PRIORITIES
FOR 2016
Over the past year, educators across the state
continued to implement higher standards in their
classrooms, district leaders worked to implement
a new principal evaluation system, Tennesseans
reviewed Tennessee’s State Standards to ensure
they meet the needs of all Tennessee students,
and state leaders developed and implemented the
The feedback gathered during these focus groups
new TNReady assessment. Student outcomes in
and interviews as well as research on best practices
Tennessee continued to progress in most subjects
in education laid the foundation for the priorities
and grade levels on TCAP and held steady on the
below.
National Assessment of Educational Progress
(NAEP). These shifts in policy and practice and
Rather than serve as SCORE’s priorities alone, these
growth in student achievement indicate that
priorities should guide the work of all education
Tennessee remains on the path toward ensuring all
partners in the state in the coming year. Throughout
students graduate from high school prepared for
2016, SCORE will work with its partners to push
postsecondary education and the workforce.
forward these priorities and measure progress toward
identified goals.
Even so, it is essential to reflect on the progress
needed to accelerate growth in student learning
IMPLEMENT TNREADY AND ALIGNED
INTERIM ASSESSMENTS. Ensure students,
in Tennessee. In spring 2015, SCORE held focus
educators, and district leaders have the support and
groups with nearly 300 teachers, principals, and
resources they need to successfully implement TNReady
district leaders from across the state to identify
and aligned interim assessments. District assessment
both successes and challenges faced in schools and
systems should protect instructional time while also
classrooms over the past year. SCORE also conducted
providing educators with timely, accurate information
interviews with state and national education partners.
they can use to support improved student learning.
made and identify areas where more support is
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