Memphis-Shelby County Schools is advancing the Tennessee Department of Education’s Tiered Accountability Framework to focus improvement efforts across the district’s highest opportunity schools.

The state law aims to provide a more structured and progressive approach to improving consistently underperforming schools by offering multiple intervention strategies and increasing accountability over time. This approach is designed to sharpen instructional focus, guide school improvement efforts, and ensure students receive the academic support they need to succeed. 

Focused Improvement with Measurable Progress 

Through the Tiered Accountability Framework, school districts may implement evidence-based interventions, including contracting with school turnaround experts, as part of comprehensive school improvement efforts. Memphis-Shelby County Schools is developing and implementing comprehensive school improvement plans that are responsive to each school’s needs, aligned to instructional priorities, and focused on strengthening teaching and learning outcomes across school communities.The Tennessee Department of Education’s Division of School Turnaround (DST) will provide school improvement planning support, grant funding opportunities, and access to school turnaround resources to assist districts in strengthening academic outcomes and building sustainable improvement strategies. 

Understanding the Tier Designations 

Under Tennessee’s Tiered Accountability Framework, schools are identified as Tennessee’s highest opportunity schools and placed into tiers based on progress over time and state-defined criteria. 

·       Tier 1 includes highest opportunity schools that are newly identified as CSI/Priority schools, as well as schools that were previously identified and have made sufficient progress toward exit.

·       Tier 2 includes highest opportunity schools that have held a CSI/Priority designation for multiple cycles or have not yet made sufficient progress toward exit. 

·       Tier 3 includes highest opportunity schools that have held a CSI/Priority designation for multiple cycles and have not made sufficient progress toward exit despite multiple years of intervention and are subject to the highest level of accountability under state law.

 

Currently, no Memphis-Shelby County Schools are identified as Tier 3.

 

Dr. Deborah Fox, Regional Superintendent, shared: “Our principals and school teams are already doing the work. These designations help sharpen our focus and ensure schools have the right support and resources in place as we strengthen instruction and move student learning forward.” 

 

Tier placement reflects progress and informs the level of planning, support, and accountability required under state law. These designations are intended to sharpen instructional focus, guide improvement efforts, and align resources to support student success.

 

Stewardship and Responsibility in MSCS

 

“Our highest opportunity schools call us to lead with focus and urgency. This work is about strengthening instruction, aligning support, and holding ourselves accountable for results. We will be clear about where we are, honest about the work ahead, and steadfast in our responsibility to deliver for students. Our students deserve greatness, and we are committed to doing the work to grow it.” 

 

Dr. Roderick Richmond, Interim Superintendent, Memphis-Shelby County Schools 

Memphis-Shelby County Schools continues to lead with transparency, clarity, and accountability for families, staff, and the broader community.