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State of the Schools Address |
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On Thursday, January 19th, educators, parents and community members packed the Gresham Middle School auditorium to hear the inaugural State of the Schools Address. Dr. Jim McIntyre addressed the crowd by laying out his strategic plan for the school system and highlighted some of the progress the school system has made. He also frankly discussed the challenges facing the district and shared some startling statistics. By acknowledging the problems, Dr. McIntyre made it clear that his team of educators is ready to face these challenges head-on, but they cannot do it alone. Parents and the community must be supportive as the school system moves forward.
Great Schools Partnership President, Buzz Thomas, concluded the program by challenging the crowd to want and expect the best school system in the southeastern United States. Last weekend both our school board and county commission signed on to this lofty goal! |
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Some of the good news shared:
- After tougher standards were implemented in 2010-2011, data shows an overall upward trend.
- Students scoring proficient or advanced on the TCAP improved in all four subject areas.
- Since 2008, the graduation rate has steadily increased each year with the class of 2011 having an 86.6% graduation rate.
Areas of concern for the school system:
- Only 47% of our 3rd grade students scored proficient or advanced on the reading and English/language arts portion of the TCAP.
- At Pellissippi, Walter State and Roane State, well over half of the entering students are not prepared for college work and have to take remedial classes.
Many other facts and figures were shared and the supporting documents as well as the transcript and video from the evening can be accessed HERE. |
| TVA Supports Great Schools Partnership |
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On December 20th, the Great Schools Partnership received a $100,000 donation from the Tennessee Valley Authority for Knox County's Teacher Advancement Program (TAP). The check was presented at Pond Gap Elementary, one of the four original TAP schools. Kim Greene, TVA President of Strategy and External Relations, presented the check to Dr. Jim McIntyre and Buzz Thomas.
This donation supplements the $26.5 million federal grant which has allowed the TAP program to expand to an additional 14 schools. This program helps educators become more effective teachers. Under the program, teachers mentor each other and take part in cluster meetings focusing on achievement gaps. In addition, teachers receive targeted and ongoing professional training as well as incentive bonuses for a job well done. The TAP program enables extraordinary teachers advancement through the master and mentor teacher program. |
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You're Invited . . . |
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Great Schools Need Great Principals
Please join The Great Schools Partnership
as we honor
5 Top Principals
from the Knox County Middle & High Schools
Thursday, March 15, 2012
5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
5:30 p.m. Awards Presentation
The Square Room
4 Market Square
To attend, please respond to Virginia Babb by Friday, March 8th
Business Attire Cash Bar |
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Make Reading your 2012 Resolution |
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The Knoxville-News Sentinel has partnered with the Great Schools Partnership and the Children's Reading Foundation to promote reading as part of its 125th anniversary celebration.
Read with your child,
it's the most important 20 minutes of your day! |
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