Public Education Foundation News Feed

Kennedy named interim chief of principal school

1/11/2012

Bill Kennedy, the Public Education Foundation’s director of secondary initiatives, will lead the Principal Leadership Academy on an interim basis as the board conducts a search for a permanent director.

New laws, new schools chief mark year in education

12/30/2011

Some of public education’s most sacred cows vanished this year as the Tennessee General Assembly took on one of its most aggressive education reform sessions ever. At home in Chattanooga, a changing of the guard also took place as school board members ousted Hamilton County’s five-year superintendent in favor of a longtime schools administrator.

Schools seek science, math program funding

12/16/2011

The Hamilton County Board of Education unanimously approved on Thursday a grant application for about $1.8 million to help fund a science, technology, engineering and math school here. Board members voted 7-0 on the district’s application to the Tennessee STEM Innovation Network, a partnership of the Tennessee Department of Education and the Battelle Memorial Institute, an independent research and development organization.

FFT on your Christmas to-do list!

12/14/2011

Once the wrapping paper is recycled and you’re down to turkey leftovers, Christmas break might just be THE best time to put together your Fund for Teachers proposal.

Meet Passport Scholar Ja'Keena Dillard

12/14/2011

Being a 2010 Passport Scholar has made a real difference in the life of East Ridge High senior Ja'Keena Dillard.

STEM school to be placed at Chattanooga State

12/9/2011

A proposed high-tech Hamilton County high school could hold 300 students on the campus of Chattanooga State Community College. The county aims to apply for about $1.8 million in state grant funding to open a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, or STEM, school here next fall. At a meeting Thursday night, organizers said they plan to put the new STEM school in part of the former Olan Mills building next to the Chattanooga State campus and bought by the school in 2010.

Education concerns: Parents question legislators, other leaders on test scores, funding

12/8/2011

While funding remains in question, members of Hamilton County’s state legislative delegation say they’re committed to moving forward with improvements to public education. Legislators, school board members and county and city officials met with parents Wednesday morning at Hixson Middle School for a forum hosted by the Hamilton County Council of Parent-Teacher Associations.

Meet Taralyn Wiley, Passport Scholar

12/7/2011

We interviewed Taralyn Wiley – a young woman who has overcome some very serious hurdles to become a highly successful student at Red Bank High School.

Touring VW Academy

12/7/2011

It’s a win-win situation. High school counselors and college advisors want to know about every good opportunity for their students, and Volkswagen is looking for a rich applicant pool of students with solid math skills.

County schools show gains on report card

12/3/2011

Hamilton County Schools improved its graduation rate, along with elementary test scores for reading, math, science and social studies, but high school test scores are down, according to the latest state report card. The county’s overall graduation rate increased to 81.7 percent, up from 80.2 percent in 2010 and 70.9 percent in 2009.

Tennessee seeks higher student scores

11/28/2011

Gov. Bill Haslam says a goal to improve Tennessee students’ proficiency scores by 20 percent over the next five years would provide evidence that the state’s education overhaul is working. Education Commissioner Kevin Huffman said at budget hearings in Knoxville last week that his agency wants to meet that goal.

Times Op-Ed: Give school reform a chance

11/26/2011

Tennessee Education Commissioner Kevin Huffman, on the job for less than a year, is working diligently to improve the state’s struggling schools. The task, he candidly admits, is difficult. Success, he said at an editorial board meeting with the Chattanooga Times Free Press earlier this week, won’t come overnight. Initial efforts at reform do show promise, however, and should continue without undue interference from either politicians or educators motivated by self-serving considerations.

Instant evaluations: Principals using new model to assess performance of teachers

11/22/2011

While seventh-graders stack pennies and make length estimates, one person in class is busy wandering the classroom, taking notes as she goes. Normal Park Museum Magnet School Principal Jill Levine spends only about 10 minutes in Matt Jorgensen’s class, but learns much. “I saw so many things in his classroom that other teachers could learn from,” she said.

State seeks waiver on No Child Left Behind

11/15/2011

Tennessee’s education chief has asked the federal government for reprieve from its No Child Left Behind law in favor of a more flexible state accountability system that focuses on overall school growth. Instead of the strict achievement targets in the federal law, Education Commissioner Kevin Huffman wants a system with “ambitious but achievable” goals that primarily target the students who are furthest behind in learning.

“I’d be lost without SOAR”

11/10/2011

Too often, students who enter college do not stay to complete a degree. This is true for four-year colleges, but it’s an even bigger problem at community colleges. Nationally, fewer than 25% of students at public two-year institutions complete a degree or certificate within 3 years of enrolling. SOAR aims to address that problem.

Info on Fund for Teachers

11/10/2011

Teachers, we hope you’re planning your Fund for Teachers proposal! Join us here at PEF (100 East 10th Street) for an information session Thursday, November 17, 4-6 pm.

TEACH/Here info session

11/10/2011

If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a math or science teacher, TEACH/Here is the way to do it!

Superintendent travels to Ohio to observe STEM school

11/9/2011

As Ohio begins bracing for another winter, the students at Dayton Regional STEM School have a plan for dealing with snow days—homework via iPad. Placing a 21st century device like the iPad in the hands of every student is a cool story, but what impressed Hamilton County Superintendent Rick Smith on a recent trip to the Ohio school was that students were doing more than just learning on digital tablets—they were learning about the science behind what made the devices work.

Huffman balks at calls to delay teacher evaluation

11/7/2011

Tennessee Education Commissioner Kevin Huffman is opposing calls by some teachers and state lawmakers to delay using new evaluation scores to gauge educators’ effectiveness. The skeptics say the annual evaluation system, especially its classroom observation component, is helping send educators’ morale crashing in a state that won a $500 million federal Race to the Top grant last year. They are asking for a year’s delay in any negative consequences for teachers who get low scores. In an interview Friday, Huffman said the system “isn’t perfect,” but that’s no reason not to move forward.

Tennessee stagnates; Georgia improves test scores

11/6/2011

Tennessee students fell to near the bottom ranks in math and reading performance on a national test that compares school achievement across states. Results from the 2011 National Assessment of Educational Progress, released last week, show no statistically significant change in Tennessee’s scores since the last tests in 2009. But other states — including Georgia — made significant gains in fourth- and eighth-grade reading and math, the subjects tested this year.

State board adjusts teacher evaluations

11/5/2011

The State Board of Education has unanimously approved minor changes in the state’s new teacher evaluation program. One change is aimed at streamlining time-constrained principals’ meetings with teachers both before and after they conduct multiple personal observations of educators’ classroom performance. Another seeks to ensure personal observation scores don’t get out of line with other evaluation components such as student achievement scores.

Teaching the teachers

11/3/2011

Tennessee’s teacher preparation programs are turning out a wide variety of educators, from woefully unprepared to high achieving, according to a new state report. The Tennessee Higher Education Commission released its Report Card on the Effectiveness of Teacher Training Programs this week and shows that, of the state’s 41 teacher training programs, only three produce graduates who enter the classroom and are immediately more effective at teaching than veteran teachers who’ve had more than three years of experience.

A Boost for Instruction

10/26/2011

A teacher who has hands-on experience with his or her subject matter will be able to make classroom instruction more engaging and relevant for students. Based on this conviction, PEF and HCDE have partnered with a national organization, Fund for Teachers...

BI-LO invests in College-Going

10/26/2011

Many thanks to BI-LO Charities for their recent contribution to the College Bound! public information campaign featuring billboards of Hamilton County graduates who are bound for college.

Teachers plan for summer travel

10/25/2011

...The Public Education Foundation and Hamilton County Schools are partnering with the Houston nonprofit Fund for Teachers, which pays for summer travel fellowships for teachers. The Texas organization will provide up to $100,000 for Hamilton County educators to travel the globe as a means of professional growth. Fund for Teachers supports the summer expeditions, in which teachers study a certain topic or geographic area, in hopes that teachers will bring their new knowledge back to their own classrooms.

Bi-Lo charitable gifts at $321,000

10/21/2011

Bi-Lo handed out more than $321,000 to Chattanooga-area charities Thursday, after its annual golf tournament brought in $4.68 million from vendors and local businesses. “Chattanooga is a very important market for us,” said Michael Byars, president and CEO. The largest gift was a donation of $101,000 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, followed by a $27,000 gift to the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Public Education Fund and a $20,000 gift to Chattanooga Room in the Inn.

Passport Scholars show off their work

10/14/2011

A group of girls gathered Thursday at the Community Foundation on Market Street and showed off their work. Japanese characters. Pictures of tart desserts and stuffed chicken. Pennsylvania State University memorabilia. ...The Passport Scholars Program, operated by the Public Education Foundation, selected nine sophomores from public schools to go to a summer enrichment program of their choosing. The students were selected from about 40 applicants based on their GPA and other academic qualifiers, and each girl had to show that she couldn’t go to a program like this on her own.

STEM Initiative holding discussion meetings today

10/11/2011

Other discussion sessions will take place Thursday and Oct. 18, 25 and 27 at 9:30 a.m. at the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Business Development Center on Cherokee Boulevard.

Speaking of STEM

10/10/2011

Join the community conversation about Science Technology Engineering and Math! ...TSIN recently issued an RFP for an allotment of $1.85 million for the establishment of at least two East or West Tennessee STEM Hubs and Platform Schools. ...As a group, we want to design a rich, comprehensive STEM program serving the entire region, and for this we need your input.

Rivermont Students Show Off Media Center

10/7/2011

A good time was had by all as students at Rivermont Elementary showed off their high-tech new tools on Tuesday, October 4. Thanks to a generous grant from the Leonore Annenberg School Fund for Children, Rivermont was awarded $100,000 to upgrade its library space – formerly known as “the cave.”

Tackling 5th grade writing

10/7/2011

Thirty writing teachers from Benwood schools met last week to get pumped and get pointers (more) on helping their students improve writing skills.

Library renaissance - Rivermont students wowed by refurbished 'cave'

10/5/2011

The dark, crowded library at Rivermont Elementary School previously earned the not-so-affectionate nickname of “the cave.” Not any more. Bright walls, new furniture and updated technology adorn the space, thanks to a $100,000 grant from the Leonore Annenberg School Fund for Children, which provides funding to the nation’s schools that have at least 90 percent of students living in poverty. The updated library now features new furniture, carpeting, paint, books and technology.

Rivermont Elementary gains state-of-the-art multimedia center

10/5/2011

...In one corner of the room, six students sat at brand-new iMac computers. To their left, a charging station housed 30 brand new iPad 2s, ready for instant classroom use. On the other side of the wall, a Promethean board—one of only three in Hamilton County—streamed a live feed of footage being recorded by students on flip cams in a side room retrofitted to be a broadcast studio. The remodeled library, which includes a new ceiling and freshly painted walls, was paid for with a $100,000 grant provided to the school by the Leonore Annenberg School Fund for Children.

Rivermont Elementary School enters new era of learning

10/5/2011

Rivermont Elementary School in Chattanooga enters a new era of learning. Fifty percent of Rivermont's students don't have Internet access at home. Thanks to a $100,000 grant from the Annenberg School Fund for Children, they now have access to a new media center with modern computers, flip cameras, voice recorders, movie-making applications, a smart podium and interactive whiteboard technology for teachers.

New Technology Moves in at Rivermont Elementary

10/4/2011

Almost everything is on the internet these days, including things to help kids learn. But still, some children don't have access to computers outside school hours. That's the case for over half the kids at Rivermont Elementary. Now,the school is trying to give kids a chance to log on and learn more. A $100,000 grant helped purchase a brand new Promethean Board, 7 new computers, 30 iPad2's, 6 digital video cameras, a new flat screen TV and 30,000 new books.

TEACH/Here joins nationwide network

10/4/2011

TEACH/Here, a local urban teacher residency program, has joined more than 80 other organizations nationwide to support 100Kin10, a nationwide effort to prepare 100,000 instructors in science, technology, engineering and math. Officials with TEACH/ Here, which joined under its parent organization, the Public Education Foundation, said collaborating with 100Kin10 allows the local group to qualify for extra funding and a larger network of resources.

Local organization selected for national initiative to develop STEM teachers

10/3/2011

Local teaching initiative TEACH/Here has been selected as a partner in a national initiative started by President Barack Obama and Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. TEACH/Here is a 2-year-old urban residency program in Chattanooga with the goal of equipping young teachers with valuable experience and solid tools for teaching in STEM-related fields. The initiative, called 100kin10, is a collaborative movement designed to create and place 100,000 STEM teachers in classrooms across the country over the next ten years.

Teachers learning to manage their class

10/1/2011

Currently working alongside a veteran teacher, Maria Lopez is a little nervous about how she’ll handle her own high school math classes next year. While she’s confident in her teaching abilities, it’s all the other stuff that leaves her hesitant — inattentive students, keeping control of the classroom and dealing with other behavioral issues.

County moves on STEM school

9/30/2011

Hamilton County will move forward with the grant application to open a new science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, school. But school board members caution that more details need to be ironed out before committing to the project. School board members met with district officials, business leaders and representatives of Chattanooga State Community College and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in a work session Thursday evening. Officials discussed an opportunity to receive a nearly $2 million grant for a STEM school with the Tennessee STEM Innovation Network.

Counselors encourage students to keep up with college testing

9/29/2011

As more universities consider raising admission standards in an effort to increase graduation rates, high school counselors face the challenge of making sure their students can keep up. Tennessee ranked 49th out of 50 states in high school students’ average composite ACT score this year. The national average was 21.1 while Tennessee’s was 19.5. High school counselors say they have to encourage their students to do better on the exam.

Governor, education commissioner defend teacher evaluation system

9/29/2011

Seeking to face down concerns from Tennessee educators and state lawmakers, Gov. Bill Haslam and state Education Commissioner Kevin Huffman are defending the state’s new teacher evaluation system but concede the controversial program is not without its flaws.

School board members poised to discuss potential STEM school addition

9/29/2011

Hamilton County School Board members are expected to discuss their plans for bringing a STEM school to the Chattanooga area in a specially called work session on Thursday night. While Superintendent Rick Smith declined to comment on the meeting—citing his desire to wait and discuss the topic with the board directly—his aspirations for bringing a school with a science, technology, engineering and math-based curriculum to the area are well documented.

Principal Leadership Academy director resigns

9/23/2011

Dr. Godfrey Saunders has resigned as director of the Principal Leadership Academy, effective Oct. 31, according to a news release. Saunders said he wanted to be with his family in Montana. “We had all planned to relocate to Chattanooga,” said Saunders. “When that fell through, I was faced with a difficult decision. Working with the Principal Leadership Academy was an opportunity to do something I love, but in the end, family comes first.”

Saunders Resigns From Principal Leadership Academy To Reunite With Family

9/22/2011

Citing the need to be reunited with his family in Montana, Dr. Godfrey Saunders has resigned as director of the Principal Leadership Academy effective Oct. 31.

Ex-D.C. schools chancellor touts education reform here

9/21/2011

Michelle Rhee envisions public education as the nation’s great equalizer, an institution that bridges gaps created by race, income and geography. But that’s not what she sees in our public schools today. “That’s not the reality we had in Washington, D.C.,” said Rhee, former chancellor of District of Columbia Public Schools, “and I guarantee you it’s not the reality in Chattanooga.”

What's Right with Our Schools - Middle School Retreat

9/19/2011

A really nice story on WDEF about the middle school retreat, featuring MSNS Director Ismahen Kangles and an assortment of other dynamic middle school educators.

Accountability heads Rhee’s reform agenda

9/18/2011

Rhee will be the inaugural speaker for this year’s George T. Hunter Lecture Series on Tuesday at the Tivoli Theatre. The series is sponsored by the Benwood Foundation and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. One of the nation’s most vocal supporters of education reform, Rhee will give her take on the need to change public schools to put students’ needs above those of adults.

