By AE Graham, Tennesseans for Student Success

It’s that time of year. Lists are made, checked twice of course, and gifts are found. There’s a great amount of pouring through websites and newspapers and social media ads to find just the right things for under the tree. Good lists have a way of focusing in on what we really need; what would help us the most in the upcoming year.

In the spirit of the holidays, we took a look back through the websites and newspapers and social media feeds to find just the things we think will make the most difference for Tennessee’s kids in 2019.

Here, in no particular order, is our Education in Tennessee Christmas List:

-TNReady that’s ready for all students. A good test serves as an academic check-in confirming our students are on track for success and that our teachers, schools, and districts are supporting their growth. We’re encouraged by the opportunities for every classroom to receive the technology they need for the state’s yearly assessment and have confidence in the changes made to make this year’s assessment ready for every student.

-High-quality teacher in every classroom. One of the biggest predictors of success for every student is an outstanding teacher in every classroom. Thanks to the Teacher Preparation Report Card, we know Tennessee is home to many teacher-preparation programs that give hundreds of teachers to our schools each year and are improving their work, so every teacher who leaves one of our programs is effective and prepared for success.

-Opportunities for tomorrow’s success, today. Career and Technical Education provides to students accreditations, certificates, and college credits in 16 nationally-recognized career clusters. When high school students are given the possibility of CTEs, their chances for success when they graduate increase. They leave our classrooms with more than just a certificate or college credit – they leave ready for the skills to conquer their next steps.

-Innovation leading the way. Every student in Tennessee, no matter their zip code, deserves to learn in a top-notch Tennessee public school that meets their individual needs and prepares them for their future. When public education is free to innovate the results can be astounding. Classrooms can adapt, teachers can transform, and students can succeed. The opportunity to be innovative should be welcome in all Tennessee public schools.

Our list can be shortened to one thing - continued success for every student in Tennessee. Being twice named the fastest improving state in the nation in education, breaking ACT records, graduating more students on time, and offering early opportunities for success is just the beginning. Together with teachers, parents, students, community leaders, and all those who value public education, we’re committed to building on Tennessee’s historic gains in education so that every student in Tennessee has an opportunity to succeed inside our classrooms and out in the world they’ll help shape.

AE Graham is the communcations director for Tennesseans for Student Success. She spends her days championing Tennessee's kids, teachers, and classrooms.