SEA Required Training

SEAs will reconvene in the first week of March to continue their required in-person training. Please take a moment to review the SEA Training Packet.

SEA Spring Break

During Spring Break, SEAs will engage in asynchronous tasks from the Office of Literacy that can be completed remotely. If school leaders designate their SEAs to report to their school buildings for school-based tasks, school leaders will be responsible for submitting their time to the financial secretaries. SEAs who report to their school buildings to work on these tasks will not be required to complete the asynchronous assignments.

Are you looking for curriculum opportunities to engage with practice items that align to standardized testing?  

Well, look no further.  Your ELA curriculum, Wonders, provides such a resource.  It is called the Tennessee Benchmark Assessment.  This resource (found in the Supporting Documents Folder under Assessments on the C&I SharePoint and linked here, is designed to measure how well children acquire the reading and language arts knowledge and skills assessed on standardized test like TCAP. The design of the Tennessee Benchmark Assessment includes:

• A and B styled questions
• Multiple Choice Questions
• Writing prompts connected to texts
• Both fiction and nonfiction passages
• Answer keys that include rationales

Questions? Email OfficeofLiteracy@scsk12.org

Link: https://scsk12.sharepoint.com/:f:/s/2024-25CurriculumResources/Eu_SeFSRP_ZCnhSvH75E6UwBmgCnVtNDRL8RhMhbDJ9x7w?e=2gx7Vb

The deadline to complete 60% of all TEM Observations is March 7.   School Administrators (Principals, VP, and APs), Network Leaders, and Assistant Superintendents may access their school's data using the following link:

Evaluation KPI Dashboard SY2024-2025

Questions? Contact the Evaluation and Satisfaction office by phone, at 901.416.2475 or via email at eps@scsk12.org.

The spring Student Perception Survey window is February 24th - March 7th.  

For SPS support, Building Site Coordinators should contact the following:

For eligibility questions, contact the district lead, Courtney Skipper at skipperc@scsk12.org.

For technical support, contact Panorama at support+shelbycounty@panoramaed.com

The State is seeking a maximum of 125 peer reviewers to score approximately 15,000 portfolio collections to give non-tested teachers an individual growth score as part of their LOE score. 

The number of peer reviewers needed is based on the number of collections submitted from districts across the state. Peer reviewers are paid at a rate of $20.00 per collection scored plus $50 for attending two (2) required trainings. 

Candidates must: 

• Have demonstrated content area, grade level, instructional experience and effectiveness.
• Be detail-oriented and demonstrate a rich understanding of standards.
• Be familiar with scoring student work.
• Be comfortable using and have access to technology.
• Be able to articulate confidence in the portfolio model to demonstrate student growth.
• Be available to conduct peer reviews throughout the scoring window.
• Commit to confidentiality.
• Preferred: Be an active user in the TNPortfolio Platform.

(Additional information about the Request for Applications may be found here.)

If interested, please complete the application and all requirements of the solicitation no later than 5 PM CT, March 28, 2025.  Please direct any questions to Tracy Riddle, the solicitation coordinator:

Tracy Riddle | Director of Educator Effectiveness 

Office of Academics Andrew Johnson Tower, 9th Floor 

710 James Robertson Parkway, Nashville, TN 37243 (629) 203-2005 

Tracy.D.Riddle@tn.gov

Professionalism represents 5% of the overall TEM rating for both tested and non-tested teachers and must be completed and finalized by both the educator and the administrator to receive an LOE score.  Professionalism containers are live, and educators may begin inputting narratives, uploading artifacts, and completing self-scores.  

New MSCS educators or any educator wanting a refresher on how to complete the Professionalism component may register attend the spring training.

Completing the Professionalism Component of the TEM Framework

• PLZ Course 37105
• 3/20/2025 at 4 pm via TEAMS

The suggested deadline for teacher completion is Friday, April 18, 2025.  For questions and/or concerns about instructional evaluations, please contact EPS by phone at (901) 416-2475 or via email at eps@scsk12.org. 

As the school year winds down, Textbook Services aims to streamline communication and provide timely support during the 2024-2025 Closeout and Inventory process. Please take a moment to complete the Textbook Services School Information Collection Survey.

This survey helps us better understand your school’s specific textbook needs, address any questions or concerns, and gather the Textbook Coordinator's contact information to ensure they receive important district-wide updates. Your participation will allow us to offer more tailored support and improve communication across all schools.

We kindly request that the survey be completed by close of business Friday, March 7, 2025, or forwarded to the appropriate staff member.

 If you have any questions or concerns regarding your textbooks, please feel free to reach out to Dr. Rahmod Traylor, traylorr@scsk12.org directly.

https://forms.office.com/r/5BLHbiSxKk?origin=lprLink

Thank you for your cooperation and dedication to providing quality education to our students. Textbook Services looks forward to working closely with schools to support and strengthen our resources.

Library Services strives to ensure that all school libraries meet the requirements of the Age-Appropriate Materials Act of 2022 and MSCS Policy 5021: Library Services and Collections. In order to comply, each school has to complete a yearly library inventory. We are asking all school principals that do not currently have a librarian to assign a staff member to complete the library inventory. Please complete this survey to submit the name of the selected staff member that will complete inventory by COB, Friday, March 28, 2025. The staff members selected must attend one of the PD sessions listed below. 

