Transformational Learning Opportunities:

Virtual & Online Schooling:

• In the 2023-24 SY, Tennessee offered a total of 58 virtual schools for students to attend; 19 schools serve students statewide, 28 are in-district virtual schools, and 12 are in-district/out-of-district for surrounding areas. The Department of Education provides an interactive map of all virtual schools.
• Oak Ridge City School District is a member of Digital Promise’s League of Innovative Schools. The League of Innovative Schools is a national network of school leaders in 150 districts in 38 states that aim to enhance and scale digital learning opportunities for students across the nation.

Digital Learning Resources:

• Tennessee Department of Education provides guidance and training for virtual learning, including instructional resources and supports for special education and STEAM in virtual schools.

• Curious about your district’s internet access? ConnectK-12 provides state- and district-specific information on access to the recommended bandwidth speeds and monthly internet costs.

• Legislation established the state’s CTE framework. Tennessee boasts a high CTE participation rate (over 55%) and supports work-based learning opportunities like internships and apprenticeships. There's no single law, but various initiatives promote CTE, including the Tennessee Promise scholarship, which prioritizes students pursuing associate degrees or technical certifications.

• In 2015, Tennessee’s Department of Education created a personalized learning task to explore personalized learning. Tennessee defines competency-based education as “individualized pathways for students [created] by focusing on demonstrating mastery through application and allowing students to advance through curricula and grades as mastery is achieved.”

• At the 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.

• Tennessee’s 2017 ESSA plan launched multiple initiatives to expand educational innovation, including competency-based learning. 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.

• Innovation Schools are allowable by law and have greater autonomy in curriculum, scheduling, and staffing to implement innovative learning models.

• In May 2021, the department allocated 21 school district grants for Innovative High School Models, investing $30 million to cultivate local community partnerships aimed at enhancing student readiness.