Middle school data retreat

9/15/2011

It was both a celebration and a work day as 140 middle school science, math, social studies and literacy teachers and principals met on Tuesday, September 13th to review data from the EXPLORE exam, which is an 8th grade precursor to the ACT college-readiness exam.

Rhee to speak at Tivoli

9/15/2011

It's always useful to consider thought-provoking ideas, so head to the Tivoli next Tuesday evening at 7:00 p.m. to hear education reformer Michelle Rhee.

TEACH/Here Grads Hit the Ground Running

9/15/2011

When Gainesville native Amelia Adams graduated from the University of Florida in 2001 with a degree in plant sciences, she never imagined that ten years later she would be pursuing a teaching license in the state of Tennessee. But looking back, Adams is not surprised that her journey has led her to this point.

United Way Day of Caring

9/15/2011

PEF Volunteer Coordinator Kate Skonberg helped coordinate a team of First Tennessee volunteers to tackle some stubborn weeds, cluttered closets and fingerprinted walls at East Lake Elementary last week as part of the United Way Day of Caring.

Education Reform Advocate, Michelle Rhee, to Speak in Chattanooga on September 20th, 2011

9/12/2011

The former Chancellor of the DC Public School System, Michelle Rhee, will be the kick-off speaker in the 2011-2012 George T. Hunter Lecture Series. ... The lecture will be held on Tuesday, September 20th at 7 pm ni the Tivoli Theater. The event is free and open to the public, with doors opening at 6 pm.

Public Education Foundation hopes billboards inspire students to aim for college

9/1/2011

For the third straight year, the Public Education Foundation is rolling out a billboard campaign to encourage students of Hamilton County Schools to think seriously about continuing on to college after graduating. Students from area high schools will be featured on 20 billboards across the county, declaring where they are bound for college, along with their local alma mater. Six of the billboards went up in August. The remaining signs will be placed during September and October.

Selling scholarship: Billboards feature education success stories

8/30/2011

Once his face is glued onto a giant billboard close to downtown, Terence Kelley doesn’t think his college years will have much room for error. “It actually motivated me, just the fact that I’m going to be seen on the billboard,” Kelley said. “I can’t slack or disappoint anyone.” The Public Education Foundation and Hamilton County Schools are pointing to Kelley and other high school graduates as education success stories by putting their faces on billboards throughout the county.

Adapting to campus life

8/25/2011

Less than a week away from her first day of college, Megan Collyer has already made a solid dent in her to-do list — and in her stress level. ...All that comes after spending Wednesday with college mentors and about 60 other Hamilton County freshmen in the pilot class of a college retention program called SOAR, for Student Opportunities, Access and Retention. The Public Education Foundation received a $1 million grant from the Tennessee Higher Education Commission for the project, which aims to help first-generation college students complete two years at the community college before moving on to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga to finish their four-year degrees.

CCA’s Lightfoot earns Counselors that Change Lives Award

8/25/2011

Center for Creative Arts college advisor Stacy Lightfoot is being recognized for her efforts to change lives by helping students further their education through the recently bestowed 2011 Counselors that Change Lives Award. “I love the point where I’m opening up a student to a new opportunity,” said Lightfoot. “I want to expose students to post-secondary options.”

Grads of Hamilton Co featured on "Be True to Your School"

8/19/2011

Listed to WGOW's "Be True to Your School" show and hear some of our Hamilton County grads.

Group hopes to boost learning

8/19/2011

A new group sparked by a 2009 community survey wants to shift the conversation surrounding local education. Organizers say they began Shift Chattanooga to help improve public education in Hamilton County. The group, which will hold its first meeting Aug. 31, is under the umbrella of CreateHere, a local nonprofit organization that supports artists and other entrepreneurs and is funded by the Lyndhurst Foundation.

Hamilton County schools make small gains in ACT test scores

8/19/2011

Slight increases in ACT test scores for Hamilton County students pleased local education administrators, despite remaining below both state and national averages. While school-by-school data is not yet available, students who took the standardized test in Hamilton County public schools averaged a score of 18.7, bringing the measure up from 18.6 in 2010.

ACT scores slide

8/18/2011

Tennessee students who took the 2011 ACT college entrance exam continued a downward trend and finished second-to-last in the nation in overall scores. Results also show fewer of this year’s seniors will be prepared to take college classes next year, according to an ACT college and career readiness report released Wednesday.

Creating Readers and Writers

8/18/2011

Middle schools around Hamilton County are taking a wonderful new approach to teaching reading and writing.

Off to College!

8/18/2011

Once again this year we are privileged to feature some of Hamilton County's outstanding graduates as they head off to colleges here and around the country.

County explores pursuing STEM grant

8/16/2011

The Hamilton County Department of Education will explore grant funding for a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math school — better known as a STEM school — but officials must act fast if they want to compete in the state’s next round of funding. The Tennessee STEM Innovation Network met with local school and business leaders Monday at the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Business Development Center to discuss its upcoming round of grant funding, which would provide nearly $2 million in funding for selected schools.

Local education leaders discuss bringing STEM school to Chattanooga area

8/16/2011

One week into the current school year, regional education, business and industrial leaders gathered to discuss the possibility of adding a new STEM school to the Chattanooga area—which could happen as early as next August.

Dan Challener Reports on Test Scores

8/12/2011

This week, as children wearing backpacks reappear on our sidewalks and yellow busses reappear on our roads, a lot of people will wonder how our students are doing, especially since Tennessee raised standards and made the state tests a lot tougher last year.

"Fresh Start" for Orchard Knob Middle School

8/11/2011

Despite the best efforts of previous teachers and administrators, Orchard Knob Middle is a school with a reputation: a history of low test scores and high discipline referrals. Changing the school's image is near the top of the to-do list for first-year principal Crystal Sorrells. "That's where the work is," she says. "We have to change the perception in the community, and that starts with ou[r] staff."

Principal nominated for state honor

8/10/2011

Karen Hollis, principal of Hixson’s Ganns Middle Valley Elementary School, is among the nominees for the Tennessee 2012 Principal of the Year award, the Tennessee Department of Education announced Tuesday. The award highlights school leaders who have implemented outstanding programming and advocated for the improvement of public education.

Schools lag for minority students

8/9/2011

Of the 37 Hamilton County public schools that failed to achieve federal standards this year, 29 fell short because they struggled to educate poor black students, an analysis of test results shows. ... “It’s clear the schools have made progress, but the gap is there and we have to address it,” said Dan Challener, president of the Public Education Foundation, a nonprofit that supports local schools. “A lot of work has to be done.”

Orchard Knob Middle School begins new year with a deep breath

8/7/2011

Former athlete and current assistant principal at Orchard Knob Middle School LaKesha Carson said she was used to employing a variety of techniques to de-stress and unwind after a particularly crazy day. But what she learned last week during the first day of faculty in-service at the middle school was the opposite of everything she has ever done or thought to do.

Schools falling behind

7/30/2011

Fewer than half of Hamilton County schools earned “good standing” status under federal benchmarks this year, according to state data released Friday. And for the first time, the district itself was identified as “high priority,” putting the system at risk of sanctions if reading and math scores don’t improve. Many local schools failed to meet Adequate Yearly Progress standards set by the federal No Child Left Behind Act because state standards were raised to be more in line with national standards.

2 Hamilton County Students and Schools Win Prestigious Leonore Annenberg Awards

7/22/2011

The Leonore Annenberg Scholarship and School Funds project announced on Friday that it has awarded $2,600,000 in grants to a total of 22 elementary schools, artists, and high school students. Two Hamilton County students and two Hamilton County schools were named recipients of the grants.

Assistant principals expand skills set

7/14/2011

With 13 years of teaching and three years as an assistant principal under her belt, it would be easy to assume Vanessa Harris already has what it takes to become a principal. But Harris, who is an assistant principal at Brown Academy, says she still wants to develop skills the school system can’t necessarily offer — business skills. That’s why she applied to join the Principal Leadership Academy.

Local education leaders pleased with TCAP scores

7/14/2011

Almost a week after scores were released, educators are pleased with Hamilton County's overall performance in the 2011 Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program. ...Dan Challener, president of the Public Education Foundation, echoed [Dr. Kirk] Kelly's beliefs that teachers willing to encourage students toward a higher standard were to be commended for the improvements. "Clearly, there's a focus and leadership in our schools that help make these good gains possible," Challener said. "The teachers have focused on what are much higher standards for the students, and we see a really encouraging pattern that all schools in all communities made gains."

School board debates budget cuts, layoffs

7/14/2011

On the heels of a hotly debated superintendent hire, the Hamilton County school board tonight will debate a proposed budget that could cut as many as 30 positions and eradicate a $17.8 million deficit. ...“It is very unfortunate,” said Dan Challener, president of the Public Education Foundation, a local nonprofit that supports schools and teacher training. “We are impacting not only our children but also our collective future.”

Smith reassigns some principals

7/14/2011

Hamilton County Schools Superintendent Rick Smith announced Wednesday that he is shuffling more than a dozen principals and assistant principals within the school system.

New Hamilton County superintendent makes principal moves

7/13/2011

Hamilton County Superintendent Rick Smith announced Wednesday that he will be shuffling more than a dozen principals and assistant principals within the school system. Smith was voted into the job last week. [Ed note: All appointed principals have participated in either PEF's Leadership Fellows initiative or the Principal Leadership Academy!]

Public Education Foundation now recruiting volunteers

7/13/2011

School may be out for summer, but Public Education Foundation volunteer coordinator Kate Skonberg is working to recruit volunteers to assist 16 area Hamilton County public high schools’ college advisors. “The nutshell of this program is it’s an easy way to make a great impact in your community,” said Skonberg.

VW cites public school needs in area

7/13/2011

Volkswagen and Hamilton County officials Tuesday called for bolstering education levels, saying future jobs will require it. “The more we develop the community in math and computer literacy, the better prepared they’ll be for future opportunities,” said Mario Duarte of Volkswagen at a jobs forum. The VW human resources official said a high school diploma is a minimum qualification for the auto company’s production jobs at its Chattanooga plant.

Smith plans layoffs, says he’ll help all schools

7/10/2011

The dust hasn’t even cleared from a roiling controversy over his hiring, and new Hamilton County Schools Superintendent Rick Smith already is gearing up to cut as many as 30 jobs to ease a $17.8 million deficit. ...He also said that relationships with the Public Education Foundation and the Benwood Foundation, which funneled considerable financial support to inner-city and other struggling schools, will continue to be fostered under his watch.

Hamilton schools lift test scores

7/9/2011

Hamilton County Schools students, parents, teachers and administrators have some good news to celebrate today: Standardized test scores improved in all subject areas last year in grades three through eight, data show.

State math, reading scores improve

7/8/2011

Gov. Bill Haslam on Thursday applauded the state’s improved standardized test scores but acknowledged more work has to be done to meet federal regulations. Preliminary results from the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program showed math scores in third through eighth grades improved by 7 percent this year over last year and reading scores improved by 3.7 percent.

TCAP scores reveal gains statewide

7/8/2011

The results are in, and students in third through eighth grades have showed steady improvements in all areas of testing in the annually administered Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program.

TeachHere sends first graduates into Chattanooga classrooms

6/28/2011

After a rigorous selection process and a year of highly-focused training, 15 residents of Chattanooga's first TeachHere "cohort" graduated in a ceremony held at Lindsay Street Hall on Monday night. Simultaneously, a group of 22 new residents began their year-long effort to learn the ins and outs of classroom management in urban settings.

Teach Here Summer Institute

6/27/2011

It's time for round two of Teach Here. Future resident teachers met with their mentors Monday for the Summer Institute.

Innovation Awards Announced

6/23/2011

We like innovation! So much so that we’ve created a small fund to help teachers who want to establish innovative and engaging classroom experiences for their students. This year, ten PEF Jane Harbaugh innovation grants have been awarded.

New Director of Finance and Operations

6/23/2011

PEF has the best of both worlds: We have a new Director of Finance and Operations, Brent Goldberg, while our former Director, Sandra Blankenship, has agreed to stay on part-time as Human Resources Administrator.

Volunteer to help college advisors

6/23/2011

PEF Volunteer Coordinator Kate Skonberg is busily putting together training to prepare volunteers to help college advisors in the fall.

i am…student success

6/16/2011

PEF’s annual Report to Investors is fresh off the press!

Important Support for New Benwood Teachers

6/16/2011

Teaching is tough! Especially in high-poverty schools, especially the first year. Many new teachers struggle and simply give up after a year or two. Thanks to PEF’s Benwood Director Clara Sale-Davis and her New Teacher Network, beginning teachers in Benwood schools are offered a network of support and advice that helps them succeed.

New solar panel is most efficient, last funded at East Ridge High

6/15/2011

East Ridge High School students and teachers are working to illuminate efficient homemade solar energy panels, having already completed several prototypes...Just as their funding is running dry, they believe they may have found the perfect design. Only $40 of a $1,000 grant received in the fall of 2009 from the Public Education Foundation remains.

Earning more diplomas: Tennessee takes leap in graduations

6/9/2011

In the national race to raise high school graduation rates, Tennessee and Georgia have posted some of the best and worst numbers in the nation, respectively. Tennessee‟s graduation rate increased by 20 percentage points between 1998 and 2008 — a bigger improvement than any state in the country, according to the Diplomas Count report, released this week by Editorial Projects in Education.

Dropouts pose huge drain on economy

6/4/2011

If the region’s class of 2010 reduced its number of dropouts by half, those students collectively would earn $9.9 million more in an average year than they would without diplomas, according to the Alliance for Excellent Education, a Washington, D.C.-based education advocacy organization.

Black & Bright: Student publication helps lift reading grades

6/1/2011

Students at Calvin Donaldson Elementary School have published a 30-page book of student prose, poetry and art. At first blush, it might not seem unique. Students at other schools have produced literary magazines for years. But Calvin Donaldson teachers say the recently published book represents a monumental step forward for the inner-city elementary school that has for years struggled in reading and writing.

Teacher quality trumps numbers

6/1/2011

...Gov. Bill Haslam on Tuesday downplayed concerns about the impact on class size, telling student leaders that teacher quality ultimately matters more. ... Public Education Foundation President Dan Challener, whose group works to strengthen Hamilton County’s public schools, said “teacher quality is the single most powerful force for improving student achievement. Great teachers make a great difference.” But Challener noted that “it’s also true that every time we increase class size, we make it harder and harder for all teachers, even the great ones, to get the results we need. And I think that’s especially true for teachers working in high poverty schools.”

Graduation is not just for kids

5/27/2011

We're pleased to announce the graduation of school leaders who have completed the first year of Principal Leadership Academy and the TWELFTH year of Leadership Fellows.

Support PEF! Get a cool t-shirt!

5/27/2011

Our annual fund campaign has only one more month to go, and to celebrate we're offering a reward for those who contribute in these final weeks (a reward besides the good feeling you get from helping us support schools, that is!)

Red Bank's Oviatt wins full ride to college of her choice

5/18/2011

Red Bank High School junior Alexandria Oviatt is one of two students in Hamilton County to be named a recipient of the Leonore Annenberg College Scholarship...College advisors with the Public Education Foundation worked to identify eligible students in Hamilton County and selected the most promising to be considered for the award by the Philadelphia-based selection committee.

Graduates rejoice: 18 schools hand out diplomas Saturday

5/15/2011

For the past two years, about 72 percent of graduates have gone on to start college, according to Dan Challener, president of the Public Education Foundation. “Its increasingly clear that an awful lot of jobs require more and more education,” Challener said.

Heinichen wins full ride to college

5/11/2011

Signal Mountain High School junior Matthew Heinichen is one of two students in Hamilton County to be named a recipient of the Leonore Annenberg College Scholarship...“This opportunity exists because of Dr. Scales’ willingness to partner with the Public Education Foundation and Annenberg Foundation to make sure these students have the opportunities they deserve,” said Dan Challener, president of the Public Education Foundation.

