report cards are easily accessible from Tennessee’s DOE website by clicking Top Links. Reports are not extremely detailed, but include performance indicators on student growth and academic achievement, and a brief overview on the school environment.
Educational options and private school scholarship information are also easily accessible on the DOE website as well, under the Students and Families tab, further increasing transparency.
School board elections are not held during the general election cycle, which usually means lower voter turnout and less chance for parents voices to be heard.