Education nonprofit SCORE takes aim at Tennessee literacy rates in latest priorities list

After over a decade of work focused on literacy, a little more than a third of Tennessee's students are reading on grade level. The rate also has stalled since 2013.

That's why a focus on addressing the state's literacy crisis is one of four priorities released on Tuesday by the State Collaborative on Reforming Education, a statewide nonprofit focused on improving student achievement.

"We must continue to push harder to achieve the bold goals we've set," said Bill Frist, SCORE founder and chairman.

The group's annual priorities and outline of how Tennessee's education system is faring comes a day after Gov. Bill Lee presented his budget during the annual State of the State. In the 2020-21 budget, Lee wants to add another $643 million to the state's education budget, including a revamped focus on literacy.

"Our math scores in Tennessee have continued to show dramatic gains, while literacy has flatlined despite the numerous interventions, innovation, prayers and tears," said Shannon Tufts, a Lenoir City Schools early grade literacy specialist, who helped present SCORE's priorities.

To address literacy, SCORE says the state and districts must look to focus on the foundational skills of reading for students — or decoding words and phonics.

The state also must provide high-quality instructional materials for classrooms and provide training on how best to teach students.

David Mansouri, SCORE CEO and president, said the instructional materials conversation is appropriate and important as Tennessee districts adopt English and language arts textbooks.

"As districts evaluate materials and resources, they have to be provided with the right support to make good decisions so there are strong materials in every classroom in the state," Mansouri said.

The state plans to follow a framework in its literacy initiatives next year.

The state will spend $48.8 million for a new statewide literacy initiative that will emphasize teacher training and coaching of elementary teachers, with $11.25 million of that money recurring. And it will spend $20 million in one-time money to aid grade 3-8 classrooms in the state's new English language arts textbook adoptions and provide high-quality classroom instructional resources. 

Tennessee Education Commissioner Penny Schwinn said Monday the goal is to get districts and teachers trained on the best way to boost student success in literacy. States such as Mississippi have followed similar models and seen success.

Schwinn said it will be tough for teachers to make the shift, but added that it is possible.

"Part of what we saw in Mississippi is that when teachers had access to really strong professional development, when they got the materials, and they were able to see what was possible, the perceptions changed pretty significantly, especially over the three or four years," she said.

The three other priorities are:

• For the state to create equitable opportunities for college and career success. This is the first year that SCORE has focused on college and beyond.
• The state must strengthen teacher preparation and teacher pay. In the governor's 2020-21 budget, he added $117 million to increase teacher pay and plans for more investments next year.
• SCORE is calling on the state and districts to demand, support and expand strong schools.

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Reach Jason Gonzales at jagonzales@tennessean.com and on Twitter @ByJasonGonzales.