Oklahoma Legislature Ends VAM in Teacher Evaluations

By Sally Absher If Oklahoma is the “Sooner State” then Tennessee must be the “Later State.” At least, concerning passing legislation to end the use of the highly controversial “value added model” (VAM) in teacher evaluations. Brian Washington reports on...

‘Unfortunate Situation’ But No Ethics Violation

By Sally Absher Last week the Knox County Schools Ethics Committee heard the complaint filed by Adam McKenry, Randy Susong, and Leonard Sams against Bearden High School principal Dr. John Bartlett, BHS Athletic Director Nathan Lynn, KCS Director of Facilities and...

The Chalk Board for June 13, 2016

By Sally Absher Eight Additional Recipients Receive Read to be Ready Grants for Summer Reading Programs Education Commissioner Candice McQueen and Economic and Community Development Commissioner Randy Boyd announced that, with support from the Department of Economic...

The Chalk Board for June 6, 2016

By Sally Absher   Farewell to Board of Education Student Rep Sydney Gabrielson Sydney Gabrielson ended her tenure as the Student Representative on the Board of Education on June 1. A 2016 graduate of Bearden High School, she served as Editor in Chief of the...

The Chalk Board for May 31, 2016

By Sally Absher   Tennessee Education Department Launches Statewide Tour to Get Input on ESSA Plan Commissioner Candice McQueen and department leaders are launching a statewide listening tour to gather input from educators, key advocates, parents, students, and...