“MSCS continues to elevate its graduation outcomes, standing alongside the strongest-performing large districts in Tennessee. In a district where many students face economic and social hurdles, their continued growth is powerful proof that greatness is not defined by circumstance; it is sparked by opportunity, nurtured by support, and propelled by intentional leadership that sees and serves the whole child.” - Dr. Roderick F. Richmond, Interim Superintendent
This year, Tennessee transitioned from WIDA ACCESS to ELPA21 for English language proficiency assessments. ELPA measures the percentage of English Learners who meet or exceed state growth expectations.
These results underscore the district’s continued commitment to English Learners through strengthened instructional practices, targeted support services, and professional learning for educators.
Chronic Absenteeism: A Continued Area of Focus
Chronic absenteeism remains a challenge across the nation, and MSCS is actively engaged in addressing this urgent issue. This year’s chronic absenteeism rate rose slightly from 29.5 percent to 30.2 percent. While students in grades K through 8 improved by 1.1 points, grades 9 through 12 experienced a 4.9 point increase, emphasizing the importance of deeper support for high school students.
While subgroup results were mixed, we saw improvements among Economically Disadvantaged students and Students with Disabilities, alongside increases for BHNA students and English Learner Transitional students. These results reinforce the importance of removing barriers, strengthening engagement, and ensuring every student feels supported and connected to their school community.
Despite the overall District increase, 94 schools met or exceeded the state’s Annual Measurable Objectives (AMO) for chronic absenteeism, demonstrating strong progress at the school level and showing that improvement is both possible and already underway.
“Chronic absenteeism is a nationwide challenge and often a signal that students and families are facing real barriers to engagement. While MSCS has made important academic gains, we know that opportunity begins with students attending school. Through early intervention, coordinated district and school-based supports, along with strong community partnerships, we are working to ensure every student feels connected, supported, and able to show up for learning every day.” – Dr. Shuanta Broadway, Chief of Student Support Services
What We Are Doing to Strengthen Attendance
Chronic absenteeism is a challenge affecting districts nationwide. MSCS is responding with a comprehensive, multi-tiered strategy designed to re-engage students early, support families consistently, and ensure schools have the resources and structures needed to strengthen attendance. These efforts are already laying the groundwork for improved outcomes in the coming year.
“This year, our focus is on early intervention, meaningful support, and consistent follow-through to ensure students facing attendance challenges receive the resources they need.” - Stacey Davis, Director of Enrollment & Attendance
Expanded Oversight Through New Regional Model
The district’s new regional structure strengthens direct support for schools. Regional Superintendents and Instructional Leadership Coaches now work closely with principals to monitor attendance, analyze data, and implement targeted interventions. This model creates a more responsive system where schools receive timely guidance, deeper coaching, and coordinated support aligned to district priorities.
Attendance Liaisons: Early Intervention and Daily Support
MSCS expanded to 74 Attendance Liaisons, allowing schools to receive hands-on support. Liaisons began outreach in early August, contacting students who were late to enrollingbefore attendance patterns were established. By October, they had initiated daily call campaigns with families of students whose attendance fell to 90 percent or below. Weekly data reviews and coaching sessions help translate insights into immediate actions, while districtwide recognition programs celebrate improved and perfect attendance.
Show Up for Greatness: Encouraging Daily Attendance
Show Up for Greatness, the district’s attendance initiative, celebrates students’ progress and creates incentives for consistent attendance. Students are recognized in three categories: for 96% attendance or higher, Silver for 91% to 95% attendance, and Bronze for students with 90% attendance or less. Celebrating bronze students by acknowledging small wins reflects our commitment to meeting families where they are and supporting students steadily toward stronger attendance and academic success. This intentional encouragement helps rebuild confidence and reinforces the belief that every positive step matters.
Support Measures to Reduce Exclusionary Practices
MSCS is strengthening school-based support systems to ensure students remain engaged in their learning environments. The district is expanding Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)supports and implementing structured alternatives to suspension to reduce instructional time lost to exclusionary discipline. These shifts allow school teams to prioritize evidence-based interventions, conflict resolution, and sustained student engagement.
Through Greatness at Your Door, MSCS completed two targeted outreach rounds; one during the summer to encourage registration and another in the fall to boost attendance once school began. Neighborhoods were selected based on chronic absence data, ensuring support reached the communities with the greatest need. Cross-functional teams conducted door-to-door visits, helping families address barriers related to transportation, health, and enrollment, and reconnecting students to their schools.
Partnerships with the Memphis Grizzlies, the Assisi Foundation, and other community organizations continue to strengthen our attendance efforts. These partners help remove barriers by connecting families to transportation support, health services, and essential wraparound resources that support consistent attendance.
“These results capture both the growth we are achieving and the opportunities still before us. I am inspired by the dedication of our teachers, leaders, and families who work every day to support our students. With continued focus and partnership, we will keep moving forward and create even stronger outcomes for the children of Memphis-Shelby County Schools.” - Dr. Roderick F. Richmond, Interim Superintendent
The State Report Card includes School Letter Gradeschronic absenteeism, Ready Graduate data, ELPA results, and additional required accountability metrics. Together, these measures provide families and communities with a comprehensive understanding of school performance and student experience across Tennessee. To view the full State Report Card and school letter grades, click here.