Tennessee students showed slight progress in statewide testing this year, though a majority of third graders did not meet a significant reading benchmark.
While the administration has said it is reviewing programs related to immigration and other issues, Tennessee schools previously primarily used the funds for teacher training and after-school programming.
Tennessee isn’t asking where the participants were enrolled before, so it won’t know how many vouchers are going to existing private school students.
The district was one of the state’s big losers when the U.S. froze federal aid in March. But the federal reversal frees up over $55 million for vital building upgrades.
Two former Memphis school properties are being sold to the charter schools currently leasing them
Tennessee is not asking students about prior school enrollment in the state’s new voucher program application. Without the data, critics say, it will be impossible to determine whether the program is expanding access to private education for kids or funding tuition of students already enrolled in private schools.
The proposed rule change would allow schools to move students with disabilities to a more restrictive environment before conducting a full behavioral assessment if there are disruptive behaviors. Disability advocates say decisions to move students with disabilities should be made sparingly.
A summer benefits program that helped Tennessee families pay for groceries is no longer available in most counties, so community organizations are stepping up.
The Memphis-Shelby County school board approved a $1.9 billion budget for the upcoming school year that will also resurrect school break learning academies. But the district scaled back some critical fire and safety upgrade proposals, including fire alarm upgrades in a number of schools.
For the first time in five years, most low-income Tennessee students will not receive summer grocery benefits to help bridge the gap before school starts back. Advocates warn Tennessee’s decision to reduce its program will harm students.