Two Local Students Receive Major Annenberg Scholarships

5/9/2011

The Leonore Annenberg College Scholarship Fund, through a partnership with PEF, has awarded an extraordinary, all-expenses-paid scholarship to two outstanding local students: Matthew Heinichen of Signal Mountain Middle/High and Alexandria Oviatt of Red Bank High School.

2 local students’ efforts pay off

5/5/2011

Two local high school students won a highly competitive, national college scholarship this week that could amount to more than $250,000. ...Alexandria Oviatt, a junior at Red Bank, and Matthew Heinichen, a junior at Signal Mountain High School, were among just five in the nation chosen to receive the Leonore Annenberg College Scholarship.

Aspiring School Leaders Graduate From Principal Leadership Academy

5/5/2011

Thirteen aspiring school leaders have spent the last year working with business mentors and participating in leadership training in preparation for the responsibility of running a Hamilton County school...The Principal Leadership Academy is the result of a partnership between Hamilton County schools, the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce, the Public Education Foundation and UTC. Launched in the summer of 2010, the Academy works to help prepare aspiring principals for the rigors of taking the helm of a school.

2 Local Students Receive Leonore Annenberg College Scholarships

5/4/2011

The Public Education Foundation announced Wednesday that the Leonore Annenberg College Scholarship Fund, through a partnership with PEF, has awarded an all-expenses-paid scholarship to two local students: Matthew Heinichen of Signal Mountain Middle/High and Alexandria Oviatt of Red Bank High School. The award will cover four years of tuition and fees, room and board, books, a laptop, and a stipend to the college or university of the student’s choice beginning in the fall of 2012.

Two Area Students Receive Major Annenberg Scholarships

5/4/2011

The Public Education Foundation announced today that the Leonore Annenberg College Scholarship Fund, through a partnership with PEF, has awarded an extraordinary, all-expenses-paid scholarship to two outstanding local students: Matthew Heinichen of Signal Mountain Middle/High and Alexandria Oviatt of Red Bank High School.

Student performance key in new teacher evaluations

4/16/2011

New teacher evaluation standards passed by the Tennessee Board of Education on Friday will weigh heavily on how well students perform in the classroom. Fifty percent of a teacher’s evaluation must be based on student performance, but there is some flexibility. The new requirements mandate that 35 of the 50 percent be linked directly to performance in the Tennessee Value-Added Assessment System, a statistical analysis that compares student test scores and determines what is considered normal yearly academic growth.

Blake Freeman's Remarks to Rotary on the PLA

4/13/2011

Thank you for the opportunity to speak to you today about the enriching learning opportunity I have been afforded as a member of the first class in the Principal’s Leadership Academy.

Bob Best's Remarks to Rotary on the PLA

4/13/2011

Unum Executive Vice President and PLA mentor Bob Best's speaking notes about the Principal Leadership Academy.

Godfrey Saunders' Remarks to Rotary on the PLA

4/13/2011

Good afternoon. Mr. Costa, thank you for such a wonderful introduction. I will do my best to live up to it.

New state education chief shares vision in visit

4/9/2011

Tennessee’s new schools chief said getting the state off the bottom of lists that rank education boils down to two things — creativity and innovation. “I think when our schools are failing students, and failing poor students in particular, we shouldn’t take any option off the table,” Kevin Huffman, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Education, said Friday. Huffman was in Chattanooga with his new boss, Republican Gov. Bill Haslam. They met with teachers at Hixson High School and Battle Academy in Chattanooga.

PEF to help college students SOAR

3/31/2011

PEF has received $1 million from the Tennessee Higher Education Commission for SOAR - Student Opportunities, Access and Retention. SOAR will help boost college completion rates for Hamilton County students who enroll in Chattanooga State Community College with plans to move on to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) for completion of a 4-year bachelor’s degree.

SCORE Releases Annual State Of Education In Tennessee Report

3/24/2011

The State Collaborative on Reforming Education (SCORE) today released its annual State of Education in Tennessee report. SCORE Chairman and former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist presented the report during SCORE’s quarterly Steering Committee meeting of major education stakeholders from across Tennessee.

Governor Highlights Red Bank Teacher, PEF in State of the State

3/16/2011

Governor Haslam was looking for a great teacher to feature in his State of the State address, and he found one in Elaine Harper, a Red Bank High science teacher who was one of the first to be highlighted in PEF's Excellent Teacher campaign.

Governor notes Red Bank teacher

3/16/2011

In one of the especially “nice notes” in Gov. Bill Haslam’s State of the State address to the Tennessee General Assembly on Monday, he singled out Red Bank High School teacher Elaine Harper as a “great example” among our public school teachers.

Haslam recognizes Red Bank teacher

3/15/2011

During his first State of the State address on Monday, Gov. Bill Haslam singled out a Red Bank High School science teacher for recognition as a “great example” of where he would like other Tennessee educators to be in the future.

SOAR bridges gap for college hopefuls

3/3/2011

With a $1 million grant from the state, the Public Education Foundation is launching a college mentor program for struggling high school students, officials announced Thursday. SOAR, funded by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, will pair college students with graduating high schoolers who plan to attend Chattanooga State Community College and transfer to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

Public Education Foundation to help public schools excel

2/25/2011

For any community to thrive, their public schools must be outstanding. This applies to Chattanooga, too, and especially with all the new businesses and industry moving into town, the young generation of the community that will be poised for these positions must have outstanding education, be taught by great teachers and be led by amazing principals, says Daniel Challener, the president of the Public Education Foundation (PEF) here in town.

Volunteers Welcome!

2/23/2011

Thanks to a grant from the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga, the Public Education Foundation has recently hired a volunteer coordinator, Kate Skonberg, to assist college advisors as they help high school students navigate the college application process.

Principals-in-training praise mentor program

2/19/2011

Godfrey Saunders sat in the back row, pumping his fist, whispering, “Yes, yes!” The leader of Hamilton County’s Principal Leadership Academy saw that the vertical alignment and leadership concepts that business consultants were discussing with academy students were exactly what he’d been trying to instill... A dozen assistant principals comprise the inaugural year of the academy — a partnership of Hamilton County Schools, the Public Education Foundation, the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

Fewer college-ready: Entrance exam scores heading down

2/10/2011

At a time when educators and business leaders are calling for graduates to be better prepared for life after high school, the ACT scores at 26 of 31 regional high schools went down in 2010, records show. The average decline of about one point in Southeast Tennessee high schools mirrors the decline at the state level. The top ACT score is 36. The region’s average in 2010 was 18.4, about one point behind the state average of 19.6.

Most satisfied with local public schools, poll finds

2/8/2011

The majority of Tennesseans are satisfied with their local public schools, according to a new Vanderbilt University poll. Vanderbilt’s Center for the Study of Democratic Institutions polled 710 Tennesseans and found that most approved of their local schools, but were more critical of the K-12 education system in the state as a whole.

Resident Teach/Here Teachers Now At Head of Hamilton County Classrooms

2/7/2011

A few years ago, Dedric Landrum crunched numbers at an accounting firm. "So what if I said 3 to the 2nd power, what is that?" he asks his eighth graders at Tyner Middle. He now teaching students how to master algebra equations.

Teach Here Program Expands in Hamilton County

2/3/2011

The push to find and retain teachers in Hamilton County's Schools expands. The Teach-Here residency program offers a one year masters program and mentoring for new teachers.

Elementary Schools Show Signs of Progress in Math

2/1/2011

The majority of Hamilton County’s elementary students are receiving effective instruction in math based on value-added scores from the recently released school report cards. Thirty-seven of 44 schools earned a C or above in value-added, which indicates that students’ academic gains are meeting or exceeding projections.

TEACH/Here Holds Informational Meeting On Feb. 3

2/1/2011

TEACH/Here is holding an information and recruiting open coffee bar at Stone Cup on Frazier Avenue on Thursday, from 10 a.m.-noon.

Changing How We Talk About Schools

1/25/2011

With the recent release of Tennessee’s State Report Card, we learned that over half of elementary students in Hamilton County are not proficient in math or reading. We also learned that the district did not make Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) this year — that 37 percent of our schools are not meeting standards set by the federal government. As jarring as these statistics may be, they do not paint a complete picture of what is happening in our schools or provide productive insights into the realities of school performance.

PEF Hires Volunteer Coordinator To Help In Schools

1/21/2011

Thanks to a generous grant from the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga, the Public Education Foundation will boost college access and success efforts in Hamilton County public schools. Volunteer Coordinator Kate Skonberg has begun recruiting adults to assist college advisors as they help high school students navigate the college application process.

Subject Matters: Students struggle with math fundamentals

1/11/2011

Two teachers in PEF's Benwood Initiative - Sandi Fain at Red Bank Elementary, and Beth Sebastian at East Lake Elementary - are quoted in this article about math instruction.

Schools slide on report card

1/8/2011

Fewer than half of all Hamilton County elementary and middle school students scored at or above grade level in math and reading, as the district slid into “target” status, according to the annual State Report Card released Friday. ... Officials celebrated Hamilton County’s graduation rate, which soared this year from 70.9 percent in 2009 to 80.2 percent.

Teacher residency program expanded

1/6/2011

Hamilton County Schools will start training an additional 12 new middle-school math teachers this summer through a teacher residency grant, officials announced Wednesday. The $2 million grant comes from the Tennessee Department of Education’s portion of the federal Race to the Top money and will be given out over four years.

Miller & Martin Makes Holiday Donation To Public Education Foundation

12/21/2010

The law firm of Miller & Martin PLLC will give a holiday donation in the amount of $5,000 to the Public Education Foundation to show its support of the organization, which focuses on improving student achievement in Hamilton County public schools. “The Public Education Foundation’s work is critical to the future of our community..."

Officials again delay state report card release

12/16/2010

Officials with the Tennessee Department of Education announced Wednesday that the scores from the 2010 springtime Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program — typically released in the fall — will be delayed again, this time until mid-January.

73 million and counting

12/15/2010

No wonder hits on our website are up! In August, American Public Media reporter Emily Hanford produced a one-hour radio documentary called Testing Teachers in which she described reform work of the local Benwood Initiative ...

Four Excellent Teachers and a Happy New Year!

12/15/2010

Over PEF’s twenty years of working with teachers and school leaders, we have discovered that there are excellent teachers in every school in Hamilton County. ... Over the last eighteen months, we’ve tried to highlight some of these teachers, and we have four stories that we have yet to share with our readers.

Graduation rate surges

12/6/2010

Tennessee is leading the charge in raising the nation’s graduation rate, increasing its own number more than 15 percentage points from 2002 to 2008.

Public Education Foundation Receives $11,000 To Purchase Computers

12/6/2010

The Public Education Foundation (PEF) announced Monday that it has received checks totaling $11,000 from BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee and an anonymous donor to be used in the purchase of laptop computers for 16 college advisors who work in Hamilton County high schools.

Test results delayed again

12/2/2010

Already four months behind schedule, Tennessee school officials now have blown through their belated deadline for releasing student test scores from the spring. This year was the first time students took new, more-challenging standardized tests, so officials knew it would take some time to set standards and cut-off scores.

Teach/Here wins $3 million grant

11/27/2010

Making good on a promise made last year, the National Science Foundation gave nearly $3 million to a joint Hamilton-Knox counties’ teacher residency program called Teach/Here. The money will provide $10,000 living stipends to Teach/Here residents while they’re in their first year of the program, observing a mentor teacher.

Graduation pushed by peer pressure

11/26/2010

Peer pressure is rampant in the senior class at Sale Creek High School. But rather than squelching it, administrators hope it spreads. Following the example of last year’s seniors, the class of 2011 has started an Every Student Will Graduate campaign that aims to ensure all 50 seniors earn a diploma by May.

PEF participates in "Testing Teachers" roundtable discussion

11/24/2010

After a special airing of Emily Hanford's "Testing Teachers" documentary, Director of Communications Frances Haman-Prewitt represented PEF in a roundtable discussion with principals, teachers, school board members, Superintendent Scales and Corinne Allen of the Benwood Foundation.

School officials seek Benwood Initiative expansion

11/22/2010

Hamilton County Board of Education member Linda Mosley said on a radio broadcast Sunday that she would like to see the Benwood Initiative expanded to more than the 16 schools it serves. “There are some really good initiatives that [the Benwood Foundation] has in place that I think could benefit every student in every school [in Hamilton County],” she said on WUTC 88.1, the National Public Radio affiliate of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

UT And Partners Receive $2.8 Million Grant For Teacher Residency Program

11/22/2010

TEACH/Here, an innovative teacher residency initiative through which the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is helping prepare highly-skilled math and science teachers for hard-to-fill positions in Knox and Hamilton county schools, has received $2.8 million from the National Science Foundation through the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship program.

“Testing Teachers” to air locally

11/17/2010

Listen in to WUTC (88.1 FM) on Sunday, November 21 from 12-2 to hear an interesting documentary on teacher quality that features the local Benwood Initiative. American RadioWorks reporter Emily Hanford spent several days in Chattanooga last year as part of a one-hour program focused on the essential question of whether outstanding teachers are “born,” or if they can be “made” through training and professional development.

Early college dropouts cost taxpayers millions

11/17/2010

Taxpayers in Tennessee and Georgia are spending more than $100 million a year supporting college students who drop out in their freshman year, according to a new study of state and federal funding of four-year colleges.

Thanks to BI-LO

11/17/2010

On November 11th, BI-LO Charities gave its first-ever contribution to the Public Education Foundation to support the College Bound! campaign featuring Hamilton County graduates who have enrolled in colleges around the country.

Catching up at college

11/14/2010

More than one in three Hamilton County Schools graduates who attend Chattanooga State Community College must take remedial courses. Nearly 40 percent of UTC’s local first-time freshmen need the same.

Local NPR Station To Feature Hamilton County Department Of Education

11/13/2010

Hamilton County Department of Education will be featured on the local NPR station on Sunday, Nov. 21 from 12-2 p.m....From 12-1 p.m., the station will replay an hour-long podcast produced by American Radio Works called “Testing Teachers” that looks at Washington DC and Hamilton County as national models for looking at ways to improve teacher quality and its impact on student achievement.

350 People Expected At Tennessee College Access And Success Conference

11/2/2010

The Tennessee College Access and Success Conference will be held at the Chattanoogan on Thursday and Friday. The conference is an annual event which will convene a record 350 college admissions professionals, school counselors, college advisors and representatives of community-based organization dedicated to helping students achieve college success.

10-minute model speeds teacher-evaluation process

11/1/2010

Part of the recent legislation ushered in by Tennessee’s Race to the Top win included an overhaul of the state’s teacher evaluation system. Gone are the days when a tenured teacher was evaluated once every five years ... In their place is what many Hamilton County principals are saying is a much more streamlined process in which they evaluate each teacher every year through a series of 10 observations, each 10 minutes long.

17 local ‘College Bound’ students display picture-perfect success

10/27/2010

Wearing new college swag and proclaiming the importance of higher education, 17 recent 2010 Hamilton County schools graduates are on “College Bound” displays in the form of life-size cardboard cutouts in 17 area Bi-Lo stores.

Challener Op Ed in Sunday’s TFP

10/26/2010

The Benwood Initiative seems to pop up in every national debate about what works in education reform. This local initiative to improve elementary education has been featured in a number of different media outlets, touted by the U.S. Department of Education, and now, highlighted in a report by American RadioWorks reporter Emily Hanford.

College Bound! campaign launches

10/26/2010

October has seen the launch of the College Bound! campaign – a multimedia campaign to highlight successes in Hamilton County schools and to help build a college-going culture in our school district.

It can be done: Building good schools takes time, skill, perseverance

10/24/2010

By Dan Challener - When Emily Hanford, a reporter for American Public Media, came to Chattanooga this spring she was looking for “teacher improvement programs that work.” As she writes in the piece below, “The best example I found is the Benwood Initiative in Chattanooga, Tenn.” Since 2001, the Public Education Foundation, Benwood Foundation and Hamilton County Schools have worked in partnership to improve our community’s elementary schools.

