Two low-performing Nashville schools left in district hands

According to the Tennessean, two Nashville schools that would have been slated for state takeover under the newly formed state "Achievement School District" are instead being left under local leadership.  According to the recently passed SB 7005, schools that do not meet achievement standards were to be taken out of their home school districts and run as a group by the state.  This was part of several reforms in SB 7005 aimed at showing the state was serious about education, and qualify it for federal Race to the Top funds.

Some critics are decrying the move by the state, saying that it is already going soft on school reform.  Tennessee Commissioner of Education Tim Webb states that reform must be tailored to each school.  According to the new plan, Glencliff High and Cameron Middle will remain under local control while receiving more state funding for reforms.  Glencliff High will likely use the funds for longer school days and an extended school year, while Cameron Middle will slowly be phased into a charter school.  According to Metro Nashville Public Schools, "MNPS seeks a partnership with a not-for-profit school turnaround organization with the capacity to operate MNPS-sponsored charter conversions of high priority schools within MNPS."

Glencliff High and Cameron Middle are two of 11 schools slated for inclusion in the states Achievement District.