The Tennessee ConserVOLiance

Parents in Nashville are receiving an envelope from the Education Consumers Foundation. I suggest they be on the lookout for it and don’t toss it thinking it’s junk mail. What they’ll find inside is some enlightening information regarding Metro Nashville Public Schools. And even if you’re not in one of the three areas currently covered by this program you can use the ECC charts to see how your schools compare to others in your district or the state.

On August 18, 2008 the Education Consumers Foundation sent a mailing to 67,000 households in Davidson County - every household with children under the age of 18 - to recognize 14 Metro schools through its Most Effective Schools Campaign.

Schools were selected for their ability to advance student learning as measured by the Tennessee Value-Added Assessment System, or TVAAS. Each school recognized through this campaign was in the top 20% of schools statewide in either the Elementary schools category (755 schools in Tennessee) or K-8/Middle Schools category (531 schools in Tennessee). http://mosteffectiveschools.com

Here are the top elementary and middle schools in Nashville:

Elementary Schools -

• Amqui Elementary - Ranked #1 of 71 in Davidson County, #1 of 755 in the state
• Paragon Mills Elementary - Ranked #2 of 71 in Davidson County, #18 of 755 in the state
• Lockeland Elementary Design Center - Ranked #3 of 71 in Davidson County, #45 of 755 in the state
• Kirkpatrick Elementary Enhanced Option - Ranked #4 of 71 in Davidson County, #81 of 755 in the state
• Smithson Craigshead Academy - Ranked #5 of 71 in Davidson County, #99 of 755 in the state
• Stanford Elementary Montessori Design Center - Ranked #6 of 71 in Davidson County, #123 of 755 in the state
• McGavock Elementary - Ranked #7 of 71 in Davidson County, #130 of 755 in the state
• Charlotte Park Elementary - Ranked #8 of 71 in Davidson County, #146 of 755 in the state

K-8/Middle Schools

• West End Middle School - Ranked #1 of 39 in Davidson County, #28 of 531 in the state
• Meigs Middle Magnet School - Ranked #2 of 39 in Davidson County, #32 of 531 in the state
• Dupont Tyler Middle School - Ranked #3 of 39 in Davidson County, #40 of 531 in the state
• Head Middle Mathematics/Science Magnet - Ranked #4 of 39 in Davidson County, #47 of 531 in the state
• Dalewood Middle School - Ranked #5 of 39 in Davidson County, #57 of 531 in the state
• McMurray Middle School - Ranked #6 of 39 in Davidson County, #72 of 531 in the state

Hardin County folks can find your school information here.

Elementary Schools -

• Walker Elementary - Ranked #1 of 7 in Hardin County, #25 of 755 in the state
• West Hardin Elementary - Ranked #2 of 7 in Hardin County, #118 of 755 in the state

And then here’s the link for the Washington County/Johnson City schools.

Elementary Schools -

• Boones Creek Elementary - Ranked #1 of 10 in Johnson City/Washington County, #5 of 755 in the state
• Towne Acres Elementary - Ranked #2 of 10 in Johnson City/Washington County, #100 of 755 in the state
• Woodland Elementary - Ranked #3 of 10 in Johnson City/Washington County, #106 of 755 in the state

K-8/Middle Schools

• University School - Ranked #1 of 11 in Johnson City/Washington County, #4 of 531 in the state
• Fall Branch Elementary School - Ranked #2 of 11 in Johnson City/Washington County, #6 of 531 in the state
• Indian Trail Middle School - Ranked #3 of 11 in Johnson City/Washington County, #11 of 531 in the state
• West View School - Ranked #4 of 11 in Johnson City/Washington County, #93 of 531 in the state.

What do these schools have in common? Read the Common Practices report which makes it clear the staff is tracking the students with the goal in mind.

Unfortunately, ECC’s Effective Schooling campaign only covers MNPS, Hardin County and Washington County/Johnson City but you’re invited to partner with them for your area.

I blogged about their interactive charts last year and you can view this year’s version as well as versions for 2007 and 2006.

Kay Brooks