2015-16 State of Education in Tennessee | Page 44

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 43