Tennessee Ranked 16th in Nation for Education

NASHVILLE- Tennessee’s public education system was recently ranked 16th in the nation by Education Week’s 2008 Quality Counts report. Each year this report ranks all states on a comprehensive range of education policies and outcomes. Tennessee’s educational system improved in nearly every category evaluated by the researchers.

“When you put good polices in place to improve education and the resources behind them to support that-you see real progress,” said Governor Bredesen. “This report shows that we are on the right track, from a great pre-Kindergarten program to expanded opportunities for post secondary education.”

Tennessee received an A on the report and was ranked second in the nation for providing good transitions to education and alignment of standards.  Tennessee’s nationally ranked pre-K program and statewide career and technical education program provide much needed opportunities for families to prepare their children for the future.

Additionally Tennessee received an A- for its standards, assessments, and accountability system. Two years ago the Department of Education began evaluating and aligning state standards to national expectations for achievement and increasing the rigor and requirements for students to graduate.  Governor Bredesen initiated the Tennessee Diploma Project in January of 2007 to bring all stakeholders together and prepare students for college and the workplace. Tennessee has also been recognized as the first state in the nation to receive full federal approval of its assessment system under No Child Left Behind.

“Under Governor Bredesen’s leadership, Tennessee has clearly focused on the best policies and practices necessary to improve education,” said Education Commissioner Lana Seivers. “This has encouraged a partnership between communities, educators, business leaders, and families to provide the best possible outcomes for our children.”

The Quality Counts report also evaluated all states on the chance for student success, school finance, K-12 achievement, and the teaching profession. Tennessee was recognized as well for linking teacher performance to student achievement with the TVAAS system, good working conditions and professional development for teachers, and school leadership policies.

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