degree or certificate at a community college, Tennessee
College of Applied Technology (TCAT), or other eligible
institution. The maximum scholarship amount is the average
cost of tuition and mandatory fees at a Tennessee public
community college. The scholarship for each student will
vary based on their remaining financial need after all other
grant aid is applied. Students who graduated from high
school in 2015 were the first class eligible for the program.
Tennessee Educator Acceleration Model (TEAM):
TEAM is the state-developed teacher evaluation system
implemented in the 2011-12 school year. TEAM combines
quantitative and qualitative components, and the
model focuses on 23 specific indicators developed from
research-based standards. TEAM incorporates frequent
observation, constructive feedback, student learning
measures, and aligned development opportunities. TEAM
is being used by 121 districts, covering approximately 80
percent of teachers statewide.
Tennessee Value-Added Assessment System (TVAAS):
TVAAS aims to measure the impact a district, school,
or teacher has on the academic growth of individual
students and groups of students from one school year to
the next. TVAAS scores are based on student performance
on Tennessee’s achievement tests.
Tenure: Tenure is a status where employees are hired on
a permanent basis without periodic contract renewals.
Tennessee law was changed in 2011 to enable districts
to grant tenure to teachers after a five-year probationary
period if teachers have demonstrated a certain level of
effectiveness, based, in part, on student achievement.
Work-Based Learning (WBL): Work-based learning
(WBL) is one method for students to develop skills
necessary for postsecondary education and future
careers. WBL combines academic, technical, and social
skills through collaborative activities with industry to allow
students to explore possible career options. Introductory
WLB activities in the elementary and middle school years
may include school-directed experiences that expose
students to a broad range of industries and career
opportunities such as field trips and tours, career fairs, and
guest speakers from various career and industry fields.
More advanced activities in high school may include a
more comprehensive experience both inside and outside
of the classroom through job shadowing, service learning
projects, and practicum experiences for credit.
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