August 7, 2026
To support the effective utilization of our Specialized Education Assistants (SEAs), the Department of Curriculum and Instruction has developed the Specialized Education Assistant Guide. This resource provides clear guidance on the purpose, roles, expectations, and instructional responsibilities of SEAs, as well as district expectations for maximizing their impact on student learning. The handbook emphasizes the critical role SEAs play in supporting K-2 literacy instruction, intervention, tutoring, and small-group learning, while also outlining best practices for principals, teachers, and instructional leaders. School leaders are encouraged to review this resource to ensure SEAs are strategically leveraged as instructional force multipliers and are protected from non-instructional assignments during core instructional time.
Thank you for your partnership in ensuring our SEAs are positioned to provide the highest level of support to students and teachers across our schools.
Please contact Heba Sammour at sammourh@scsk12.org if you have any questions.
As we begin the 2026-27 school year, please review the K-2 Early Literacy Essentials. These non-negotiables are designed to ensure consistent implementation of high-quality foundational literacy instruction across all elementary classrooms and align with Tennessee literacy guidance and MSCS expectations. Key components include dedicated daily foundational skills instruction, explicit and systematic teaching, use of decodable text, teacher-led small groups, purposeful literacy workstations, and multisensory learning opportunities. School leaders are encouraged to use these essentials to support classroom observations, coaching conversations, and instructional planning with teachers throughout the year.
Please contact Heba Sammour at sammourh@scsk12.org if you have any questions.
Accessing Curricular Resources:
All curricular resources are available via the SCSAcademic SharePoint, linked. Click Here
An overview of the resources and instructions for accessing and leveraging these tools are available within the following folder: 26-27 BOY.
Engaging in Curricular Resources Open Office Hours:
Curriculum Open Office Hours will be available throughout August to provide leaders and teachers the opportunity to join anytime throughout the hour to gain clarification regarding the curriculum and curricular resources. These sessions will repeat each Tuesday and Thursday throughout the month of August.
August Dates: 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27
Repeating Times: 7:30-8:30 a.m., 2:30-3:30 p.m., and 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Elementary School Link
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/242524920756088?p=SNlaVoH4nHpVCDb5YK
Meeting ID: 242 524 920 756 088
Passcode: sH6ro9ji
Middle School Link
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/295455718445629?p=J81bxgUokLEGrVatOw
Meeting ID: 295 455 718 445 629
Passcode: Zy7hj2pR
High School Link
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/238384431928472?p=ozb7tzAcp4ASflpevU
Meeting ID: 238 384 431 928 472
Passcode: 8rF3Vi7S
Please review the MTSS Leads Weekly Updates for Aug. 3, 2026.
The Universal Screener opens on Monday, Aug. 10, and will close on Friday, Aug. 21, for all students in grades K-6.
- iReady Reading Inform (formerly iReady Diagnostic)
- iReady Math Inform (formerly iReady Diagnostic)
- Grade appropriate Fall Literacy Tasks (refer to Minimum Matrix iReady Suite (K-3 or 4-8)
- Fall Written Expression
Screening for characteristics of dyslexia should occur for students falling below the 25th percentile as outlined (Decision Making Crosswalk).
Please note that students in grades 7-12 enrolled in intervention courses will need to complete the iReady Inform (formerly iReady Diagnostic) so that they have access to a personalized instruction MyPath.
Update to Instructional Pacing
State law now requires all 5th graders to complete a semester of Tennessee History during the first semester of the school year. This comes from the Senator Douglas Henry Tennessee History Act (T.C.A. § 49-6-1015) and applies to every district and public charter school in the state.
Previously, 5th-grade content started with U.S. History and focused on state history during the spring semester. As a result of the updated guidance, the curriculum maps and lesson plans have been adjusted accordingly.
Next Steps for Leaders
Communicate this update to all 5th-grade Social Studies teachers.
Facilitate ongoing planning meetings to include the following: instructional lead, fifth-grade teachers, and a community history partner, if accessible.
Review the current 5th Grade SS maps for the updates.
