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SCORE SCORE drives to transform education from classroom to career so all Tennessee students can succeed in the classroom, career, and life. What SCORE does:
1.

Advocate for students
2. Monitor academic progress
3. Research and innovate new approaches
4. Engage and empower educators

Over more than two decades, Tennessee has made the largest gains of any state in national rankings. A new analysis commi...
10/13/2026

Over more than two decades, Tennessee has made the largest gains of any state in national rankings. A new analysis commissioned by SCORE shows that Tennessee rose from 42nd in 2003 to 16th in 2024 on a combined measure of fourth- and eighth-grade reading and math achievement from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). Tennessee now ranks No. 1 in the South and is the region’s only state in the national top 20.

This progress shows what’s possible when Tennessee sets high expectations and implements evidence-based policies and practices. The data also make clear that significant gaps among student groups remain. More students need to read at grade level, build strong math skills, and have clear pathways through postsecondary education to high-demand careers and economic independence.

Explore the findings and what they mean for Tennessee’s next chapter: ow.ly/Q3ua50ZXaJe

🎓 The choices students make about their education can shape their opportunities for years to come. Strong career-connect...
10/12/2026

🎓 The choices students make about their education can shape their opportunities for years to come. Strong career-connected advising helps them connect those decisions to their interests, goals, and future careers.

Across Tennessee, school counselors, career coaches, and advising organizations provide critical support. But access to that guidance varies, and it does not always stay connected as students move from high school through postsecondary education and into the workforce.

SCORE’s new report examines Tennessee’s advising landscape and opportunities to strengthen that support.

Partner spotlights feature the Ayers Foundation Trust, Chattanooga 2.0, the Niswonger Foundation, Persist Nashville, Inc., and tnAchieves and show how each organization approaches career-connected advising and evidence of its impact on students.

Alongside lessons from other states, the report outlines four priorities for building a more coordinated advising system that helps students pursue meaningful careers and long-term economic independence.

Explore the analysis, partner spotlights, and recommendations here: https://ow.ly/QPTC50ZWQto

When students in the Dyersburg City Schools system recognized a challenge affecting a classmate, they drew on STEM learn...
10/08/2026

When students in the Dyersburg City Schools system recognized a challenge affecting a classmate, they drew on STEM learning, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork to design a solution. The student-led project at Dyersburg Middle School shows what’s possible when young people have the skills, support, and partnerships to turn their ideas into meaningful action. Read more in the latest Perspective on our blog: https://ow.ly/C52F50ZW3lP

Tennessee education leaders are beginning to make decisions about how AI will be used in schools and classrooms. Those d...
10/07/2026

Tennessee education leaders are beginning to make decisions about how AI will be used in schools and classrooms. Those decisions will shape how students learn, how teachers teach, and which tools schools choose to adopt.

Over the last three years, SCORE has learned alongside educators and partners as they test new approaches and consider questions about safety, instructional quality, and student outcomes. That work shaped our new memo: Guiding Principles for AI in Tennessee Education.

The seven principles call for AI literacy for all students, effective teaching practices, evidence to guide adoption, and trusted support for leaders evaluating tools. Together, these principles offer a foundation for using AI in ways that strengthen teaching and help students learn.

Read the memo: https://ow.ly/vw0X50ZVrti

Just released federal guidelines offer a clearer picture of how the new Federal Scholarship Tax Credit (FSTC) could be l...
10/02/2026

Just released federal guidelines offer a clearer picture of how the new Federal Scholarship Tax Credit (FSTC) could be leveraged to support student success beginning in 2027. Important highlights from the proposed regulations:

• Married couples filing jointly can receive up to $3,400 in combined tax credits, further enhancing the program’s potential impact on Tennessee students.
• States have until Feb. 15, 2027, to submit their list of qualified scholarship granting organizations (SGOs) for 2027 participation.
• SGOs now have greater clarity on how to prioritize students with the greatest needs, administer scholarships, and meet federal requirements.

Implementation is key to whether the FSTC improves outcomes for students. Tennessee now has the guidance it needs to fully leverage this opportunity. Read our memo to learn more about the program and its potential for Tennessee students.

https://ow.ly/tv5O50ZU3AR

After two days of learning and connecting at the 2026 Policy Innovators in Education (PIE) Network Summit, we capped it ...
10/02/2026

After two days of learning and connecting at the 2026 Policy Innovators in Education (PIE) Network Summit, we capped it off with a night to remember at the Eddies! These annual awards celebrate outstanding education policy and advocacy achievements.

