LETTER FROM SENATOR BILL FRIST AND JAMIE WOODSON
February 7 , 2017
In recent years , Tennessee has dramatically improved student achievement in K-12 education , setting records for academic progress . We at SCORE believe Tennessee ’ s exceptional progress can be credited to educators , policymakers , and community and business leaders who have demonstrated collaboration in focusing on what is best for students , courage in setting bold goals , excellence and innovation in achieving those goals , and optimism in believing that our students can lead the nation in academic improvement .
Tennessee now ranks in the top 20 states in student achievement for fourth-grade science and in the top 25 for both eighth-grade science and fourth-grade math . Students in Tennessee are now taking courses aligned to more rigorous academic standards that better prepare them for success in the next grade and what comes after high school graduation . In addition , more graduates are enrolling in postsecondary programs that will provide them the skills and knowledge they need for productive lives and careers . This improvement is remarkable and should be celebrated .
PG . 3