Request Social Studies specific school or regional support by contacting Sonya Porter, Manager, at portersb@scsk12.org.
Available Supports
Good news is that this is a one-year workaround as we prepare for the textbook adoption process to occur during this 2026-2027 school year. The updated textbooks and standards will be implemented beginning with the 2027-2028 school year.
CLICK HERE to access a separate one-page handout for fifth-grade teachers, covering the recommended semester map, unit-by-unit content, and free digital resources. Share it directly with your teacher team(s).
Source: Fifth Grade Tennessee History Guidance 2026–2027, Tennessee Department of Education, April 2026.
All Middle & High School Health, Physical Education, and Lifetime Wellness Teachers
- Date/Time: Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026 | 4-6 p.m. (Virtual)
All Middle School and High School Health, Physical Education, and Lifetime Wellness teachers will participate in virtual training through the Vaping Playbl Smokescreen Platform. This session will introduce teachers to the platform, demonstrate how to navigate its resources, and provide an overview of the instructional tools available.
Additionally, Playbl will guide teachers through the student experience, showcasing how learners engage with real‑world and real‑life scenarios that promote critical thinking and decision‑making skills. Teachers will also receive training on the platform’s positive instructional outcomes, including integrated quizzes, and character development components.
For questions, contact:
- Jeremiah Bland – Blandj@scsk12.org (HPELW Instructional Advisor)
- Jim Harbin – Harbinj1@scsk12.org (HPELW Instructional Advisor)
- Dr. Rahmod Traylor - Traylorr@scsk12.org (HPELW Manager)
Please review MTSS Lead Weekly Updates from 8/10/26.
All textbook coordinators are required to complete the Textbook Automation Inventory Training for ClassGather (Course #49116). This training will ensure consistency and accuracy in managing textbook inventory across all schools.
Training Outcomes (Know, Understand, Do):
- Know: How to access and navigate the ClassGather system, scan and record textbooks, receive shipments, assign books, and maintain accurate records.
- Understand: The importance of accurate inventory for accountability, equitable distribution, compliance, and audit-readiness.
- Do: Perform essential ClassGather tasks including logging in, receiving shipments, scanning and assigning textbooks, reconciling counts, and generating reports.
Training Dates:
- Tuesday, August 25, 2026
Each session is designed to equip coordinators with the skills to align inventory processes and ensure all materials are accounted for. Attendance is mandatory.
For questions, please contact:
Dr. Rahmod Traylor, traylorr@scsk12.org
Tiara Oliver, OLIVERT4@scsk12.org
2026 Tennessee College Board Leadership Conference, a one-day professional development event exploring strategies to expand student access, opportunity, and readiness.
WEST TENNESSEE
Thursday, September 3, 2026 • 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (CT)
University of Memphis, 3641 Central Avenue, Memphis, TN 38111
Register: https://eventreg.collegeboard.org/O3N2n
Hello Leaders,
The next PLZ Course Requestor Training has been scheduled for Monday, Aug. 17, 2026, from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
This training is designed for Central Office and building-level staff who need to obtain Course Requestor rights in PLZ and learn the process for creating professional learning opportunities. Participants will gain an understanding of PLZ terminology, workflows, and procedures, as well as learn how to create and submit new learning opportunities within the platform.
Registration Instructions
- Log in to the PLZ platform.
- Search for Course #50375.
- Complete the registration process.
Please share this opportunity with staff members who need Course Requestor access or would benefit from learning the PLZ course creation process.
Thank you for your support.
Performance and Leadership Development
For RETURNING NIE Evaluators that were previously NIE Certified during SY2025-2026, NIE Recertification is NOT REQUIRED for SY2026-2027. Eligible Returning NIE Evaluators will be automatically identified and added as NIE Evaluators in PLZ for SY2026-27.
- NEW NIE Evaluators
For SY2026-2027, there are two (2) options offered in attaining NIE Evaluator Certification:
- Self-Paced (Canvas)
- Live/Virtual Session
Course numbers and date information can be found HERE.
Questions/Concerns? Send an email to eps@scsk12.org.