Library Services offers a professional development course titled: Inventory in Atriuum for Schools without a Librarian. This PD will help participants understand how to prepare and successfully conduct the inventory process. The course information is listed below.  

#47516 Inventory in Atriuum for Schools Without a Librarian

Thank you in advance for your support and have a great day!    

Survey Link: https://forms.office.com/r/3jtgBKprz7

Literacy Commitment Third Grade Exemptions

Elementary and K-8 Principals, 

Please be reminded that Third Grade Literacy Commitment Exemptions are due on Friday, March 7, 2025, in the Exemption App platform. Once received submissions will be reviewed by designated Central Office Staff. All decisions regarding exemptions are made on a case-by-case basis.

Third grade exemptions are based on 4 criteria:

• English learners with less than two years of ELA Instruction.
• Students who were previously retained.
• Students who have a disability that impacts reading. (as recorded/documented by the District and/or the TDOE)
• Students with a suspected disability that impacts reading.

Exemption App Link​

Exemption App Office Hours

The DAIM Team will offer Virtual Office Hour sessions next week to review the Third Grade Exemptions Power BI Report.

When: Tuesday and Thursday at 3:30 PM on Teams.

Sign-up here -> https://forms.clickup.com/f/87xbk-6181/XTZK5NW6JSHSI5RIKA

Greetings Leaders,

On behalf of Memphis-Shelby County Schools, the Department of Performance and Leadership Development is thrilled to announce the commencement of the MSCS Teacher of the Year Selection Process for each grade band (PreK-5, 6-8, and 9-12). 

This year, MSCS aims to acknowledge one outstanding teacher at each school who exemplifies exceptional instructional expertise and professionalism. Below, you will find the criteria for Teacher of the Year Nomination:

• Able to articulate a sense of pride and dedication to MSCS's mission and vision.
• Be a facilitator of learning, skilled in implementing research-based and creative teaching strategies.
• Be a full-time, certified, in good standing, PreK-12 teacher, who spends the majority of the school day in direct instruction to students.
• Be able to demonstrate a commitment to professional learning and establish community partnerships which benefit students.
• Be able to explain, discuss, and defend a personal philosophy of teaching in a 500-word essay.
• Be an advocate for public education.
• Be exceptionally dedicated to the teaching profession
• Be poised, articulate, enthusiastic, and energetic.
• Be recognized as leaders in the community as well as in the school.
• Have a broad understanding and current trends and issues in education.
• Have a minimum of three years of teaching experience in TN, with a positive track record.
• Have a superior ability to instill in students a love of learning.
• Have a TEM Level 4 or 5, with a 90% attendance rate.
• Have the respect and admiration of students, parents, and colleagues
• Have the respect of students, parents, and colleagues.

Show active involvement and leadership in professional development and extra-curricular.

We kindly request that you follow the four steps outlined below by Tuesday, March 4, 2025.

• Step 1: Identify teachers within your school who meet the Teacher of the Year criteria.
• Step 2: Outline a documented process that allows your staff to vote on the nominees. You can choose to do it electronically or in person.
• Step 3: Scan the QR code or enter the URL to complete the form.

Step 4: Submit one teacher's name to the form by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 4, 2025.

https://forms.office.com/r/QUwQQLG3fB

• The ELPA21 Summative Assessment window is open now through March 28. All current ELs and Ws are required to participate in testing. Every Friday, the Office of Multilingual Learners sends an email to all BTCs with pertinent information and FAQs. Please save that email and reference it as needed.
• The March Monthly Meeting will be held virtually on March 19 at 8:15a, 2:30p, and 3:30p for all ESL Teachers. Please ensure that your ESL teachers attend one of these meetings.
• Quarter 3 Retention Prevention Documentation is due in ELLevation by March 26. Three (3) work samples per student with evidence of scaffolds per the ILP are required to be submitted by each teacher who assigns a failing grade to a Multilingual Learner (ML/ EL). Monitored classes for Retention Prevention are K-5 ELA, Math, & ESL, 6-8 ELA, Math, Science, Social Studies, & ESL, 9-12 all credit-bearing courses.

Please review the MTSS Lead Weekly Updates for the week of 2/24/25.

Principals,

Please complete and share with school staff who support RTI2A the 2024-25 RTI2A Feedback Survey so that adjustments can be considered based on feedback.  If there are questions, contact Emily Vuoso.

Teaching & Learning Advisory

February Edition 2

New Highlights:  Math March Sessions, Teacher and Student Surveys, and State Literacy Professional Learning

https://secure.smore.com/n/jvstx

Calling all educators! The 2025 Beautify Your School Contest is back and accepting applications through May 1! All schools and grades Pre-K-12 are invited to participate.

Sponsored by Memphis City Beautiful, WREG News Channel 3 and Landers Ford Collierville, Beautify Your School is a cleanup and beautification competition that challenges schools to improve their surroundings and engage their students in environmental programs. Showcase your gardens, outdoor classrooms, sustainability efforts, and more!

