Tennessee Educators Focus on Middle Schools in 2007

Nashville, TN – Tennessee educators are gathering in Nashville this week to examine the state’s middle schools and how best to meet their mission of student learning. For two years, Tennessee has focused on high school design and preparing students for college and careers. These middle grades events continue that work as educators analyze how best to prepare today’s students for high school.

“Across Tennessee, middle schools are finding ways to make a measurable difference in the lives of students, whether by changing the school climate, increasing attendance, raising achievement or cutting down on discipline referrals,” said Susan Bunch, Assistant Commissioner for Teaching and Learning. “This week educators will learn from the best mentors – colleagues who have had proven success.”

Professionals from Tennessee’s largest districts will also participate in an urban middle grade summit to address issues unique to these systems. Their agenda will include:

• The reversal of underachievement in urban students
• Practices that impact student learning
• Cultural responsiveness
• Using data effectively
• Closing the achievement gap

“Every student is an individual whose needs and experiences must be considered when helping him or her succeed in school,” said Gwen Watson, Tennessee’s Urban Education Specialist. “In the same way educators approach learning differently in middle versus high school, they must consider the differences between students in our largest cities compared to rural or suburban communities.”

These middle grade events will also explore preparing for high school, complementing the work started at the High School and Urban Summits the last two years. The Urban Middle Grade Summit will take place Monday, June 18 in the French Quarter Ballroom at the Holiday Inn, Brentwood. The Middle Grade Summit will take place Tuesday, June 19 through Wednesday, June 20 at Ravenwood High School in Brentwood.

For more information, contact Rachel Woods at (615) 253-1960 or Rachel.Woods@state.tn.us.