The deadline to certify as an NIE Evaluator for SY2026-2027 is April 9.
TEAM Student Growth scores have been released in the TeachAll platform. Portfolio educators may check TN Portfolio for scores.
Educators with questions regarding their portfolio score should contact their Content Advisor for score-specific feedback and guidance related to scoring results and content-area requirements.
Fine Arts, Physical Education (2nd and 5th grades), Pre-K, and World Language (French and Spanish) educators will submit TEAM Student Growth Portfolios for SY2026-27. Please complete the TEAM Student Growth Portfolio Teacher Information form by Friday, Sept. 25.
Questions or concerns? Send an email to eps@scsk12.org.
All Returning Observer participants must complete their TEM coursework and calibration by Tuesday, Sept. 8.
Important: If you are still in an eligible role for certification and did not receive the email, please contact EPS at eps@scsk12.org.
All Returning Observers must successfully complete coursework and calibration by Sept. 8, 2026, to remain certified for the 2026–27 school year.
The deadline to complete TEM New Observer Certification is Tuesday, March 30. Administrators pursuing TEM certification for the first time can register for the course below:
- Self-Paced Canvas Course PLZ Course #50074
- 2-Day Virtual PLZ Course #50075
For questions or support, please reach out to eps@scsk12.org.
Join the Office of Performance & Leadership Development for Leadership Development Week 2026–2027, a year-long professional learning series designed to strengthen leadership capacity across Memphis-Shelby County Schools. Each month features targeted learning experiences tailored to specific leadership audiences, providing opportunities to collaborate, build expertise, and drive meaningful impact. Mark your calendars and prepare to take root and rise as we grow stronger together. See the flyer here.
Fine Arts, Physical Education (2nd and 5th grades), Pre-K, and World Language (French and Spanish) educators will submit TEAM Student Growth Portfolios for SY2026-27. Please complete the TEAM Student Growth Portfolio Teacher Information form by Friday, September 25.
Questions or concerns? Send an email to eps@scsk12.org.
All Returning Observer participants must complete their TEM coursework and calibration by Tuesday, September 8th. Important: If you are still in an eligible role for certification and did not receive the email, please contact EPS at eps@scsk12.org.
All Returning Observers must successfully complete coursework and calibration by September 8, 2026, to remain certified for the 2026–27 school year.
The deadline to complete TEM New Observer Certification is Tuesday, March 30. Administrators pursuing TEM certification for the first time can register for the course below:
- Self-Paced Canvas Course PLZ Course #50074
- 2-Day Virtual PLZ Course #50075
For questions or support, please reach out to eps@scsk12.org.
The TEM TEACHer Training Series is open for ALL teachers. This series supports educators with identifying teacher and student actions that guide effective instruction at performance levels 3-5 of the TEACH indicators.
Register in PLZ, course #50609.
For RETURNING NIE Evaluators that were previously NIE Certified during SY2025-2026, NIE Recertification is NOT REQUIRED for SY2026-2027. Eligible Returning NIE Evaluators will be automatically identified and added as NIE Evaluators in PLZ for SY2026-27.
NEW NIE Evaluators
For SY2026-2027, there are two (2) options offered in attaining NIE Evaluator Certification:
- Self-Paced (Canvas)
- Live/Virtual Session
Course numbers and date information can be found HERE.
Free Health Screenings
Please review the attached 2026–2027 Principals' Calendar for your scheduled Health & Wellness Day. The screenings include hearing, vision, height, weight, blood pressure, and scoliosis screenings for eligible students.
Principal Screening Calendar Semester 1 26-27.xlsx
If you have any questions regarding the schedule or the screening process, please contact the Health Promotions Department at 901-416-6432.
Immunization Plan
Please review the Immunization Plan for 2026-2027
Handwashing Advisory
Please review the Handwashing Advisory for 2026-2027
Free Health Screenings
Please review the attached 2026–2027 Principals' Calendar for your scheduled Health & Wellness Day. The screenings include hearing, vision, height, weight, blood pressure, and scoliosis screenings for eligible students.