It can be done: Chattanooga, Benwood Initiative in spotlight

10/24/2010

... As part of my reporting for a radio documentary called “Testing Teachers,” I went looking for teacher improvement programs that work. The best example I found is the Benwood Initiative in Chattanooga, Tenn.

Going to college and proud of it

10/20/2010

A rotating series of billboards featuring 17 Hamilton County high school graduates from the class of 2010— one from each local high school — holding a diploma and wearing a shirt proclaiming the college they now attend will remain on view through the end of the year. They are more than a salute to the ability of each of the students pictured. They are testament to the broader success that all the high schools here have in preparing so many students for college.

College Bound campaign underway in Hamilton County

10/19/2010

Hamilton County Schools has partnered with the Public Education Foundation and Bi-lo, in hopes of sending more students to college.

Local graduates featured on billboards

10/19/2010

Seventeen Hamilton County high school graduates — one from each local high school — have been blown up larger-than-life and will be featured on the giant advertisements around the county for the next three months.

Billboards Spotlight Students' Success

10/18/2010

School officials partnered with the Public Education Foundation and BI-LO for their "College Bound" campaign. The campaign highlights 17 recent graduates through a series of billboards, life-sized displays in BI-LO stores and a website. The program also features students on a Facebook page.

Corporate Partners Aid Hamilton County Schools In Extra Endeavors

10/18/2010

Daryl Massey, Bi-Lo's District Manager, says "as corporate citizens we try to give back to the community and we've found that education is just a win win so we're trying to put the message about a lot of the positive things that's going on in the Hamilton County School System." Bi-Lo's new partnership centers around 17 success stories. "College Bound" highlights one student from every county high school now attending college.

Teaching teachers

10/17/2010

Emily Hanford, L.A. Times: As educators struggle with the issue of teacher improvement, a program in Tennessee shows that struggling teachers can gain a lot from watching great teachers in action.

37 Schools Win Leadership Book Club Grants

10/14/2010

EPEF has just announced grant awards for 37 Hamilton County public schools to develop or continue educator book clubs. These funds will purchase books that groups of educators (and in some cases, students) will read and discuss in an effort to hone skills for school leadership and improvement. These grants are generous funded by an anonymous donor with a passion for leadership and reading.

Two Major Investments in TEACH/Here

10/14/2010

TEACH/Here, an innovative teacher residency initiative that is preparing highly skilled math and science teachers for hard-to-fill positions in Knox and Hamilton County schools, recently announced a $154,000 grant from AmeriCorps, through Volunteer Tennessee, to support training and stipends for participants. In addition, a three-year $415,000 grant from an anonymous local donor will help support the 18 resident teachers and their experienced mentor partners.

Principal Leadership Academy To Host 3rd Workshop

10/12/2010

Two national experts in educational leadership will conduct the third workshop for members of the Principal Leadership Academy (PLA) on Friday and Saturday at the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce, according to PLA Director Dr. Godfrey Saunders.

Public Education Foundation Showcases Passport Scholars

10/12/2010

Seven 11th grade girls will be sharing their summer experiences spent as Passport Scholars through the Public Education Foundation on Thursday, 6 p.m. at the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga, 1270 Market St. Each scholar has been asked to create a visual display and write an essay about her experiences.

Orchard Knob Middle pilots vocabulary project

10/11/2010

Along with every other teacher at Orchard Knob Middle School this year, Hutcherson is helping to pilot a vocabulary enhancement program called Word Generation. The idea behind the program is to give every student an extra 15 minutes — or 30 in Orchard Knob’s case — of multidisciplinary activities aimed at enlarging students’ vocabularies.

New ideas for better teachers and schools

10/4/2010

There's some research out there that says test scores can be used with a bunch of other measurements to help find the most effective and least effective teachers in a given school. The problem is figuring out how to help the broad middle group be better teachers. A group of schools in Tennessee has proven that can be done, as Emily Hanford of American RadioWorks reports.

Editorial: New standards, low scores

9/26/2010

...It seems counterintuitive to say that lower scores are a herald of a brighter future for Tennessee students. That, however, is the case. The 2010 TCAP results indicate exactly where state students rank on a national scale. The challenge now is to help students improve their numbers and to lift the state from the educational doldrums to one of respect among its peers.

Great teachers can help majority of teachers in middle improve

9/23/2010

"Figuring out how to help teachers get better is a complex task, and there’s not a lot of evidence that programs designed to help teachers improve actually work...The best example I could find of a teacher improvement program that’s proven effective is the Benwood Initiative in Chattanooga, Tenn. Benwood “worked” according to the metrics that matter most these days: test scores..."

Bredesen warns of TCAP scores

9/21/2010

Gov. Phil Bredesen issued a shock warning to parents Monday that the standardized test scores Tennessee students bring home over the next few weeks will be low. New, higher benchmarks for Tennessee’s standardized assessments mean “harder tests and lower test scores, there’s no getting around that,” Bredesen said.

Op-Ed: Higher Hopes

9/19/2010

By Vicky Gregg, President & CEO of BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee: In the next week or so, many Hamilton County parents may receive a shock in the mail when their children’s standardized academic test scores or “TCAPs” arrive. Student scores are likely to be lower than in previous years because Tennessee’s teachers and students are now aiming to achieve a much higher educational standard. In fact, Tennessee’s new academic benchmark is comparable to the standards required in America’s most competitive states. None of us wants to see a child’s test scores dip, even momentarily, but overcoming the challenge of this first year is a necessary step in making sure Tennessee students excel in the future.

Local donor gives $415,000 to state teacher residency

9/9/2010

An anonymous local donor has contributed a $415,000, three-year grant to support TEACH/Here, an innovative teacher residency initiative that is preparing highly skilled math and science teachers for hard-to-fill positions in Hamilton County and Knox County schools, the Public Education Foundation announced Wednesday.

Making the grade

9/9/2010

A 15-member group responsible for reshaping the way Tennessee’s teachers are evaluated has submitted its suggestions to state officials. Among the potential changes: a new five-point teacher evaluation scale and twice-yearly observations for principals. “I think we have some strong recommendations,” said Jill Levine, principal of Normal Park Museum Magnet School in Chattanooga and a member of the statewide committee.

Anonymous Donor Makes Major Investment In TEACH/Here

9/8/2010

The Public Education Foundation has announced receipt of a $415,000, three-year grant from an anonymous local donor to support TEACH/Here, a teacher residency initiative that is preparing highly skilled math and science teachers for hard-to-fill positions in Hamilton and Knox County schools.

TEACH/Here Receives Grant To Train Math And Science Teachers

8/30/2010

TEACH/Here, a teacher residency initiative that is preparing math and science teachers for hard-to-fill positions in Knox and Hamilton County schools, has announced a $154,000 grant from AmeriCorps, through Volunteer Tennessee, to support training and stipends for participants.

Tennessee Launches First To The Top Website

8/23/2010

Tennessee has launched a new First to the Top website to help keep Tennesseans informed about the state’s Race to the Top program implementation. Located online at www.TN.gov/FirstToTheTop/, the site includes Tennessee’s application and related documents, resources for educators, school systems and vendors, and details about First to the Top programs and projects.

Officials Expect Improved Graduation Rate

8/19/2010

After the graduation rate in Hamilton County dipped to 70.9 percent in 2009 — down 4.2 percent from 2007 — school officials are expecting a significant jump in the district’s graduation rate this year as a result of new programs and initiatives. Based on school records, the district has projected the 2009/2010 graduation rate to have increased by more than 5 percent — the largest single increase in five years.

Tough Introduction to Tennessee’s New Academic Standards

8/11/2010

For education officials in Tennessee, the recent news of staggeringly low achievement on new state tests was all but surprising. For the public, however, Tennessee’s new curriculum standards are expected to make a tough introduction. And in the midst of new challenges and sweeping reforms, the transition into higher standards raises many hard questions about Tennessee's history of low expectations.

Camp College

8/5/2010

Sixty Hamilton County high school students ventured to Sewanee, University of the South on Thursday, July 29 for Camp College, a 2 ½ day workshop that offered intensive, hands-on help in navigating the complicated college application process.

News on test scores

8/5/2010

The state has established cut scores for tests taken last spring – the first with new standards in place. As promised, the benchmark for passing the test (scoring “proficient”) has been set at a much higher level than before, which means that the percentage of students considered proficient will be significantly lower than in past years.

Weaving science into everything

8/5/2010

If you love to teach science, but you’re scheduled to teach reading, you can solve the dilemma by teaching your students to read about science. That’s what Michelle Lowe does in her 2nd grade class at Wallace A. Smith Elementary school.

State begins tough stage of reform

8/1/2010

It might surprise many Tennesseans to know that across the nation, Tennessee has become a state to watch — and not for the usual music, barbecue or sports-teams reasons — but because in just a few short years, Tennessee has become a national leader in education reform.

U.S. Department of Education Approves Tennessee Race To The Top Budget

7/28/2010

Governor Phil Bredesen announced on Wednesday that Tennessee's nearly $501 million Race to the Top budget has been approved by the U.S. Department of Education, allowing the state and all 136 school districts to move forward in implementing comprehensive school reform plans over the next four years.

Schools allocate Race to Top funds

7/26/2010

Once Tennessee secured $500 million in federal money to turn around its education system, it was up to individual school districts to decide how to spend their money.

Tennesseans "Strongly Support" High Standards Despite Expected Drop In Test Scores

7/26/2010

A sizable majority of Tennessee voters “strongly support” high academic standards in K-12 public schools despite expectations that raising the bar will lead to lower student test scores in the short term, according to the results of a new statewide

Do-it-yourself solar panels become classroom project

7/25/2010

If an East Ridge High School class can build a reasonably priced solar panel in the classroom, why shouldn’t anyone? They should, says East Ridge High School environmental science, biology and French teacher Davis Mounger. With some reading and talking to shop colleagues, he said he made a project plan. [Ed: this project received a grant from PEF's Jane Harbaugh Innovation Fund for Teachers.]

Passport Scholars On the Road

7/14/2010

Seven 10th grade girls have recently embarked upon exciting summer enrichment programs as Passport Scholars through the Public Education Foundation.

Principal Leadership Academy Names Director, 13 Participants

7/14/2010

Dr. Godfrey Saunders has been named director of the Principal Leadership Academy, a joint effort to train aspiring Hamilton County schools’ principals. The Academy, which launches this month, is the outcome of a partnership among the Hamilton County Department of Education, the Public Education Foundation (PEF), the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

Montana educator leads local principal academy

7/10/2010

Godfrey Saunders, a 32-year veteran educator and former principal of Bozeman High School in Montana, will lead 13 assistant principals through a program designed to give them practical knowledge about how to run a school. ... Funded with about $600,000 in donations from Unum, businessman Joe Davenport and an anonymous donor, the academy is a joint partnership of Hamilton County Schools, the Public Education Foundation, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce.

New Principal Brown "Ready To Go" at East Ridge High

7/9/2010

Zac Brown says he's never been more excited about the first day of school. Although it's still several weeks away, the first-time principal can't wait to meet all the students and teachers he'll be guiding at East Ridge High School. ... In 2008 he became assistant principal at Hixson High School, and signed up for the county's Principal Workshop last year.

Saunders Named Principal Leadership Academy Director

7/9/2010

Taking School Reform to Scale

7/8/2010

At the urging of community partners, Superintendent Jim Scales and his administration have engaged with outside organizations to develop a comprehensive accountability plan for the Hamilton County Department of Education....Though the plan comes at a critical time in his administration, Scales’ efforts to reorganize goals around expanding school reform began two years ago when the Benwood Foundation brought in the Consortium for Policy Research in Education (CPRE) to evaluate the district's performance. Since 2001, the Benwood Foundation has invested $18 million in reforming urban schools in Hamilton County through a program called the Benwood Initiative.

Seven Local High School Students Named Passport Scholars

7/1/2010

Seven local 10th grade girls were named Passport Scholars through the Public Education Foundation. As part of PEF’s college access initiative, Passport Scholars provides scholarships for those who might not otherwise have the opportunity to attend programs like the Summer Science and Engineering Program at Smith College or the Teton Science School at Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks.

UT aims at training more math and science teachers

6/30/2010

...UT is introducing two new programs aimed at reducing the severe shortage of math and science teachers in the state."Vols Teach" kicks off in about two weeks and "Teach Here" will start this fall.

Bredesen Appoints Tennessee First To The Top Advisory Council

6/21/2010

Governor Phil Bredesen announced on Monday 14 appointments to the Tennessee First to the Top Advisory Council, a broad-based group of Tennesseans and national experts who will provide strategic guidance, direction, and thought leadership to state policymakers overseeing Tennessee's Race to the Top grant from the U.S. Department of Education. [Ed: including PEF President Dan Challener]

8th Graders Tour Sewanee

6/16/2010

Rode a bus up Monteagle Mountain with a bunch of 8th graders. Tried to interview them. Excited kids. Loud bus. Swaying bus. Lotsa bunny ears held on the backs of interviewees’ heads by fellow passengers. Excellent trip.

Innovation grant recipients announced

6/16/2010

The Public Education Foundation, through the Jane Harbaugh Teacher Innovation Fund, has recently announced $7000 in awards to groups of innovative educators at eight schools in Hamilton County.

Local Teachers Awarded Grant Money For Various Projects

6/16/2010

The Public Education Foundation (PEF), through the Jane Harbaugh Teacher Innovation Fund, has recently announced $7000 in awards to groups of innovative educators at eight schools in Hamilton County.

Schmidt and Kelehear featured as Excellent Teachers

6/16/2010

Kids used to get in trouble for talking in class. Not so if one’s teacher is Erica Schmidt. Schmidt’s students at Tyner Middle Academy can frequently be found talking to their neighbors – though there’s no time for idle gossip.

Tennessee Selects America’s Choice For School Reform Efforts In State

6/16/2010

America's Choice, a nationally recognized educational solutions provider, has been approved by the Tennessee Department of Education to help transform Tennessee’s lowest performing schools.

PEF Awards Grants to Innovative Educators

6/14/2010

The Public Education Foundation, through the Jane Harbaugh Teacher Innovation Fund, has recently announced $7000 in awards to groups of innovative educators at eight schools in Hamilton County.

Panel debates teacher reviews

6/8/2010

School districts may get some say in how their teachers are evaluated as part of a new Tennessee law that requires educators to be graded partly on the success of their students...During a teleconference Monday, the 15-person committee appointed by Gov. Phil Bredesen to figure out details of the new plan said that while another 35 percent will come from standardized tests showing how much a student progressed in one academic year, the remaining 15 percent is up for grabs.

2010 CityScope Magazine Teachers of Distinction

6/4/2010

Throughout the area, teachers work diligently to educate and mentor students. Through their dedication, creativity, ongoing pursuit of excellence and passion for teaching, these talented professionals prepare boys and girls to pursue their passions and excel in life.

Assistant Principals Train in Leadership Skills

6/1/2010

See video on WDEF News 12's website.

It Can Be Done: Turning Around America's Lowest Achieving Schools

6/1/2010

Learn about the Title I School Improvement Grant Program and how the communities of Mobile, Alabama; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Chattanooga, Tennessee were successful in implementing turnaround, restart and transformation models to revitalize and transform their lowest performing schools.

Learning the ropes

5/28/2010

Nearly 30 assistant principals in Hamilton County schools graduated Thursday from a yearlong intensive training program that they say has equipped them to take the reins at local schools.

Teach/Here Selection Process Begins for Hamilton & Knox Counties

5/21/2010

Carr and Adams are among 50 candidates competing for 18 positions. 10 will end up in Hamilton County, while 8 will go to Knox County.Teach/Here officials will review all the candidate evaluations in the days to come. Those selected for the special program will be notified before the end of next week, and in a classroom this fall.

