Education 101 - An Overview of Recent Education Reforms in Tennessee

Taking Note JANUARY 2011 Examining Key Education Reform Ideas in Tennessee Education 101: An Overview of Recent Education Reforms in Tennessee In the past two years, Tennessee has transformed from a laggard in education reform to a national leader. Although the state’s student achievement levels still remain in the bottom quarter nationally, recent reforms have begun to create the political, policy, and funding conditions to dramatically improve Tennessee’s schools. It is critical that state and local leaders develop a deep understanding of these reforms so that they can ensure these reforms are effectively implemented. This memo outlines the rationale behind Tennessee’s recent reforms, summarizes the reforms themselves, and discusses some of the key education issues expected to arise in 2011. Rationale for Reform State and district leaders have consistently cited one main reason for improving the state’s education system – jobs. Recent research by the Tennessee Department of Workforce Development found that seven of the ten fastest growing occupations in Tennessee require some type of postsecondary education.i Moreover, while the unemployment rate for Tennesseans with a Bachelor’s degree is 5.2%, the unemployment rate for Tennesseans with an Associate’s degree is 6.8%, for Tennesseans with only a high school diploma is 9.7%, and for Tennesseans without a high school diploma is 14.6%.ii Perhaps most shockingly, over the course of a lifetime, a college graduate makes an average of $1.2 million more than a worker with only a high school diploma.iii The strong connection between education and jobs is particularly clear at some of the companies that have recently invested in Tennessee. Working at the new Hemlock Semiconductor plant in Clarksville requires passing six Work Key tests (including tests in applied math, applied technology, and reading for information) while applying for a manufacturing job at the new Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga requires a 19 on the ACT or at least a “C” grade in college-level classes that require reading and math.iv An effective state education system is crucial to creating more jobs in Tennessee and giving Tennesseans the skills to enter the 21st century workforce. Unfortunately, there is clear evidence that Tennessee’s education system is performing poorly relative to education systems in other states. By almost every education metric, Tennessee almost always ranks in the bottom quarter nationally, consistently behind all other Southeastern states except Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi. For example, Tennessee ranks 39th on national assessment tests in math 2009-2010 Education Reforms REFORM DESCRIPTION Tennessee Diploma Project An effort led by former Governor Phil Bredesen to raise standards for Tennessee students to ensure every student graduates high school prepared for the workforce or college First to the Top Act Passed in January 2010, the largest piece of education reform legislation in Tennessee since 1992 Race to the Top A competitive federal grant giving Tennessee $501 million over the next four years to implement innovative education reforms Tennessee SCORE A non-profit founded by former U.S. Senate Majority leader Bill Frist to build bipartisan statewide support for education reform Federal and Philanthropic Grants Tennessee has received over $710 million in competitive federal and philanthropic grants over the past two years and reading and 42nd in the percentage of individuals 25 years or older who possess a Bachelor’s degree.v If these rankings do not improve, it will become increasingly difficult for Tennessee to create and recruit new, good paying jobs. Luckily, there is clear evidence that a state can significantly improve its education system over time. For example, Florida went from ranking 34th on national assessment tests in 1992 to ranking 25th in 2009. By contrast, Tennessee went from ranking 35th in 1992 to ranking 39th in 2009.vi If Tennessee can make the same types of gains Florida made, tens of more thousands of Tennesseans will graduate high school, enroll in postsecondary education, and have a much better chance of obtaining a good paying job. “State and district leaders have consistently cited one main reason for improving the state’s education system – jobs.” 1207 18th Avenue South, Suite 326, Nashville, TN 37212 — tel 615.727.1545 — fax 615.727.1569 — www.tnscore.org