Tennessee Highlighted for Progress in Education
Nashville, TN - Tennessee was spotlighted today for its efforts to prepare all
students for success in college or the workplace during the release of Achieve,
Inc.s annual report on the quality of states high school reform efforts. Achieves
Closing the Expectations Gap report assesses states in five areas. Tennessee
fulfilled three of the five quality benchmarks this year, up from zero just a
year ago. Tennessee is in the process of meeting the remaining two standards.
Tennessee is making changes so students will have the knowledge and skills they
need to lead productive lives, Governor Phil Bredesen said. Well-educated students
who are prepared to succeed in college and the workplace have more choices. We
are making sure Tennessees students are prepared.
The evaluation is based on Achieves four-point agenda:
1.Align high school standards with the demands of college and work
2.Require students to take a college- and work- ready curriculum to earn a high
school diploma
3.Build college- and work-ready measures into statewide high school assessment
systems
4.Hold high schools and post-secondary institutions accountable for student preparation
and success
"Tennessee has made remarkable progress in the year since it joined the
American Diploma Project network, said Sandy Boyd, Vice President of Advocacy
and Outreach for Achieve, Inc. Kudos to Governor Bredesen and the rest of the
K-12, higher education and business community leadership team for all of their
hard work on behalf of Tennessee’s children."
Last year, Bredesen proposed raising graduation requirements and aligning curriculum
standards to better prepare all students for college and the workplace. Feedback
on proposed changes was solicited from employers and educators across the state
during the past year. The state board of education approved those changes last
month. The changes take effect for the high school Class of 2013.
The Governor’s leadership role, time commitment, active outreach to business
community and his ongoing interest inspires us and keeps us focused, Tennessee
Office of State Planning and Policy representative Margaret Horn said at the
Washington, D.C. unveiling of the report. His active involvement and hands-on
role drove both the quantity and quality of participation among business leaders.
They were there because this matters to the highest level our government.
students for post-secondary education and high-performance job opportunities.
Tennessee joined the ADP network and formed the Tennessee Diploma Project in
January 2007. For more information, contact Rachel Woods at (615) 253-1960 or Rachel.Woods@state.tn.us.