Generous support from Annenberg

5/19/2010

The Leonore Annenberg Scholarship and School Funds have made three significant grants to Hamilton County this spring: the Leonore Annenberg College Scholarship Fund has granted a remarkable all-expense-paid scholarship to Red Bank High junior Brooke Reed to select and attend the college of her choice.

Michael McKamey and Theresa Custer: Excellent Teachers Whose Students Request More Work

5/19/2010

By Communications Director Frances Haman-Prewitt: I never expected to hear it – and it happened twice in one week!

School system marks Benwood’s impact

5/19/2010

The occasion celebrated the educational impact of the Benwood Initiative, which defines itself as a grant machine “with a laserlike focus on literacy and teacher effectiveness.”

Omaha paper reviews Hamilton County Benwood model

5/17/2010

...Chattanooga made use of tools that Obama would like to see adopted in all states, such as the system of measuring a student's academic growth over time rather than on static test scores, as Nebraska and most states do.

Student earns free ride to any college

5/17/2010

MSNBC.com reprint of Times Free Press article

Student earns free ride to any college

5/17/2010

Brooke Reed’s shoulders are feeling a little lighter these days as she shops for colleges without worrying about a possible deal-breaker: the price tag. The Red Bank High School junior recently won the Leonore Annenberg College Scholarship, a four-year, all expenses-paid scholarship that just a handful of students nationwide receive. The award will cover tuition and fees, room and board, a laptop and a stipend to the college or university of her choice beginning in the fall of 2011.

Big Honor for Red Bank Student

5/13/2010

The announcer said out loud, "extraordinary achievement, nobile character, drive to succeed." To any one who knows Red Bank junior Brooke Reed, that's her. And it's exactly why she's Hamilton County's first Leonore Annenberg college scholarship award winner. Four years all expenses paid, to the school of her choice.

Coaching of Teachers Found to Boost Student Reading

5/12/2010

An innovative study of 17 schools across the country suggests that putting literacy coaches in schools can help boost students’ reading skills by as much as 32 percent over three years...The study finds that reading gains are greatest in schools where teachers receive a larger amount of coaching. It also finds that the amount of coaching that teachers receive varies widely and is influenced by an array of factors, including relationships among staff members and how teachers envision their roles.

East Side And Brown Academy Win $100,000 Grants

5/10/2010

The Public Education Foundation announced on Monday that the Leonore Annenberg School Fund for Children, through a partnership with PEF, has awarded generous grants of $100,000 each to East Side Elementary School and Brown International Academy.

Teacher evaluation pilot plan examined

5/8/2010

Teachers who are eligible next year to receive tenure will not be judged under a new teacher evaluation program being piloted in Hamilton County, officials said Friday. ...School officials, principals, teachers and union officials discussed some particulars of the district’s new evaluation model during a workshop Friday at United Way of Greater Chattanooga.

Top magnet

5/6/2010

For the second time in five years, Hamilton County Schools is home to the top magnet school in the nation. At a Magnet Schools of America conference this week, Chattanooga School for the Liberal Arts earned the distinction of the No. 1 elementary magnet school in the nation.

Voices of Reform: Transformation at Hamilton County Schools

5/3/2010

The Department of Education's video on the Benwood Initiative - In 2000, the Hamilton County School District in Chattanooga, Tenn., teamed up with a community partner to transform eight of the 20 lowest-performing grade schools in the state of Tennessee. The county built leadership teams to establish staff development and incentive programs to attract and retain talent.

County Schools Holds Race To The Top Summit

4/30/2010

Governor Phil Bredesen and Tennessee Education Commissioner Tim Webb led a Race to the Top Summit in Chattanooga on Friday. County Mayor Claude Ramsey, state and local elected officials and business and civic leaders joined with Hamilton County Department of Education Superintendent Dr. Jim Scales to "begin a community conversation on the benefits of Tennessee’s First to the Top law and new federal Race to the Top funding for Hamilton County schools."

Challener interview excerpt on Race to the Top

4/28/2010

A two-minute version of PEF President Dan Challener's interview about Race to the Top.

Challener interview on Race to the Top

4/28/2010

A 10-minute interview with PEF President Dan Challener on Race to the Top.

Brown Middle School 8th Graders Go On College Tours

4/23/2010

170 eighth graders at Brown Middle School will got on college tours to Covenant, Lee, Sewanee and Tennessee Wesleyan, on Tuesday, April 27...

Slightly more local grads are going on to college

4/22/2010

Thirteen more Hamilton County high school graduates decided to go on to college in 2009 over the previous year, officials announced Wednesday. The 72 percent college bound rate is up from 70 percent in 2008, but hasn’t fully recovered after dropping from 73 percent in 2007, records show.

72% Of 2009 Hamilton County High School Graduates Enrolled In College

4/21/2010

The Hamilton County Department of Education and the Public Education Foundation released data on Tuesday on the number of May, 2009 Hamilton County public school graduates who enrolled in college for the fall of 2009. 1,522 students enrolled in 146 public and private colleges and universities around the country. This number represents 72% of the May graduating class, and is up from 2008, when 70% (1509 students) enrolled in college.

Apply for innovation funds

4/20/2010

The Public Education Foundation is pleased to offer to classroom teachers small grants of up to $1,000 for innovative student learning projects. The goal is to encourage creative ways to engage students and to spur teacher collaboration.

Students Embrace College Opportunities

4/20/2010

Sixty-five high school seniors, their parents and their mentors attended a celebration honoring their commitments to college enrollment at a banquet on Tuesday evening, April 13 at Loose Cannon Art and Events. These students have been participating in the College Access Mentoring program conducted by the Hamilton County Department of Education and the Public Education Foundation.

Mentoring Program Students Embrace College Opportunities

4/14/2010

65 high school seniors, their parents and their mentors attended a celebration honoring their commitments to college enrollment at a banquet on Tuesday evening, April 13, at Loose Cannon Art and Events. These students have been participating in the College Access Mentoring program conducted by the Hamilton County Department of Education and the Public Education Foundation.

Another Excellent Teacher

4/13/2010

Chef Leon Rice looked at me – very politely – as if I were crazy. I had asked him how he teaches higher-level thinking skills to his students in the culinary arts academy at Brainerd High School. “Running a restaurant is all about problem-solving,” explained Rice. “Dealing with customers, adjusting for equipment that malfunctions, developing a business plan that keeps the restaurant paying for itself…it’s all hands-on, applied knowledge that teaches real world skills in leadership and decision-making.”

Calling math and science teacher wannabes

4/13/2010

April 16 is the deadline for applicants who are interested in joining TEACH/Here, an innovative teacher residency program that will recruit and train highly qualified math and science teachers for hard-to-fill positions in Knox and Hamilton County schools.

Schools work on model for evaluation

3/31/2010

The day after Tennessee public schools hit the $500 million jackpot, Hamilton County administrators began work on a pilot teacher evaluation system that could become a statewide model. Figuring out a way to evaluate teachers every year was one piece of legislation approved during a special General Assembly session in January.

State wins race for federal education funds

3/30/2010

...The fact that every district in the state agreed to participate is a big reason why Tennessee was awarded the $500 million for which officials applied, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said Monday. “Tennessee’s plan truly is a statewide effort,” he said during a teleconference announcing Race to the Top winners. Tennessee shares the prize only with Delaware, which won about $100 million.

Middle Schools To Focus On 21st Century Workforce Skills

3/29/2010

Author Tony Wagner has written that companies in the new global economy want employees to have seven “survival skills,” including critical thinking, collaboration, communications, curiosity and imagination, among others. Teams of students, parents, principals and school leaders will grapple with how to teach those skills in middle school at the Middle Schools for a New Society planning retreat on Wednesday, March 31 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Chattanoogan.

Tennessee To Receive $500 Million In Race To The Top Funds

3/29/2010

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan announced today that Delaware and Tennessee have won grants in the first phase of the Race to the Top competition. “This is a landmark opportunity for Tennessee,” said Governor Phil Bredesen. “Our success in Race to the Top speaks to the commitment we’ve made to meaningful and significant improvement in public education, and the funds provided by the grant will carry us forward in a dramatic and positive direction.”

Principal academy gets second $250,000 gift

3/25/2010

The local academy to train would-be public school principals has received another $250,000 gift, this time from an anonymous donor. The Principal Leadership Academy — a partnership of Hamilton County Schools, the Public Education Foundation, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce —now has received a total of $600,000 in donations. To fully fund the program, leaders say they need $300,000 a year.

Davenport Makes Long-Term Commitment To Principal Leadership Academy

3/19/2010

Joe Davenport of Pointer Management has made a five-year, $250,000 commitment to the Principal Leadership Academy currently under development by the Hamilton County Department of Education, Public Education Foundation, Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

Principal academy boosted by donor

3/19/2010

A project that will train area education leaders to become principals just got some help from a local business and civic leader. Joe Davenport, a local investment manager who has long been an advocate for private schooling in Chattanooga, made a five year, $250,000 commitment to the Principal Leadership Academy now under development by Hamilton County Schools, Public Education Foundation, the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

Another Excellent Teacher

3/18/2010

It was agonizing. Third-grade teacher Rhonda Lehman-Fraley started reading a poem about a squished squirrel, got us all interested, and then stopped - right in the middle.

Business leader gives $250,000 to support principal training

3/18/2010

Local business and civic leader Joe Davenport has made a five-year, $250,000 commitment to the Principal Leadership Academy that is under development by Hamilton County Schools, Public Education Foundation, Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and UTC.

Principal Leadership Academy Garners Support

3/18/2010

Both Unum and Joe Davenport of Pointer Management have recently stepped up to provide major contributions for the new Principal Leadership Academy that is being created through a partnership between Hamilton County schools, PEF, the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and UTC.

Hamilton County Schools Launch Teach/Here, Teacher Residency Program

3/11/2010

Local colleges aren't churning out enough new math and science teachers. Jamie Parris, Director of Secondary Math & Sciences for Hamilton County, says "in the past two years, we've had 70 math and science teachers retire. And we began this school year with 11 vacancies in Math and Science." Last July, Hamilton County school leaders opted to join a highly selective recruitment initiative, known as Teach/Here. The residency program offers to ease college graduates and those looking for a career change into teaching.

State stays in running for Top

3/5/2010

Hamilton County Schools officials already are plotting how the district might spend its share of federal Race to the Top money after Tennessee was announced as a finalist Thursday. Hamilton County Superintendent Jim Scales said he would like the system to look at a new assessment model for teachers, as well as programs aimed at recruiting and training quality educators. “We were pretty optimistic in our hope that Tennessee would be a finalist in the first round,” he said. “This gives us plenty of reason to start planning for if Tennessee is one of the winners.”

School system launches academy to groom principals

3/5/2010

When Hamilton County Schools Superintendent Jim Scales became a principal in 1977, nobody gave him much training, he said. “They threw me a set of keys and said, ‘sic ’em.’ That’s about it,” he said. But schools have changed and now require more of their principals, Dr. Scales said. So on Thursday, the superintendent said he was excited to announce the creation of a Principal Leadership Academy that will give practical advice and training to assistant principals hoping one day to take over leadership of a school.

Unum Gives $100,000 For New Principal Leadership Academy

3/4/2010

Saying it is "recognizing the connection between strong public schools and the economic vitality of our community," Unum officials announced Thursday that the firm is providing $100,000 to help the Hamilton County Department of Education establish a Principal Leadership Academy.

Urban Teacher Residency Is Here

2/25/2010

According to Supply and Demand for Teachers in Tennessee, a study by the Center for Business and Economic Research at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, the state will face a teacher shortage estimated at over 31,000 by the 2013–2014 school year. The study found that Tennessee must fill about 40 percent of all pre-K through grade 12 public school teaching positions in only four years. Beginning this Friday, an initiative called Teach/Here aims to reverse the trend in Hamilton and Knox Counties by recruiting and retaining nontraditional teaching candidates through an urban teacher residency program.

Stupendous news!

2/16/2010

Hamilton County's 8th grade EXPLORE test results are in, and this year the district is beating the national average in every category!

Local students improve scores on national test

2/11/2010

Hamilton County Schools has some test scores to celebrate, the system announced Wednesday. After the district slipped in many academic areas on last year’s state standardized test — middle schoolers, in particular — officials announced that eighth graders outpaced their counterparts nationwide this year in a precursor to the ACT.

Hamilton County Middle Schoolers Outpace Nation On EXPLORE Test

2/10/2010

County school officials said eighth graders in Hamilton County middle schools outpaced the nation on the 2010 ACT Explore test. The composite score (a combination of English, math, reading and science scores) rose from 14.9 to 15.3 in Hamilton County. The National composite score was 14.9. State scores are not available. The ACT EXPLORE test is given to all eighth graders in Hamilton County. It is considered a predictor for how a student will score on the ACT PLAN test, which is administered in the 10th grade, and ultimately how students will do on the ACT, a college-readiness exam that is typically given in the 11th grade.

Vote to help local education project

2/10/2010

Stand and CreateHere are pleased to announce our participation in the Refresh Project, a vetting process for innovative ideas sponsored by Pepsi and GOOD.

Grant Law recognized for distinguished service

2/3/2010

Grant Law said he was just a stand-in for the weather-predicting “Chattanooga Chuck” on Groundhog Day, but the community leader still was honored to accept the Kiwanis Club’s 2010 Distinguished Service Award. ... Despite all of Mr. Law’s work in the community for more than 30 years — including service as chairman of the Community Foundation and sitting on the boards of the Metropolitan YMCA and the Public Education Foundation — there’s still “much important and unfinished work to do,” he said.

Challener Reports on Important Education Legislation

1/27/2010

Ten days ago, Governor Bredesen signed into law far-reaching changes that the General Assembly had approved only a few hours earlier.

A Room Dominated by Thinking

1/20/2010

When asked about his motivations and strategies as an educator, Paulson cites Aldous Huxley (Brave New World) and George Orwell (1984) and their predictions about the effects of technology on our society.

‘Race’ hurdle cleared

1/17/2010

One legislative critic likened it to buying a “pig in a poke,” while even a supporter said he and fellow lawmakers were acting “somewhat on a wing and a prayer.” But with one eye fixed on the chance to win hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funds and the other on the opportunity to make a difference in Tennessee’s quality of education, state lawmakers last week approved a sweeping education overhaul.

Hamilton may see $10 million in school funds

1/15/2010

Hamilton County Schools system could see as much as $10.56 million if Tennessee wins its application for federal Race to the Top funds, according to preliminary state estimates. Other area systems also would get a share of the one time funding.

Teachers get advice on teaching writing

1/15/2010

As debate swirls in the Tennessee General Assembly over K-12 education reforms, a group of fifth-grade teachers...gathered Thursday to swap some last-minute advice on how to teach writing. Fifth graders in Hamilton County will take the writing assessment portion of the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program test at the beginning of February. ... The event was held at the Public Education Foundation by Clara Sale-Davis, PEF’s director of the Benwood Initiative, and Susan Swanson, director of urban education for Hamilton County Schools.

Bredesen calls for special session on education

1/9/2010

Gov. Phil Bredesen on Friday issued his official call for a special legislative session on K-12 and higher education reforms...“I look forward to working with you this session to capitalize on the unique opportunities that are in front of us in public education,” the governor said in his letter, dated Thursday. In his proclamation, Gov. Bredesen cited the history of K-12 education reform in Tennessee and noted that the state now is competing with other states for a piece of some $4.35 billion in federal Race to the Top funds.

Governor, teachers at odds over tests-evaluation link

12/26/2009

... The groups will return to negotiations in early January after talks this week produced no agreement on how much weight student test scores should have when it comes to evaluating teacher job performance. That meeting comes just a week before Jan. 12, when Gov. Phil Bredesen wants to convene a special legislative session on education. He wants state lawmakers to change current laws that he says stand in the way of Tennessee, competing against other states for “hundreds of millions” in federal Race to the Top funds.

