Last month, Tennessee was one of only two finalists selected to receive the first highly competitive U.S. Department of Education Race to the Top grants. In his remarks, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan praised the recipients for achieving statewide approval for their comprehensive school reform plans and “demonstrating the courage, capacity and commitment to turning ideas into practices that can improve outcomes for students.”
Keith D. Brewer, executive director of the Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents (TOSS) commented that one of Tennesee's strengths is its active connection with key stakeholders interested in improving education, including elected officials, teachers union leaders and business leaders. One such connection is the new partnership between TOSS and School Specialty, providers of curricula and learning resources. The company will collaborate with school leadership throughout the state to support educational initiatives.
“Through our new partnership with School Specialty, TOSS continues to strengthen the network of resources available to our state’s advocates for public education and leverage those tools to truly improve teaching and learning,” said Brewer.
School Specialty's reading and math intervention systems combine teaching with computer-based learning and data-driven decision-making. It offers an integrated approach to Response to Intervention (RTI), including screening, intervention, progress monitoring, reporting and professional development.
“We look forward to working with Dr. Brewer and education advocates around the state as they implement Tennessee’s ambitious school improvement agenda.” said Steven Korte, Group President, School Specialty Educational Publishing.
