TennesseeCAN released the 2019 Tennessee Policy Report Card, scoring our state on 26 education policies that would help ensure every student receives a high-quality education through access to great teachers and great schools.
This report analyzes policies that are critical levers for Tennessee to achieve strong educational progress- including the expansion of quality school options, a strong teacher talent pipeline, an aligned annual assessment, and high academic standards. Each policy is categorized into one of four main areas of focus: excellence, equity, choice, and transparency.
“As we measure the impact of new policies and programs, we must also hold true to foundational legislation that has helped Tennessee move from the back of the pack to one of the fastest-improving states in the nation,” said Charlie Bufalino, TennesseeCAN Director of Policy and Strategy. “Under the leadership of Governor Bill Lee, the Tennessee General Assembly raised the bar in 2019 by passing legislation to help ensure all students have access to the school that will best meet their needs and prepare them for success after high school graduation.”
This year’s report also includes new information and scores for two historic bills championed by Governor Bill Lee, which strive to expand access to school choice options for all Tennessee students. With the increased focus on Career and Technical Education (CTE) policies in recent years, this year’s report card includes CTE as a new policy area.