Hamilton County Schools Receive $75,000 Gates Grant

12/18/2009

Math teachers at three high schools will be trained on how to administer nationally recognized benchmark assessments and use those results to refine instruction, thanks to a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation...The Public Education Foundation will partner with the district on implementation of the grant.

Governor calls session for Race to the Top funds

12/16/2009

Gov. Phil Bredesen said Tuesday he will call the General Assembly into a special legislative session next month to enact far-reaching changes in how K-12 teachers and principals are evaluated and granted tenure. The governor said changes are necessary to help Tennessee qualify for federal Race to the Top funds.

Two More Excellent Teachers Featured

12/15/2009

In Danielle Lillie’s fifth grade class at Red Bank Elementary, at any given moment one might find teacher and students standing on their chairs, waving their arms and counting loudly by threes or sevens, or chanting about the workings of the digestive system.

Reflections on Report Card 2009

12/3/2009

For seven years, our schools and our students posted steady gains. Year after year, more and more of our students met state proficiency standards in math and reading.

Upton Turns Trash To Treasure

11/17/2009

Hands were flying the whole time we were in her classroom, with students so eager to participate that they could hardly sit still - a sure sign of an engaged class.

Stanford; Wake Forest; NYU; University of...

11/10/2009

Graduates from Hamilton County public schools are qualified for any college, including those ranked among the top 100 by U.S. News and World Report. They just need determination, clear goals, to work hard and dream big.

College Access And Success Conference Is Monday, Tuesday

11/5/2009

The 2009 Tennessee College Access and Success conference will be held in Chattanooga on Monday and Tuesday at the Chattanoogan. ... Former Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist and Jim Applegate, senior vice president for Program Development of the Lumina Foundation for Education, will serve as the keynote speakers to open and close the event.

County teachers, principals starting book clubs

11/4/2009

They probably won’t argue over Austen, deconstruct Hemingway or decipher Tolkien. The new book clubs at public schools around Hamilton County have more to do with a love of learning than of literature, as teachers and administrators are taking their own time to read up on how to be better educators. Through the Public Education Foundation, an anonymous donor gave $40,000 to buy books for each of the 44 book clubs that will start soon in the county’s elementary, middle and high schools.

Test scores, grad rates drop

11/4/2009

Test scores are down in Hamilton County schools and the district’s graduation rate continued a three-year decline, according to the state’s annual Report Card released Tuesday. Math and reading scores in elementary and middle schools went down 1 percentage point each. In 2008, 90 percent of students were proficient or advanced in math. In 2009, 89 percent were proficient or advanced. Reading scores were 91 percent and 90 percent for those years. The district’s graduation rate now is at 70.9 percent.

44 Schools Awarded Grants For Educator Book Clubs

10/23/2009

Thanks to an anonymous donor who contributed $40,000 for this purpose, the Public Education Foundation announced grant awards for 44 Hamilton County public schools to develop or continue educator book clubs.

Frist releases roadmap to improve education

10/23/2009

Former U.S. Sen. Bill Frist thinks Tennessee’s education can be No. 1 in the Southeast. And he says it can happen in five years. For nearly a year, he’s been crisscrossing the state and meeting with principals, teachers, superintendents and business leaders to figure out what’s working well in Tennessee education and how to replicate it statewide.

Why Are There Life-Size Images of Teachers?

10/15/2009

You expect to find great teachers in their classrooms, but for the month of October, you can also find them in area BI-LO stores.

HCDE and PEF Kick Off “Excellent Teachers” Campaign

10/13/2009

As part of the Public Education Foundation’s Excellent Teachers campaign, life-size cutouts of some of Hamilton County’s many excellent public school teachers will be displayed in BI-LO stores, at Unum headquarters and at Public Education Foundation offices.

Workshop prepares potential principals

10/11/2009

Becoming a school principal is like absorbing several giant doses of culture shock all at once, say those who have done it. ... “Nothing can prepare you for sitting in that chair as principal,” said Bill Kennedy, director of secondary school reform with the Public Education Foundation. Mr. Kennedy and James Colbert, the school system’s assistant superintendent and a former high school principal, are creating a principal preparation workshop where current assistant principals and others eligible to be principals can be trained on what they’ll need to know to one day take over leadership of a school.

New Training for Rising Principals

10/6/2009

BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee and Electric Motor Sales & Supply, Inc. have recently contributed $5,000 each to help assistant principals prepare to move into the principal’s position at a Hamilton County school.

Number of minorities taking SAT, attending college rises

9/21/2009

Seeing her father lose his job and her mother working in a carpet mill was all the encouragement Rosario Reyna needed to know she should go to college. “I knew I needed to better myself in order to be able to help them later on in life,” said the 18-year-old first-generation college student from Calhoun, Ga.

Dustin Dotzler's Excellent Classroom

9/16/2009

Dustin is one of many excellent teachers in Hamilton County schools. This year, PEF will be featuring 20 teachers who represent the many excellent teachers hard at work in every school in the district.

Block scheduling may go on school chopping block

9/15/2009

The county’s public school system wants to pinch pennies wherever possible, so officials are examining whether a change in schedules would save money. Hamilton County high schools now operate on a “block schedule” — four 90-minute classes every day with a new batch in the second semester, for a total of eight classes each year.

Education groups announce merger

9/3/2009

The Public Education Foundation and the College Access Center, both in Chattanooga, announced the merger of their operations this week. Dan Challener, president of the foundation, said the merger was “just common sense” because both organizations work to achieve similar goals. “We saw a great opportunity for synergy,” Mr. Challener said. Susan Street, founder of the College Access Center, said the merger “just came together” because the two organizations had worked together on many projects in the past.

PEF Merges with College Access Center

9/1/2009

Since 2004, through the work of PEF, the College Access Center and other partners, the number of May graduates from Hamilton County schools enrolling in college the following fall has increased by 15%.

PEF And College Access Center Merge

8/31/2009

The Public Education Foundation has announced a recent merger with the local College Access Center. “This merger is just common sense,” said PEF President Dan Challener. “PEF’s College Access Initiative grew out of our high school reform work and has become a major focus for us. As part of that, we’ve been working so closely with the College Access Center over the last few years that it’s hard to draw a line between our work and theirs.”

David Breckinridge, Domina Coleman Alford Join PEF Board

8/26/2009

The Public Education Foundation announced that David Breckinridge, general manager of ALSTOM Power, Inc., and Domina Coleman Alford, accounting manager for Hamilton County General Government, have joined the Public Education Foundation Board of Directors.

County, PEF in step for improving schools

8/20/2009

Chattanooga Times Free Press - Letter to the editor
I serve on former Sen. Bill Frist's SCORE steering committee with Tom Kinser, who wrote an article for the Times Free Press on Sunday (Aug. 16). Tom gave an urgent call to action for Tennesseans to address the weaknesses of our education system, and we at PEF agree completely. We were pleased, but not surprised, to find that several reforms suggested in SCORE's interim report are already under way here in Hamilton County...
- Dan Challener, President of PEF

From readers to leaders

8/19/2009

While other local book clubs have been tackling some well-known titles - The Shack, say, or Three Cups of Tea - 12 groups in Chattanooga have been meeting to discuss less familiar fare, like Rigor is NOT a Four-Letter Word and Why Are School Buses Always Yellow? The books might not be on the bestseller rack at Barnes and Noble, but for these readers, they might be mind-changing, even life-changing stuff.

Turning the tide on troubling public education numbers

8/16/2009

Chattanooga Times Free Press op-ed
The current big picture of public education is not good. The United States' education system has slipped in its standing in the world. Within the country, the Southeast is the lowest, and Tennessee ranks behind North Carolina, Florida, Kentucky and Virginia in our region. In other words, we are in the bottom half of the bottom group. ... One reaction to these appalling numbers is cynicism. Some say, “Yes, we know all that; we have for years. Nobody does anything.” We think we can change this.

Teacher Residency to Boost Math and Science

8/4/2009

PEF and the Hamilton County Department of Education have formed a new partnership with the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and Knox County schools to create a teacher residency program called Teach/Here.

Cities plan teacher residency program

7/30/2009

Chattanooga Times Free Press
The Hamilton County school system is desperate for qualified math and science teachers, and officials think they've found the perfect formula to supply more. Beginning next summer, the system is partnering with Knox County Schools, the Public Education Foundation and the University of Tennessee in Knoxville to offer a teacher residency program that will give college graduates a chance to earn teaching credentials and a master's degree in one year.

College needed to fight fires?

6/24/2009

Does a person need a college degree to become a firefighter?

Mary Ehrenworth leads workshop for Loftis Middle Teachers

6/19/2009

Chattanoogan.com
Mary Ehrenworth, deputy director for middle schools at the Teachers College Reading and Writing Project at Columbia University, will be leading a workshop for ten teachers who are working to boost reading skills for students at Loftis Middle School from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Saturday in the library. ... Loftis is using funds from Middle Schools for a New Society (MSNS) to bring Ms. Ehrenworth to their campus. MSNS is a partnership between Hamilton County schools and the Public Education Foundation that is working to improve student achievement in all 20 of Hamilton County's middle schools.

Program stresses importance of going to college

6/18/2009

NewsChannel 9
For some high school students, going to college isn't part of their plans. But one program in Chattanooga is trying to change that.

LaJarvis Russell, a rising Senior at Ooltewah High School said he "wasn't really interested in going to college because I want to go to cooking school. But it's still a good opportunity to go make sure, see if I was missing anything in the college life."

School allies sought

6/18/2009

Chattanooga Times Free Press
Over sandwich wraps and potato salad, Chattanooga business leaders plotted with high school principals about how to ready the next generation of local workers. After two years of partnering with Lookout Valley High School, Glenn Morris, president and CEO of M&M Industries, decided it was time for other businesses to get involved with schools.

Eight local businesses help boost college attendance

6/17/2009

Chattanoogan.com
Through the Public Education Foundation and the College Access Center, over 100 rising high school seniors are participating in a college-mentoring program funded by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission ... it offers guidance and support to students who have grades and skills that make them eligible for higher education, but who are uncertain of their opportunities and qualifications. Many of them will be the first generation in their families to attend college.

Students will be able to ask questions such as, "Does a person need a college degree to become a firefighter?" "It helps a lot," says Captain Andre' Hicks of the Chattanooga Fire Department.

More students score high on ACT

5/28/2009

Chattanooga Times Free Press
More Hamilton County public school students taking the ACT college entrance exam scored a 25 or better this school year than last, according to district data. About 335 students out of 3,487 who took the test between August and April scored at least a 25, which ACT officials said is competitive for most colleges and universities in the nation.

Bonus rewards

5/20/2009

Chattanooga Times Free Press
East Side Elementary teacher Patricia Clark faces an uphill battle at the beginning of each school year. She must teach her students to read, but most of them don't yet speak English. “It's a very big challenge,” said the 18-year East Side veteran. ... She's one of 33 teachers, two principals and two assistant principals being honored for making huge gains at high-poverty schools from 2005 to 2007.

TN Ranks #1; Hamilton County Featured

5/13/2009

More students are graduating! Tennesseans should be very pleased to learn that we have earned the number one ranking in a Johns Hopkins University report on states with the greatest gains in high school graduation rates.

Frist visits, boosts education reform

5/5/2009

Chattanooga Times Free Press
When it comes to working out the details of a pet project, it's all about who you know, said former U.S. Senator Bill Frist. Dr. Frist, a former Senate majority leader, stopped by Orchard Knob Elementary on Monday to brainstorm with teachers on how to improve education across the state ... Dr. Frist chose to meet with teachers and principals at Orchard Knob because of the school's involvement in the nationally recognized Benwood Initiative.

Red Bank Chamber learns about state of local schools

4/27/2009

Chattanooga Times Free Press
Red Bank Council of the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce speakers Christa Payne and Frances Haman[-Prewitt] of the Public Education Foundation are working to improve the local community by strengthening schools. “At Public Education Foundation we believe passionately that public schools are the key to a thriving community,” said Payne, PEF's director of development and external relations.

Middle schoolers voice academic suggestions

4/1/2009

Chattanooga Times Free Press
Hamilton County middle schoolers found a voice Tuesday as the students told groups of parents, teachers and administrators what they want out of school. ... During a session Tuesday at the Chattanoogan hotel, students examined test scores from the Explore test, a pre-ACT test taken by eighth graders. “It shows us where we are,” said East Ridge Middle student LeeAnn DeFriese, 12. “We're not there now, but we can get there if we persevere.”

College Bonanza Is Tuesday at UTC

3/30/2009

Chattanoogan.com
Over 100 rising high school juniors are expected to attend the first College Bonanza at UTC on Tuesday from 9:15 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Students will hear a panel of representatives from various nearby colleges, tour the UTC campus, and learn about applying for admission and financial aid.

In the afternoon, they will meet their mentors – local college students who graduated from targeted Hamilton County high schools and can give peer-to-peer advice on getting into and staying in college.

Challener to Serve on Frist Committee

3/25/2009

Public Education Foundation President Dan Challener has accepted an invitation to serve on the newly established Tennessee State Collaborative on Reforming Education (SCORE) steering committee which is being chaired by former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist.

Two grants boost college access efforts

3/18/2009

Chattanoogan.com
The Public Education Foundation announced two new grants to supplement work already in progress at Hamilton County schools. The Tennessee Higher Education Commission has awarded $155,000 over two years to PEF to establish a peer mentoring program for targeted high school juniors at Ooltewah High, Hixson High, Central High and Howard School of Academics and Technology. ... This program aims to reach beyond students who are highly likely to go to college and add to their ranks students from low-income families or with lower grades or test scores who might need extra help to successfully realize their hopes of going to college.

State top gainer in graduates

3/12/2009

Chattanooga Times Free Press
Tennessee's high school graduation rate improved more than any other state's in a new report by researchers at Johns Hopkins University. While the national high school graduation rate remained flat at about 75 percent between 2002 and 2006, the Volunteer State is one of a dozen states that made substantial gains, according to the report, released Thursday by the university's Everyone Graduates Center. “It's really a tribute to the hard work of teachers in each school in Tennessee,” said Rachel Woods, spokeswoman for the Tennessee Department of Education. “Those are the ones really making the difference.”

Public education is finding its foundation

3/11/2009

Chattanooga Times Free Press
As the Public Education Foundation celebrates its 20th year, President Dan Challener is celebrating the success and support in public schools. He thanked the Southside Council of the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce for its continuing contributions to public education. “To support public schools, especially today, I can't think of anything more important,” he told Council members at their March meeting.

Schools, teachers appreciate professional evaluations

3/9/2009

Chattanooga Times Free Press
Some people might bristle at the thought of outsiders evaluating their work and telling them what they're doing wrong. But, for the most part, teachers at Brown Academy welcomed the critique. ... Education consultants Dick Corbett and Bruce Wilson observed teachers and students at Brown Academy and other high-poverty elementary schools in Hamilton County last week.

PBS reporter gets update on Benwood schools

3/4/2009

Chattanooga Times Free Press
Three years after PBS education reporter John Merrow reported on the Benwood Foundation's work in eight local high-poverty elementary schools, he returned to Chattanooga on Tuesday for an update.

Frist says education his passion

2/6/2009

Chattanooga Times Free Press
Former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn., said Thursday he is largely stepping away from electoral politics — at least for now — and will devote much of his time to a grassroots initiative aimed at dragging Tennessee's K-12 education system out of the basement.

New Adult High Podcast and Latest Test Scores

12/4/2008

PEF has just released its latest video podcast, School of Second Chances. Featuring students and administrators from Hamilton County’s adult high school, this story is heart-warming and inspiring.

PEF Hosts Meet-a-Teach at CreateHere

11/26/2008

Chattanooga Times Free Press
Exploring the world of social media, the Public Education Foundation is working to get the community more aware and involved with teachers and students in public schools. “We want people to hear directly from the source that good things are happening in public schools,” said PEF Director of Development and External Relations Christa Payne.

