Memphis, August 30, 2025
News Summary
Memphis-Shelby County Schools has secured the highest overall score on the TVAAS for the fourth year in a row, showcasing strong performance despite challenges in social studies among younger students. Compass Community Schools, the largest charter network in Memphis, achieved notable growth with five out of six schools earning a Level 5 TVAAS rating. Innovative practices, such as differentiated instruction and substantial academic support, are attributed to Compass’s success. Meanwhile, the ASD dissolution raises concerns for nearly 900 students and staff as changes in school assessment protocols are explored.
Memphis – Memphis-Shelby County Schools has achieved the highest overall score on the Tennessee Value-Added Assessment System (TVAAS) for the fourth consecutive year, highlighting its strong performance amidst challenges faced by younger students in the district. While the overall success of the district is commendable, younger students have fallen behind in social studies, not meeting growth targets that had been set for their learning progress.
The district is home to Compass Community Schools, which serves more than 1,400 K-12 students and is recognized as the largest charter school network in the city. For the upcoming 2023-24 school year, five out of six Compass schools obtained a Level 5 TVAAS rating, the highest growth designation available. Additionally, three of these schools have been designated as Reward Schools, a recognition indicating significant levels of performance and improvement recognized by the state of Tennessee.
Compass attributes its impressive results to a combination of practices that enhance student learning. These include differentiated instruction, robust academic supports, and effective resources for teachers. A unique feature of Compassโs curriculum is the integration of a โflex blockโ into the daily schedule, which provides tailored instruction aimed at addressing the specific learning needs of all students.
In addition to classroom instruction, Compass offers various forms of academic support, such as after-school tutoring and a summer academic camp that has drawn over 350 attendees. These initiatives are particularly critical, given that approximately 68% of Compass students speak a home language other than English, with around a third qualifying for additional support through the Multi-Language Learner (MLL) program.
Professional support for teachers is another key factor in Compassโs success. The school network emphasizes in-house professional development, ongoing coaching, and adequate planning time for staff, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment that is essential for effective teaching.
In related news, Tennessee state lawmakers have voted unanimously to dissolve the Achievement School District (ASD), which has raised concerns for nearly 900 students and staff across two remaining ASD schools. Originally established to improve the stateโs lowest-performing schools, the ASD has faced ongoing criticism for failing to meet its intended goals over the past 15 years. This shift in control back to local districts is expected to affect students, staff, and overall educational dynamics in the state.
The Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) is currently evaluating potential changes to how schools and districts are assessed, with a specific focus on the TVAAS scores that indicate student progress. Feedback is actively being sought from school district leaders regarding accountability measures and upcoming changes to the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) plan. The TDOE’s survey may have implications for how future school letter grades are calculated, particularly with discussions about incorporating social studies and science tests into assessment criteria. As the state continues to revise its accountability measures, scrutiny remains to ensure compliance with federal regulations associated with the ESSA.
FAQ
What is the TVAAS score?
The Tennessee Value-Added Assessment System (TVAAS) measures the academic progress of students from year to year. It is used to evaluate the effectiveness of schools and teachers in facilitating student learning.
What challenges are young students facing in Memphis-Shelby County Schools?
Young students in Memphis-Shelby County Schools have experienced a loss of progress in social studies and are currently falling behind expected growth targets.
What is the Compass Community Schools program?
Compass Community Schools is the largest charter school network in Memphis, serving over 1,400 K-12 students. The program focuses on differentiated instruction, extensive academic support, and professional development for teachers.
What changes are being discussed regarding the Achievement School District (ASD)?
Tennessee lawmakers have voted to dissolve the ASD, transferring control of its schools back to local districts. This change affects nearly 900 students and staff and has raised concerns about future educational dynamics.
How is the Tennessee Department of Education reviewing school assessment criteria?
The TDOE is evaluating changes to school and district assessments, particularly regarding TVAAS scores. They are soliciting feedback from school district leaders and may incorporate additional subjects, like social studies and science, into future assessments.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| TVAAS Score | Highest overall score for four consecutive years; indicates strong student growth. |
| Compass Community Schools | Largest charter school network in Memphis with extensive support programs; five out of six schools attained Level 5 TVAAS rating. |
| Academic Support | Includes after-school tutoring and summer academic camps for students. |
| Language Diversity | Approximately 68% of students speak a home language other than English; a third qualify for MLL program support. |
| Achievement School District | Unanimous vote to dissolve, returning control of schools to local districts, affecting nearly 900 students. |
| Future Assessments | Potential changes to TVAAS scores and accountability systems are under review by the TDOE. |
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Additional Resources
- Memphis Magazine: Compass Community Schools
- Local Memphis: Memphis Schools Face Uncertainty
- Action News 5: MSCS Leadership Appointments
- Pride Publishing: New MNPS Principals
- Commercial Appeal: Changes to School Scoring
- Wikipedia: Tennessee Value-Added Assessment System
- Google Search: Memphis Education System
- Google Scholar: Achievement School District Tennessee
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education in Tennessee
- Google News: Memphis Schools
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