We were especially proud to cheer on our President & CEO David Mansouri as he received the Suzanne Kubach PIE Network Weaver of the Year Award. 🎉

Those of us who work with David know why this honor is so fitting. He listens closely, shares what he knows, makes connections that help others succeed, and gives credit freely. His belief in people makes us better at our work, and his commitment to students keeps us focused on why it matters. David’s leadership has helped strengthen education advocacy in Tennessee and across the country. We’re grateful for the example he sets every day.

SCORE also received the Best Implementation Award for helping turn the Tennessee Literacy Success Act into stronger reading instruction in classrooms. We’re grateful to TNTP for their partnership in moving this work forward.

Both honors reflect the power of people working together with students at the center. We’re heading home proud, energized, and committed to building on this progress so more Tennessee students can succeed in school, career, and life.

09/30/2026

From new funding opportunities for students to leadership in AI and stronger career pathways, Tennessee continues advancing student success.

In this month’s newsletter:
✅ How a new tax credit could expand funding for Tennessee students
✅ National profile of SCORE’s leadership in AI in education
✅ How pre-apprenticeships give students a head start on careers
✅ Bright spots from Tennessee charter schools

Dive into the latest insights, resources, and stories supporting Tennessee students: https://ow.ly/6RFz50ZT5jb

Beginning in 2027, a new program could create a significant new source of funding to help Tennessee students and familie...
09/28/2026

Beginning in 2027, a new program could create a significant new source of funding to help Tennessee students and families access tutoring, instructional materials, special needs services, transportation, and other educational supports.

The Federal Scholarship Tax Credit will offer taxpayers a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit for contributions to approved nonprofit scholarship granting organizations. These organizations will then use the contributions to provide scholarships to eligible K-12 students in a variety of school settings, including traditional public schools, public charter schools, and private schools.

Federal law sets the program’s framework, but Tennessee’s implementation decisions will determine its reach and impact, giving the state an important opportunity to put students first and expand access to the support they need to succeed.

SCORE’s new memo explains how the program works and why keeping student needs at the center of implementation matters.

Read the memo here: https://ow.ly/SzAZ50ZSoUm

Congratulations to the Tennessee Department of Education on receiving nearly $8 million to strengthen how Tennessee recr...
09/25/2026

Congratulations to the Tennessee Department of Education on receiving nearly $8 million to strengthen how Tennessee recruits, develops, and supports educators in high-need schools! 🎉

Awarded through the federal Teacher and School Leader Incentive Program, this grant will help eligible districts and public charter schools build educator leadership pathways, strengthen evaluation, and put strategic staffing and incentives in place. At SCORE, we believe every student should have access to excellent educators and every educator should have a career that lets them grow and lead. Advanced teacher roles are one of the most promising ways to make both true.

We're excited to see what this investment makes possible for Tennessee's teachers and students, and we look forward to continuing to support this work.

Learn more: https://www.tn.gov/education/news/2026/9/24/tennessee-receives-nearly--8-million-for-the-teacher-and-school-leader-incentive-program-.html

Pre-apprenticeships across Tennessee are helping students gain hands-on experience, develop professional skills, and exp...
09/23/2026

Pre-apprenticeships across Tennessee are helping students gain hands-on experience, develop professional skills, and explore high-wage, high-demand careers while still in high school. Yet certified pre-apprenticeship programs are currently available in only 17 of Tennessee’s 95 counties.

That gap matters. Students who participate in work-based learning are more likely to complete high school, successfully transition to postsecondary education and careers, and earn higher wages when they enter the workforce.

In the latest Perspective on our blog, SCORE's Liza Ambrose highlights two Tennessee exemplars that connect classroom learning with real-world opportunities and makes the case for expanding access to pre-apprenticeships across the state.

Read more: https://tnscore.org/perspectives-and-press/perspectives/pre-apprenticeships-give-tennessee-students-a-head-start-on-careers

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1801 West End Avenue, Suite 300
Nashville, TN
37203

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