Shoring up a declining grad rate

11/17/2008

Chattanooga Times Free Press
...Despite the overall decrease in the graduation rate, the news from the state Report Card wasn't all bad. At 10 county high schools, the graduation rate improved last year, including at Brainerd and Howard School of Academics and Technology. ... Hamilton County's 2.5 percent drop in the overall graduation rate is somewhat misleading, administrators contend, because of a change last year in how some of the district's graduates were counted.

Senior projects helping members of class of 2009 test their skills

11/13/2008

Chattanooga Times Free Press
This year's graduating class at Soddy-Daisy High School will be the first to participate in a new program designed to help them apply what they learn in the classroom on a yearlong project of their choosing. Administrators hope the programs will provide opportunity for students to apply their academic skills outside the classroom and get a taste of the kind of work they will do after graduation.

Students find scholarships at Urban League college fair

11/13/2008

Chattanooga Times Free Press
After scoring a 17 on the ACT, Khala Stewart didn't think she would qualify for a college scholarship, she said. Then she attended the Infinite Scholars Scholarship Fair hosted Wednesday by the Urban League of Greater Chattanooga, at which Stillman College representatives considered her 3.1 grade-point average and offered her $3,500. ... Bi-Lo stores, Hamilton County Schools and the College Access Center all helped to sponsor the fair, Urban League officials said

County Schools To Share In $1.34 Million NEA Foundation Award

11/12/2008

Chattanoogan.com
The NEA Foundation has announced that it will award $1,341,000 to three of its Closing the Achievement Gaps Initiative pilot sites, including the Hamilton County Schools. The grants will continue the work to advance systemic efforts to increase academic achievement, especially for low income and minority students, officials said.

Hamilton County Education Association President Sharon Vandagriff said, ”This exciting 2004 initiative began as the direct result of cooperative efforts of the Hamilton County Education Association (HCEA), the Hamilton County Department of Education and the Public Education Foundation to improve student performance and strengthen city schools. Hamilton County's teachers are thrilled to have this chance to do even more through this expansion.”

Schools make strides on yearly report card

11/11/2008

Chattanooga Times Free Press
Hamilton County Schools continue to make progress in improving student achievement - 27 schools received straight A's in Value Added Assessments, and scores for kindergartern through eighth grade improved from a B to an A in math and a C to a B in science. Reading and science scores held steady. "We feel like we have a really good report this year," Superintendent Jim Scales said at a news conference.

Standards Are Changing

10/30/2008

Why is a drop in test scores good news? Because the drop will reflect the state's adoption of much higher standards for students in our public schools.

College advisors guide students

10/27/2008

Chattanooga Times Free Press
It is almost the halfway point of the school year, and while thoughts of the future are just starting to creep into the minds of area high school juniors, their senior counterparts have had a year to stress out. To alleviate some of the pressure they face during these last months, college advisors have been placed in many area schools by the College Access Center, a Chattanooga-based nonprofit that helps students plan for their future education.

Ricks to quit foundation if he wins school race

10/17/2008

Chattanooga Times Free Press
To avoid a perceived conflict of interest, District 4 Hamilton County Board of Education candidate George Ricks said he would resign from his post on the Public Education Foundation board if he were elected. “I love the work, but it wouldn't make sense,” he said. “I can't serve on the (PEF) board and make decisions about the school system.”

Aspiring Teachers Take Up Residence

10/15/2008

Education Week
Boston's toughest schools knowing almost exactly what they can expect and what's expected of them. That's because they've already spent a year in those buildings, observing and teaching classes under the watchful eye of a specially trained master teacher ... The teachers are graduates of the Boston Teacher Residency program, a yearlong, selective preparation route that trains aspiring teachers, many of them career-changers, to take on jobs in some of the city's highest-needs schools.

Following a dream

10/15/2008

Chattanooga Times Free Press
It's fall break for Hamilton County students, so most kids in Stephen Coleman's Alton Park neighborhood are kicking back to enjoy a day free of books, learning and responsibility. But Mr. Coleman isn't like most children.

Schools award more diplomas

10/10/2008

Chattanooga Times Free Press
More students have graduated from Hamilton County Schools each year since 2004, despite relatively flat enrollment, according to numbers released Thursday by the school system. ... "This is really good news for the kids who graduated and for the community," said Dan Challener, president of the Public Education Foundation, which jointly released Thursday's report.

Comptroller Morgan Says Tennessee Must Plug Leaks In Student Pipeline

10/2/2008

Chattanoogan.com
Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury, John Morgan, told the Chattanooga Rotary Club on Thursday, “If Tennessee is going to succeed in a global economy, which places a premium on knowledgeable workers, we are going to have to plug the leaks in the student pipeline.”

MDRC report validates academies

9/23/2008

A recent longitudinal study by MDRC shows that career academies are effective at improving earnings for participants, especially for young men.

A high school numbers game

9/15/2008

Editorial, Chattanooga Times
Thirty-six students in the region have been named as semifinalists in the prestigious National Merit Scholarship Program. Their scores indicate they are among the best and brightest of their generation, and they are to be congratulated for their accomplishment. Drawing any inference other than that of personal achievement from their selection, however, is a risky enterprise.

Benwood schools meet AYP!

8/27/2008

Congratulations are in order! For the first time since implementation of the No Child Left Behind Act in 2003, East Lake and Orchard Knob Elementary schools have moved into "Good Standing".

School system prepares for VW

8/10/2008

Chattanooga Times Free Press
With thousands of blue-collar jobs to be filled by Volkswagen in the next several years, educators know they have a choice: Train technically inclined students locally or risk losing the positions to out-of-towners...

Two local schools move to 'good standing'

7/29/2008

Chattanooga Times Free Press
Strong leadership and a data-driven approach to education helped two Hamilton County elementary schools meet “adequate yearly progress” requirements of the federal No Child Left Behind Act for the first time since the 2002 law was implemented, a state official said. After about eight years of not meeting state or federal education standards, East Lake and Orchard Knob elementary schools have moved into “good standing,” state education officials announced Monday morning.

Benwood story proves potential

5/28/2008

Letter to the editor, Chattanooga Times Free Press
It would have been easy to herald the success of the Benwood 8 as evidence of the power of reconstitution, incentives, and better data systems. The Education Sector report told the other half of this remarkable story. Investing in the knowledge and skills of the teachers committed to the success of a school can produce a profound turnaround.

Tackling That Thorny Math Problem

5/28/2008

This work in math is modeled after on-going efforts to improve literacy. That work has been successful, so we can expect math scores to start moving up soon!

Challener outlines college preparation strategies

4/30/2008

Chattanooga Times Free Press
Don't be afraid to raise standards. That was the advice given Tuesday by Dan Challener, president of Chattanooga's Public Education Foundation, to a group of Washington, D.C., educators.

More About the Education Sector Report

4/29/2008

The Benwood Initiative, a partnership between Hamilton County schools, the Benwood Foundation and the Public Education Foundation, has seen great success in boosting test scores in eight high-poverty urban elementary schools.

Benwood Initiative expands, improves

4/23/2008

Chattanooga Times Free Press
Six years into the Benwood Initiative, a program to narrow the achievement gap between Hamilton County students in high-poverty schools and their counterparts in richer schools, the improvement continues.

Education Sector Releases Study of Benwood Initiative

4/7/2008

Education Sector, a national independent nonpartisan education think tank, today released a new report “The Benwood Plan: A Lesson in Comprehensive Teacher Reform.”

Chattanooga's Benwood Initiative is one of the most widely touted school-reform success stories of recent years. And many credit its success to financial incentives used to lure new teachers to low-performing schools. But the Benwood Initiative was about much more than pay incentives and attracting new teacher talent, concludes a new report from Education Sector.

PEF Names Director of Development and External Relations

3/27/2008

Christa Payne brings energy and enthusiasm to newly-established position.

The Public Education Foundation has named Christa S. Payne as Director of Development and External Relations. Ms. Payne will direct the Foundation's fundraising efforts, including the creation of a long-range development plan.

More Hamilton County Graduates Enrolling in College

3/24/2008

Seventy-three percent of Hamilton County's May, 2007 graduates enrolled in college during the fall of 2007. This number is up from 70% in 2006 and 69% in 2005. Of these students, the percentage enrolling in four-year colleges rose from 57% in 2006 to 62% in 2007.

PEF's Debra Vaughan on "Building a Data Culture"

2/15/2008

Voices in Urban Eduation, Annenberg Institute for School Reform

In this article, Debra Vaughan (PEF's Director of Data and Research) and Kirk Kelly (HCDE's Director of Accountability and Testing) discuss how the school district and the Foundation are working together to promote the use of quality data in decision-making.

Thanks to the Annenberg Institute for School Reform for granting permission to reprint Deb's article on this web site.

Hamilton County Featured on Front Page of New York Times

1/17/2008

In this article, "Urban Schools Aiming Higher Than Diploma," PEF President Dan Challener joins other experts in discussing how high schools must reinvent themselves so that all students are prepared for college. Dan reflects on the "transformational change" brought on by the School Board's decision to grant a single, college-prep diploma for all Hamilton County graduates.

Urban Schools Aiming Higher Than Diploma

1/17/2008

New York Times

In Chattanooga, Tenn., the schools have abolished their multitrack curriculum, which pointed only a fraction of students toward college. Every student is now on a college track. ... Those efforts, and others across the country, reflect a growing sense of urgency among educators that the primary goal of many large high schools serving low-income and urban populations — to move students toward graduation — is no longer enough. Now, educators say, even as they struggle to lift dismal high school graduation rates, they must also prepare the students for college, or some form of post-secondary school training, with the skills to succeed.

Teachers Ready for Returning Students

1/4/2008

Chattanooga Times Free Press
Members of the East Ridge and Lookout Valley Networked Learning Communities work with Cris Tovani, a nationally-known reading consultant.

AT&T Supports Nonprofit Organizations in Chattanooga, including PEF

12/18/2007

Through its Excelerator program, AT&T is partnering with PEF to support electronic collaboration for teachers in Hamilton County.

79 Graduate from Adult High School

12/12/2007

Chattanooga Times Free Press
Hamilton County High School, also known as the "adult high school," successfully assists 79 students in obtaining their high school diploma.

PEF Hires Benwood Director

12/10/2007

Chattanooga Times Free Press
PEF is pleased to announce the hiring of Clara Sale-Davis, a 25-year veteran of public education, to lead the Benwood Initiative.

Chattanooga Hosts National Education Conference

11/6/2007

Chattanoogan.com
The NEA Foundation selected Chattanooga to host a national exchange of the best ideas in middle school reform.

Schools Get "A" in Academic Progress, Graduation Rate Increases

11/2/2007

Chattanoogan.com
The Hamilton County Schools reported straight A's in student academic progress, and the high school graduation rate is up.

Bredesen Touts Education Reforms at Chamber Summit

9/26/2007

Chattanooga Times Free Press
PEF President Dan Challener joined Governor Phil Bredesen at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Institute for a Competitive Workforce.

More Students at Area Colleges

9/25/2007

Chattanooga Times Free Press

Positive Partnerships Enhance City (editorial)

9/20/2007

Chattanooga Times
The Foundation is recognized as a partner for strong schools.

Benwood Initiative Expands Education Goals

9/14/2007

Chattanooga Times Free Press
The second phase of the Benwood Initiative is launched. School improvement expert Patricia Davenport joins Hamilton County teachers to begin the year on a high note.

Schools Eager to Build on Reforms

9/14/2007

Chattanooga Times Free Press
Superintendent Jim Scales and PEF President Dan Challener comment on the progress made possible by the partnership between the school district and the Foundation.

$975,000 to Improve Math Skills

8/22/2007

Chattanooga Times Free Press
The Carnegie Corporation continues its support of Hamilton County High Schools, with a shift in emphasis from literacy to math.

$6 Million Redesign of 21 Schools in Progress

8/12/2007

Chattanooga Times Free Press
A summary of some strategies being used by Hamilton County middle schools in their individual school reform plans.

Graduation Rates, College Attendance Rising

8/12/2007

Chattanooga Times Free Press
Article includes a map showing 2006 graduates' college choices.

Schools Make the Grade

8/7/2007

Chattanooga Times Free Press
85% of Hamilton County Schools make adequate yearly progress and are in good standing under No Child Left Behind guidelines.

Benwood’s New Initiative (editorial)

7/25/2007

Chattanooga Times Free Press

Schools Eye New Ways to Evaluate Learning

7/23/2007

Chattanooga Times Free Press

Better School Opportunities (editorial)

7/20/2007

Chattanooga Times Free Press

Benwood Initiative Expanded to 16 Schools

7/19/2007

Chattanooga Times Free Press

Benwood Announces $7.3M Schools Grant

7/18/2007

Chattanoogan.com

Student feedback helps form lessons

7/18/2007

Chattanooga Times Free Press

Campers study up on college

7/12/2007

Chattanooga Times Free Press

Benwood steps up – again (editorial)

6/21/2007

Chattanooga Times Free Press

Turnover in teachers called out of control

6/21/2007

Chattanooga Times Free Press

Foundation offers aid to struggling schools

6/20/2007

Chattanooga Times Free Press

Students share opinions in survey

6/18/2007

Chattanooga Times Free Press

Principals for success

6/15/2007

Chattanooga Times Free Press

Teachers hone training skills

5/31/2007

Chattanooga Times Free Press
375 teachers attend PEF's literacy institute

Summertime and the reading can be easy

5/30/2007

Diana Green
PEF's Diana Green offers advice on encouraging children to read over the summer

High school graduation, college attendance up

5/26/2007

Chattanooga Times Free Press
More Hamilton County graduates are enrolling in college

School to give same-sex classes 2nd chance

5/14/2007

Chattanooga Times Free Press
Osborne fellows design class innovations

College veterans help applicants learn about higher education

5/11/2007

Chattanooga Times Free Press
Partnership for College Access and Success hires college students to help high school students apply for college

Hardy principal honored for progress

5/8/2007

Chattanooga Times Free Press
Natalie Elder named top “K-8 Tennessee Effective Educator"

College focus paying off

5/6/2007

Chattanooga Times Free Press
More Hamilton County graduates are enrolling in college

Group discusses group reform

5/4/2007

Chattanooga Times Free Press
Middle school leadership teams meet to plan next steps

PEF representative testifies in Senate

4/24/2007

Edna Varner invited to present testimony on No Child Left Behind
Video Link

Teacher to Race in NASCAR Event in Nashville

3/22/2007

Chattanooga Times Free Press
Sequoyah High's automotive career academy builds racing stock car

Separated by Gender

3/5/2007

Chattanooga Times Free Press
Middle schools test strategies to reach students during critical years

Academy Rewards

3/1/2007

NEA Today
NEA focuses on Hamilton County

Front Porch Pathfinders

3/1/2007

Focus
Lumina Foundation Focus magazine features Soddy Daisy High School college access program

Acing the ACT

2/24/2007

Chattanooga Times Free Press
45 HCDE students score 30 or higher on the ACT

Making the Grade

2/19/2007

Chattanooga Times Free Press
More HCDE students are taking AP courses as part of district focus on ‘academic rigor'

15 Teachers to Attend PEF Workshop

2/8/2007

Chattanoogan.com
15 HCEA school representatives discuss change strategies for improving school culture

Good work at adult high school

1/4/2007

Chattanooga Times Free Press

Students Get on Track at Adult High School

1/2/2007

Chattanooga Times Free Press
HCDE high school for adults gives former dropouts a second chance

The Gap Narrows

12/3/2006

Chattanooga Times Free Press
Test scores advanced for disadvantaged students

High School Reform: It's About Time

12/1/2006

Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development's InfoBrief

Red Bank High Wins National Academy Award

11/30/2006

Chattanooga Times Free Press
Red Bank High's Teaching Academy wins 2006 Career Academy of the Year award in San Francisco

Hardy Principal Gets National Honor

10/27/2006

Chattanooga Times Free Press

Hixson High Teacher Wins National Teacher of the Year Award

10/24/2006

Chattanoogan.com
Christopher Wheatley heads the Math, Science & Health academy

Hamilton County Teacher Initiative Featured at Chicago Conference

10/19/2006

Soddy Daisy Networked Learning Community Has Unified Vision

9/22/2006

Chattanoogan.com
Administrators from Soddy Daisy NLC meet for strategy planning

Success Story

9/21/2006

Education Trust's Achievement Alliance highlights Benwood Schools

CCA is Winner of National Award

9/19/2006

Chattanoogan.com

Good Schools Can Happen

8/30/2006

Parade Magazine Cover Story
Parade magazine highlights the role of local education funds in school success

Ford Designates Chattanooga a Career Academy Innovation Community

8/28/2006

Chattanoogan.com

Chattanooga's Enthusiastic Eight

6/20/2006

An audio podcast of PBS reporter John Merrow's interview with 8 Benwood teachers

PBS Profiles Benwood Initiative

6/20/2006

The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer
Special Correspondent for Education John Merrow reports on efforts to fix a group of troubled elementary schools in Tennessee.