Principal Screening Calendar Semester 1 26-27.xlsx
If you have any questions regarding the schedule or the screening process, please contact the Health Promotions Department at 901-416-6432.
Immunization Plan
Please review the Immunization Plan for 2026-2027
Handwashing Advisory
Please review the Handwashing Advisory for 2026-2027
School Leaders,
Weekly virtual training sessions are now available for Edgenuity, the District's new online curriculum platform. Please encourage your Professional School Counselors (PSCs), Graduation Coaches, and any staff responsible for enrolling students in Grade Repair, Credit Recovery, Credit Accrual, or Homebound instruction to attend.
Pre-registration is required. Participants may use the following link to access the training schedule and register: 
Edgenuity Training.pdf
Thank you for ensuring that the appropriate members of your team are prepared to support students using Edgenuity this school year.
(Here's the actual link if needed: https://scsk12-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/griffinrj_scsk12_org/IQBbQEpuqsamQJVwqePDHWx0AUZKNK5oeHapH5O_1q4UKXk?e=AMsEMX)
Again this year, the Student Experience team has partnered with the I Am a Voter Collaborative on Voter Education, Registration, Mobilization & Reform to bring opportunities for voter engagement to our students this year. We will be hosting voter registration drives for our students at each high school.
We are excited to invite you identify the voter registration contact for your school and to select the best date(s) for a Voter Registration Drive at your school (September 15-October 5). This opportunity is being offered for any student who is 17 years old and older.
Link to Form: Voter Registration Contacts (2026-2027) – Fill out form
Please complete by Friday, Aug. 21. If you have any questions or need assistance, please let us know.
Student Congress provides a forum where students have a voice in changing culture and climate within the district. Students are afforded a wealth of opportunities to practice leadership and engage in social action skills that serve as a catalyst for change. Students also develop an emerging awareness and understanding of community issues, problems, and resources.
Memphis Shelby County Schools Department of Student Experience is asking each high school to select two (2) students, 9th-12th grade, and each middle school to select two (2) 8th grade students to serve as Student Congress representatives for the 2026-27 academic year. Please include those students who served last year, if they are still enrolled at your site.
Per the District's Policy #6061, the Student Congress is a mechanism for increasing youth voice in Memphis-Shelby County Schools. The primary function is to provide a platform for students to refine and build upon their leadership skills, create passionate global leaders, and empower students to create positive change in their environments.
Not sure what Student Congress is all about? Click below to hear members' testimonials: https://scsbroadcastservices.box.com/s/1r16a2vincy6fichjsj9zm2o9zhjtsxr
Student Congress 2026-27 Submission Form: Student Congress 2026-27 – Fill out form
Deadline: Friday, August 28, 2026
Save the Date: Student Congress Retreat- Tuesday, September 8, 2026
If you need additional information or assistance, please contact:
Dr. Billy J. Walker, II- Student Leadership Email: walkerbj@scsk12.org
Thank you for your continued support in growing student leaders in our district.
Memphis-Shelby County Schools is excited to launch The Alumni Network, a districtwide initiative designed to reconnect graduates from all 36 active high schools representing the legacies of Memphis City Schools, Shelby County Schools, and Memphis-Shelby County Schools. Guided by the theme “3 Eras, 1 Mission: Come Back. Build Forward.”, the Alumni Network will create a culture of lifelong engagement and encourage graduates to reinvest in the schools and students following in their footsteps.
The initial charge of the Alumni Network will focus on volunteerism, school beautification, and funding a scholarship for a graduating senior. Alumni Champions will help connect graduates to meaningful opportunities to contribute their time, talents, and resources to their school communities. Through this network, MSCS aims to transform school pride into collective action that directly supports student success. Each principal is asked to identify 1-2 alumni contacts from their school to serve as Alumni Champions and help mobilize fellow graduates. These champions should be engaged, dependable, well-connected, and passionate about supporting their alma mater.
Together, we will reconnect generations of alumni around 3 Eras, 1 Mission: Come Back. Build Forward.