CNS News– The Tennessee Senate unanimously approved a bill aimed at restructuring the state’s approach to low-performing schools, particularly focusing on the Achievement School District (ASD). The proposal seeks to transition struggling schools out of ASD and into alternative intervention models, with a strong emphasis on local management and collaboration between districts and the state education department.
Under the bill awaiting action in the full House, the ASD, established as a comprehensive school improvement model, would be phased out by the conclusion of the 2025-26 school year. This move would signify a significant shift away from the aggressive takeover tactics previously employed by the ASD.
One of the key provisions of the bill is the transfer of authority from the state education commissioner to local districts regarding the management of academically underperforming neighborhood schools. Instead of automatic assignment to charter operators, as was typical under the ASD, the bill introduces a more collaborative approach between the state and local districts for school improvement efforts.
Tennessee Senate passes bill to do away with the Achievement School District — and to gut the state’s authority to take over low-performing schools https://t.co/hV3cuvJ7v6
— Marta W. Aldrich (@marta_w_aldrich) April 2, 2024
Specifically, the proposed legislation outlines three turnaround options for priority schools: oversight by a charter operator, a public university, or an independent turnaround expert. However, these interventions would be subject to state approval to ensure alignment with educational standards and objectives.
The decision to overhaul the ASD reflects a bipartisan acknowledgment of its ineffectiveness in addressing the needs of struggling schools. Critics argue that ASD failed to produce significant improvements in student outcomes and faced challenges such as high teacher turnover and community backlash, particularly in areas like Memphis, where it was heavily implemented.
The gradual phasing out of the ASD aligns with broader legislative efforts to revamp Tennessee’s education system and comply with federal mandates such as the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which emphasizes rigorous improvement plans for underperforming schools. By empowering local districts and fostering collaboration, proponents of the bill aim to provide more tailored and sustainable interventions for schools in need of support.
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While the exact cost of implementing these interventions remains uncertain, policymakers are cognizant of the financial implications and are working closely with the education department to develop cost-effective strategies. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that priority schools receive meaningful interventions that have the potential to facilitate turnaround and improve educational outcomes for students.