Engineering a Turnaround: A Profile of Soddy-Daisy High School's Engineering Academy

5/1/2006

Teacher Magazine
Twenty years after it was shoved aside to make room for academic standards, vocational education is now something of a comback kid. Nowhere is that more evident than in southern Tennessee, where the small-school academies in one district combine academic rigor with real-world skills.

PEF and Benwood Foundation Publish Reports on the First Phase of the Benwood Initiative

5/1/2006

As the eight schools of the Benwood Initiative complete the first phase of transformation, the Public Education Foundation and the Benwood Foundation have published two reports.

Challenging Myths: The Benwood Initiative and Education Reform in Hamilton County, by Claire Handley and Robert A. Kronley, Kronley & Associates (75-page comprehensive report)

Lessons Learned: A Report on the Benwood Initiative (8-page summary)

Poll says residents support local high school reform efforts

3/19/2006

Chattanooga Times Free Press
By Beverly A. Carroll Staff Writer Nine out of 10 Hamilton County residents who responded to a Washington, D.C., telephone poll said high school reform requires the support of the entire community, survey results show. Four out of five people said failing high schools cannot get better by themselves. "That really does signal a change in attitude and awareness," said Connie Warren, senior program director for Carnegie Corp. of New York, a group funding high school reform throughout the country, including Hamilton County. "People are starting to understand that education is a community institution that requires multiple partners in the business and civic communities and from grass-roots parents groups," she said.

Charging The Gap: National Education Journal Profiles Benwood Initiative

3/1/2006

Education Week
By bettering the teaching staffs at its inner-city schools, the Hamilton County school district is lessening the differences in achievement between such schools and their suburban counterparts.

The bridge to better schools

8/28/2005

Anniston Star
“What we have learned in 20 years is that it isn't all about the money. It is about how you use the money to bring about transformative change.”

Better scores across the board

7/17/2005

Chattanooga Times Free Press
If anything should disprove the criticism heaped so relentlessly, recklessly and unjustifiably on the county school system by County Commissioners Curtis Adams and Fred Skillern, it is the steady, dramatic improvement of the system's students across the board in the state's TCAP achievement scores.

Great gains by local students!

7/16/2005

Chattanooga Times Free Press
With Hamilton County schoolchildren, their teachers, administrators, parents, a variety of supporting foundations and others making prodigious efforts to improve local educational opportunities and student achievement, there is great new proof that their efforts are succeeding.

Middle schools to get boost from grant

7/16/2005

Chattanooga Times Free Press
A foundation this month will launch a multiyear, multimillion-dollar project to boost achievement in Hamilton County's 21 middle schools and prepare students better for high school.

Suburban schols continue academic progress, data show

7/16/2005

Chattanooga Times Free Press
Hamilton County's suburban schools, already performing above other school groups, continued to make improvements in math and reading/language arts, according to 2005 test data.

Achievement gap narrows

7/15/2005

Chattanooga Times Free Press
Student achievement improved for all Hamilton County students for the third straight year, and the performance gap between poor and more affluent students narrowed, according to 2005 test data released Thursday.

Prepping for Higher Ed

6/3/2005

Chattanooga Times Free Press
Seventy-one percent of last year's Hamilton County Schools' high school graduates pursued degrees at 122 colleges in 30 states, figures from the Public Education Foundation show.

East Side Elementary School Recognized by Reader's Digest

5/30/2005

Chattanooga Times Free Press
East Side Elementary School principal Emily Baker and her staff were proud to be noted by Reader's Digest as one of two elementary schools reporting success proving "even the hardest-to-reach student can be inspired to learn."

Masters of Learning: First Class of Osborne Fellowship Teachers Completes Grad Work

5/11/2005

Chattanooga Times Free Press
Fourteen local educators earned master's degrees in literacy instruction and urban teaching through a unique fellowship program created and sponsored by the Public Education Foundation, Hamilton County Department of Education, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, the Weldon F. Osborne Foundation and the BellSouth Foundation.

Local School Opportunities Rise

3/12/2005

Chattanooga Times Free Press
Free Press Editoral: Downtown Rotary hears about school improvements and challenges from PEF President Dan Challenter.

Another Boost For Our Students

3/10/2005

Chattanooga Times Free Press
Times Editoral: Now another big opportunity boost is coming for Hamilton County youngsters in our middle schools. Itís a five-year, $2.5 million grant from the National Education Association Foundation, in concert with the Hamilton County Education Association

A Bridge To Close The Gap

3/9/2005

Chattanooga Times Free Press
Free Press Editorial: Hamilton County Schools have successful reform initiatives under way at both the elementary and high school levels. Now the system is going to bridge the two with a middle-school improvement program.

Middle Schools Get Grant

3/9/2005

Chattanooga Times Free Press
Leaders of the National Education Association Foundation announced Tuesday they have awarded their largest grant to Hamilton County for improving middle schools

Community Up To Challenge Of Education Reform

2/20/2005

Chattanooga Times Free Press
Guest editorial by Vartan Gregorian, President, Carnegie Corp. of New York

Initiative Improves Hamilton County Schools

2/20/2005

Chattanooga Times Free Press
Guest editorial by Cathy Turner, Academy Facilitator, Central High School

Students Better Prepared

2/16/2005

Chattanooga Times Free Press
UTC finds fewer local public school graduates require remediation courses

National Foundation Funds Program to Improve College Access

2/14/2005

Chattanoogan.com
Hamilton County is one of eight communities to receive a grant from the Lumina Foundation for increasing college access and student success.

Reform Grant Helps Students

2/10/2005

Chattanooga Times Free Press
Soddy-Daisyís 9th-grade academy funded by Carnegie Corp. money

Unsung High School Successes

2/10/2005

Chattanooga Times Free Press
Carnegie Corp. President Vartan Gregorian visited to praise the progress in high school reform on several levels.

For Progress In Local schools

2/7/2005

Chattanooga Times Free Press
Higher standardized test scores and higher rates of students being promoted from the ninth to the 10th grade are evidence that the generous gifts from the Carnegie Corp. of New York and the Public Education Foundation are making a difference.

Carnegie Leader Hails Reform

2/4/2005

Chattanooga Times Free Press
The president of Carnegie Corp. of New York came to Chattanooga on Thursday to celebrate reform -- funded by Carnegie -- in Hamilton Countyís 17 high schools.

Hamilton County Shows Improvement On Accountability Scores

1/14/2005

Chattanoogan.com
State testing results show Hamilton County Schools out performed Davidson, Knox and Memphis while equaling the scores of Shelby County on the Tennessee Value Added Assessment System (TVAAS).

Scores Show Progress

1/14/2005

Chattanooga Times Free Press
Scores show progress, help find weaknesses. Eight Hamilton County schools earn top marks in state tests.

Local Schools Score Higher than State

1/13/2005

Chattanooga Times Free Press
Hamilton County elementary and middle school students are learning more than the state standard in reading and math, and high school students rank at the top in writing, according to tests that measure how much students learn from year to year.

Adult School Hails First Graduates

12/14/2004

Chattanooga Times Free Press
'This is to all the people who didn't think we would amount to anything,' said Ash-Lee Henderson, a member of the first graduating class of Hamilton County's first adult high school.

Good News about Public Schools

11/29/2004

A letter from PEF President Dan Challener
Hamilton County students have made significant achievement gains at all levels.

Rising Scores in County Schools

11/17/2004

Chattanooga Times Free Press Editorial
Test scores improved across the board from 2003 to 2004 scores in all categories and among all ethnic groups and all special education groups in the K-8 grades tested.

Students more 'Proficient' on Math, Reading Tests

11/12/2004

Chattanooga Times Free Press
The percentage of Hamilton County students scoring proficient or advanced on state reading/language and math tests increased from 2003 to 2004.

Construction Industry Professionals, Educators tour East Ridge High

10/29/2004

Chattanooga Times Free Press
Educators and construction industry professionals from as far away as Alaska are in Chattanooga to study a model construction career academy at East Ridge High School.

Schools Training Future Principals

10/27/2004

Chattanooga Times Free Press
'We have the best pool of principals and principal assisútants we have had in years,' Hamilton County Board of Education member Debbie Colbum said.

Budget Limits Slow School Reform

10/10/2004

Chattanooga Times Free Press
Plans to expand East Ridge High School's construction career academy were shelved this year after schools officials' bid for additional funding for staffing and facilities improvements failed.

The Dynamo of Dixie

10/1/2004

What do you do when you can no longer be the dynamo of dixie?
By PEF President Dr. Dan Challener

A Bridge Toward Graduation

9/20/2004

Chattanooga Times Free Press
Adult School helps students who have had problems in a traditional setting

When Student Achievement Rises

9/5/2004

Chattanooga Times Free Press Editorial
The growing recognition of rising achievement levels in the city's Benwood schools, and the report on this year's scores on SAT college entrance exams underscore the value of investing the resources needed to lift achievement in schools that often are dismissed disdainfully as 'low-performing.'

Benwood Schools Lauded in Report

9/1/2004

Chattanooga Times Free Press
In a report to Congress last week, U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige highlighted the partnership between Hamilton County Schools, the Benwood, Public Education and Weldon F. Osborne foundations and the city of Chattanooga to promote recruiting, training and retaining highly qualified teachers.

More Hamilton County Schools Meet Mark

8/13/2004

Chattanooga Times Free Press
More of Hamilton County's public schools met all student achievement standards of the federal No Child Left Behind Act this year.

Educators Defend $6 Million Grant Use

7/25/2004

Chattanooga Times Free Press
Local instructors and Carnegie representative agree foundation funds are being used correctly.

Benwood Educators Urged to be Family Friendly

7/15/2004

Chattanooga Times Free Press
Teachers and administrators participate in two-day professional Ddevelopment workshop

Benwood Initiative Praised In Report From U.S. Dept. of Education

7/1/2004

Third Annual Report on Teacher Quality
The combination of extensive, high-quality professional training, additional staff, strong building and district leadership and incentives has yielded exceptional improvement in all nine schools.

Teacher Groups Meet to Critique

6/28/2004

Chattanooga Times Free Press
Teachers are surrounded by people all day, but they often are alone when they might wish to share ideas and tips with other professionals on how to do their jobs better. To help teachers bridge that gap, the Public Education Foundation of Chattanooga trains educators in how to create Critical Friends Groups at their schools.

Hamilton Schools win 'Achievement Gap' Grant

6/3/2004

Chattanooga Times Free Press
The National Education Association Foundation will give five Hamilton County middle schools up to $2.5 million over the next five years to help low-income and minority pupils close an 'achievement gap' with their more affluent peers.

Public Voices on Education

5/30/2004

Chattanooga Times Free Press Editorial
Community residents understandably rank public education as the top issue currently confronting Hamilton County. They're also willing to support a tax increase to underwrite improvements in public schools — if the increase were specifically directed toward improvements in the education system here.

Poll: Education Tax Hike Backed

5/26/2004

Chattanooga Times Free Press
A countywide poll released Tuesday showed most Hamilton County residents support a tax increase to improve education.

Construction Academy Field Trips Give Students Hands-on Training

4/5/2004

Chattanooga Times Free Press
Educational field trips are fairly commonplace for Hamilton County students. But for students in East Ridge High School's construction academy, a recent field trip offer opportunities to operate forklifts, practice welding techniques, and learn CPR.

Community Foundation Gives $500,000 Grant For High Schools

3/25/2004

Chattanooga Times Free Press
The Community Foundation makes a major investment in local schools by awarding the PEF a $500,000 grant to support high school reform.

Central Readies for Academies

3/13/2004

Chattanooga Times Free Press
High school will focus on technology, communications and business.

A Move to Invest More in Effective Teaching

2/10/2004

The Washington Post
Teachers transfer to poorest-performing schools in Chattanooga, TN as part of an effort to raise test scores

Conference Gives Voice To School Issues

2/9/2004

Chattanooga Times Free Press
Five students from 17 Hamilton Country high schools recently participated in the Second Annual Hamilton County Student Speak Out forum

Benwood Schools Post Strong Academic Gains

2/6/2004

Chattanooga Times Free Press
Benwood Elementary Schools post higher gains in reading than top 10% of state.

Ooltewah Academy to Focus on International Learning

1/24/2004

Chattanooga Times Free Press
Curriculum includes foreign language, global art and entertainment courses.

Students Debate Tough Issues

1/23/2004

Chattanooga Times Free Press
School funding among topics at 2nd 'Speak Out'

Letting Good Teachers Fix Bad Schools

8/29/2003

Dallas Morning News
Chattanooga's incentives, shuffling of educators boost urban campuses

Hamilton County Teacher Vacancies Nearly Filled

8/12/2003

Chattanooga Times Free Press
Incentives used to recruit teachers to Hamilton Countyís urban elementary schools are starting to pay off, school officials said.

Local Teachers Picked for Project

4/25/2003

Chattanooga Times Free Press
Grant Will Fund Master's Studies for 15 Educators

PEF and Osborne Foundation Announces First Fellows

4/24/2003

Chattanooga Times Free Press
The PEF and the Weldon F. Osborne Foundation introduce first cohort of Osborne Fellows in groundbreaking urban master's degree program.

A Chance to be Heard on Schools

4/21/2003

Chattanooga Times Free Press Editorial
The Public Education Foundation and the Urban League of Greater Chattanooga are working together to provide a forum in which residents of all ages and interests can help create a blueprint for improved teacher quality in Hamilton County Schools.

Investment Sought for Quality Teachers

4/21/2003

Chattanooga Times Free Press
Area public school officials say funds are needed to attract and retain the best instructors

Stressing Teacher Quality

4/20/2003

Chattanooga Times Free Press
Public meetings begin Monday on recruiting, retaining best in county

PEF and Urban League Seek Community Input on Teacher Quality

4/16/2003

Press Release
The PEF and the Urban League of Greater Chattanooga are hosting a series of public forums to gain community ideas on teacher quality.

PEF Holds Winter Institute for District Leaders

1/30/2003

Press Release
Winter Institute provides training and support in whole school improvement and instructional leadership

PEF Researches Secrets of Highly Effective Teachers

10/23/2002

Press Release
Year-long study serves as blueprint for creating outstanding educators

Study Documents Qualities in Effective Educators

10/23/2002

Chattanooga Times Free Press
Hamilton County teachers to be recognized tonight

PEF and Osborne Foundation Implement Urban Masters Program

7/18/2002

Chattanooga Times Free Press
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and Johns Hopkins University to host the Osborne Fellows project

PEF Receives $500,000 Teacher Quality Grant

7/3/2002

Press Release
Chattanooga-Hamilton County one of five sites sharing $2.6 million over three years