View in EDS

Challenges and Issues in Tennessee Education: A 1995 Profile.

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Title: Challenges and Issues in Tennessee Education: A 1995 Profile.
Language: English
Authors: Butler, E. Dean, Memphis Univ., TN. Center for Research in Educational Policy.
Peer Reviewed: N
Page Count: 32
Publication Date: 1995
Document Type: Reports - Research
Descriptors: Accountability, Early Childhood Education, Educational Change, Educational Equity (Finance), Educational Policy, Educational Technology, Elementary Secondary Education, Governance, Leadership, Parent Participation, Professional Personnel, Public Schools, School Safety, State Action, State Legislation, Statewide Planning
Geographic Terms: Tennessee
Abstract: This report summarizes the key laws, policies, and regulations and current or persistent issues associated with Tennessee public education. Two major questions directed the inquiry: What were the principal educational policy developments in Tennessee in the 1980s and 1990s? and What major educational challenges and issues currently exist in Tennessee? Data were collected from a literature review, content analysis of documents, and interviews with state-education-agency personnel and state leaders. Two major waves of reform are discussed--the Better Schools Program, implemented during the 1980s, and 21st Century Schools, to be implemented around the year 2000. The following issues addressed by recent state initiatives are discussed: (1) national educational goals and content standards; (2) early childhood education; (3) connections between schools, work, and lifelong learning; (4) high school restructuring; (5) broad-based coalitions of educators, parents, business, and community leaders addressing school needs; (6) accountability standards and school-performance goals; (7) leadership development; (8) decentralized decision-making and strategic planning of educational improvements; (9) technological resources to support instruction, school management, and policy research; (10) preparation and certification of educational professionals; (11) school safety; and (12) equity funding. (Contains 93 references.) (LMI)
Entry Date: 1996
Accession Number: ED387870
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:This report summarizes the key laws, policies, and regulations and current or persistent issues associated with Tennessee public education. Two major questions directed the inquiry: What were the principal educational policy developments in Tennessee in the 1980s and 1990s? and What major educational challenges and issues currently exist in Tennessee? Data were collected from a literature review, content analysis of documents, and interviews with state-education-agency personnel and state leaders. Two major waves of reform are discussed--the Better Schools Program, implemented during the 1980s, and 21st Century Schools, to be implemented around the year 2000. The following issues addressed by recent state initiatives are discussed: (1) national educational goals and content standards; (2) early childhood education; (3) connections between schools, work, and lifelong learning; (4) high school restructuring; (5) broad-based coalitions of educators, parents, business, and community leaders addressing school needs; (6) accountability standards and school-performance goals; (7) leadership development; (8) decentralized decision-making and strategic planning of educational improvements; (9) technological resources to support instruction, school management, and policy research; (10) preparation and certification of educational professionals; (11) school safety; and (12) equity funding. (Contains 93 references.) (LMI)