Cash prizes and trophies are awarded to winning schools, and five representatives from the first-place schools of each category are featured on WREG’s Live at 9!

Learn more or download the entry form to get started: https://memphiscitybeautiful.org/beautify-your-school/.

We recently received information from MLGW about TVA's Energy Right School Uplift Cohort to help recruit for 6th Cohort for 2025-2026!! Cohort 6 of the School Uplift Program kicks off in May 2025, but recruiting ends April 1. Every public or private school that completes the program earns $10,000 for their learning environment and saves an average of 8% on their energy bills. In this upcoming Cohort, six schools in the Valley will earn an additional $200,000 grant for energy upgrades and all schools can compete for an upgraded learning environment grant of $25,000. Please review the attached documents for more information about the program.

For More Information: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ym3mib5uTvxMlGeH0k3hP1J5284pG2rj?usp=sharing

Link to SchoolUplift Participation Agreement: https://tvaenergyright.jotform.com/242874024695969

Memphis Redbirds will be hosting Education Days during the month of May featuring expert-led, hands-on discovery activities for students. School teams may utilize Discovering Memphis funding for this opportunity ($10/student). As a reminder, food purchases are not allowable through this funding.  

-Weather Day: Thursday, May 1 a 11:05a.m. Enjoy pregame, on field experiments led by the local weather team

-STEM Day: Wednesday, May 14 at 12:05p.m. Explore different careers in STEM by talking to experts in their respective fields

-Optometry Day: Thursday, May 15 at 11:05a.m. Learn about eye safety with a pregame presentation from doctors at Southern College of Optometry

For more information: https://www.milb.com/memphis/tickets/education-days 

The Secretary of State’s office is launching the Anne Dallas Dudley Gold Level and Silver Level awards for Tennessee high schools, which meet student voter registration thresholds.

Gold Level: 100% of eligible students, 18 and older by the next election, are registered to vote. The Secretary of State’s office will gift the school with a commemorative plaque and gift personalized certificates to Student Ambassadors.

Silver Level: 85% of eligible students, 18 and older by the next election, are registered to vote. The Secretary of State’s office will gift personalized certificates to the school and Student Ambassadors.

The award is named in honor of renowned Tennessee suffragist Anne Dallas Dudley. One of the central figures in the women’s suffrage movement, she worked tirelessly to secure the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, granting women the right to vote. Learn more about Anne Dallas Dudley and Women's Suffrage in Tennessee on the Tennessee Virtual Archive.

All Tennessee public and private schools as well as home school associations are encouraged to participate in the Anne Dallas Dudley Award program.

Tennessee law allows students who are either 18 years of age, or 17 years of age and will be 18 by the date of the next election to register to vote.

Completed applications will be accepted until March 7, 2025.

Link to More Information: https://sos.tn.gov/anne-dallas-dudley-award

We are excited to participate in this year's Do the Write Thing (DtWT) writing program. DtWT is a writing competition where middle school students share how violence has impacted them and propose solutions. We are excited about this year's challenge and look forward to the submission of essays, poems, songs, plays and more! 

Our students will have the opportunity to submit to the local competition and the winning essay will advance to the and national competition in Washington, D.C. This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase our students' talent and there is no cap on the number of submissions per school. Please share this information with your school teams to encourage participation. 

Local Entry Deadline has been extended: Friday, March 7

Please see the email sent to middle school principals for more details. Please contact Dr. Erin Y. Luster with questions. 

Link to Educator Toolkit: 

Link to DtWT Sample Lesson Plans: 

The Memphis Business Journal Next Gen recognizes high school students who exemplify excellence and an early interest or aptitude in business. Candidates are those students who have demonstrated achievement and success at school —both academically and in extracurricular activities, as well as through volunteering, in jobs, or other service in their communities. Next Gen is not necessarily intended to recognize the student who has the highest GPA or who is the star athlete, but rather to honor well-rounded individuals making a difference both in their school and community. 

Each school may select up to two students to participate in each class of the Next Gen program. A testimonial (200–300 words preferred) must be written and submitted by a teacher, guidance counselor, or other school official that explains why the student was selected, and a school representative must also guide the student through the Next Gen process and help ensure their participation. Each participating student must also answer a questionnaire sent by MBJ to complete their selection. 

MBJ has extended the deadline to Friday, March 28, 2025. To make the nomination and view eligibility information: bizjournals.com

MSCS is continuing its partnership with Habitat for Humanity to build homes in Memphis this Spring, and we are inviting students from your school to participate in the upcoming Habitat for Humanity build season. We’d love to hear about your interest to join us!

Please note, only students who are 16 years or older are eligible to participate in these builds. For safety and supervision purposes, a 1:6 ratio of students to chaperones is required for students aged 16 or 17. In addition to following the MSCS Field Trip procedures, Habitat for Humanity requires that all participants, including chaperones and students, complete an online registration. Students, with the help of their parents/guardians, should complete the registration link once the specific date(s) for the build have been finalized for your school.

Habitat for Humanity Interest Link: https://forms.office.com/r/HjcR27aUgm