The following statement is issued today by Mike Carpenter, executive director, Tennesseans for Quality Early Education, in response to release of TNReady 2018-19 data:
“Improvement of student performance is good news for Tennessee – it demonstrates that the tireless efforts of teachers, leaders, and students is moving the needle in the right direction. We applaud that progress while also urging Tennessee to continue a relentless pursuit of improving student growth and achievement every year from pre-k to 12. Proficiency in reading and math is still far too low statewide.
“It is especially troubling that elementary students made no gains in math or language arts – a chronic condition that poses a major threat to our state’s growth and prosperity. To truly move student achievement demands greater investment of focus, planning and resources in early education, from birth to grade 3. Low proficiency in third grade is a clear indication that the quality of children’s learning prior to third grade requires significant improvement. We can and must do better, and better early ed policies and programs is the starting place to achieve the transformational change and results that Tennesseans want and is within reach.”
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