News Summary
Tennessee lawmakers are debating the future of the Achievement School District (ASD) in Memphis, focusing on potential changes to improve struggling schools. With state Rep. Antonio Parkinson advocating for a shift away from the ASD model, discussions center on how best to manage underperforming schools, including the possibility of transferring control to charter schools. As the debate unfolds, concerns about the effectiveness of the ASD and academic outcomes remain at the forefront. Lawmakers are poised to make significant decisions that could shape the educational landscape in Memphis.
Memphis Schools on the Chopping Block? Lawmakers Eye Achievement School Districtโs Future
Memphis, get ready for some serious talk about our schools! Tennessee lawmakers are discussing a big change that could impact how some of our struggling educational institutions are run. Enter State Representative Antonio Parkinson, who is championing a push to dissolve the Achievement School District (ASD). This initiative was born out of a desire to enhance schools that have had a tough time hitting the mark academically, but according to Parkinson, itโs high time to rethink this entire strategy.
The Origin Story of ASD
Back in 2011, the ASD was created with grand hopes and dreams. The idea was simple: take over schools that weren’t performing well and turn them around with state control. It sounds great on paper, but in practice, things havenโt gone as planned. Over the years, an eye-watering $2 billion has been spent from taxpayers’ pockets, but many are left scratching their heads, wondering where that money has gone as academic outcomes have not improved as hoped.
Has the ASD Failed Our Students?
Critics are lining up to voice their concerns, claiming that many schools within the ASD system are doing worse than they did before they were brought under state management. This raises a serious question about the effectiveness of such measures. As discussions continue, lawmakers placed a bill on the table that could either shake up the current framework or possibly lead to its end.
The Proposal in Play
The bill suggests an interesting strategy: shifting control to charter schools to manage the public schools struggling to stay afloat. This idea has sparked some debate. While some see it as a way to breathe fresh air into these institutions, others, including Parkinson, feel that it doesn’t do enough to address the underlying issues with the ASD. They argue that simply changing whoโs in charge won’t suddenly create a magical fix for our schools.
Current Status of the ASD
As it stands, just three schools remain in the ASD in Memphis, all operated by IOTA Community Schools. This raises more questions: Are these schools actually benefiting from the ASD model, and are we seeing noticeable improvements? Even the executive director of IOTA has pointed to some bright spots, like Wooddale Middle School, which is slated to leave the priority list, hinting that not all is lost.
Governor Lee’s Perspective
Meanwhile, Governor Bill Lee is throwing in his two cents, emphasizing the need for a support system that balances accountability with local flexibility. His thoughts echo the larger need to find innovative ways to improve education without losing sight of what our students truly need. This potential legislative change aims to dissolve the ASD by summer, paving the way for a new intervention model for the next school year.
What’s Next for Underperforming Schools?
In severe cases, this proposed legislation could go as far as mandating state closures for schools that have consistently performed poorly. Itโs somewhat alarming to think about, but lawmakers are feeling the pressure to make tough choices for the future of our education system.
As these discussions unfold in Memphis, one thing is clear: the future of the Achievement School District hangs in the balance. With so much at stake, itโs a time for all stakeholdersโparents, teachers, and the communityโto engage in thoughtful conversations about our schools and the paths we want to carve out for our kids. Stay tuned as we see what lawmakers decide and how it affects our cityโs educational landscape!
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Additional Resources
- Commercial Appeal: Timeline of State Takeover Threats in Memphis Schools
- Local Memphis: Achievement School District Focus
- Action News 5: Lawmakers Debate Dissolving Achievement School District
- Daily Memphian: Could Tennessee Scrap Achievement School Districts?
- Wikipedia: Achievement School District
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
