Let's make maximum use of TVAAS

Here's a story about Metro Schools moving toward more consistent use of TVAAS data.

Yes, the data can help identify students and keep them on-track...but it can and should also be used to improve instructional practice and school leadership.

Corker for Prez?

Looks like Bob Corker may be running for President in 2012

which could mean an open U.S. Senate race ... possibly clearing the way for a Republican who loses for Governor in 2010 to run for U.S. Senate in 2012 -- Democrats can play, too.

Campfield for Senate?

it looks like Stacey Campfield may be running for state Senate.

Running for the open seat as a result of Tim Burchett's run for County Mayor.

No word on Democrats who may run....

Actually, teacher prep could be MUCH better

Here is a story on teacher prep in Tennessee.

In the article, a TBR administrator (Paula Myrick Short) says, "it's not like we were doing a bad job of preparing teachers" and then says we need to do more for what is coming in the future -- 3-10 years down the road.

But when I've traveled around the state and talked to teachers, they universally tell me that teacher prep programs in TN are not doing a great job. That there is no requirement that a student demonstrate content knowledge (by passing the Praxis, for example) before being accepted into teacher education programs. That the coursework in teacher ed bears little resemblance to actual classroom practice. That induction into the profession is weak to non-existent.

I have not heard any recent teacher ed graduate from a Tennessee college (state-run) that has said "wow, i had an excellent experience in teacher prep"

The article notes that the "mentors" are paid $250 for mentoring students and they maintain a full-time courseload acting as lead teachers. There is not sufficient training, not sufficient release time, and $250 per semester is far too small in terms of compensation.

Further, there is no mention of how these "mentors" are selected. Are they determined to be "highly effective?" Are they teachers who demonstrate exceptional value-added gains in their own classrooms?

This is the beginning of a good idea. But without proper funding and consideration of very important details, it will likely have little impact in terms of improving teaching practice.

2010 Governor's Race

Here they are -- the candidates. Democrat and Republican. Sort of ranked by likelihood they can win their party's primary.

First, the GOP:

Bill Haslam: The favorite. TONS of cash (over $3 million), progressive record as Mayor, access to personal cash, and fairly appealing publicly.

Zach Wamp: The Congressman. And the most likely conservative candidate to win. Strong statewide name ID, a solid conservative record in Congress, decent ability to raise money.

Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey: competing with Wamp for conservative votes. Should do well in NE Tennessee, decent fundraising, lots of name ID from beating John Wilder for LG in 2007 and holding the job - the official GOP answer to Gov. Bredesen.

Bill Gibbons: the only GOP candidate NOT from East TN. Tough on crime, not sure he can raise much cash, but may be able to lock down West TN Republican votes which could help if the race stays a 4-way contest


Now, the Democrats

Senator Roy Herron: a solid fundraiser, good connections, probably the best Democrat on the stump and a tireless campaigner. Lots of attention this session on paper ballots, ethics.

Mike McWherter: also from West TN, son of very popular former Governor Ned Ray McWherter, successful businessman, solid fundraising.

Senator Jim Kyle: not officially in, but looks like a candidate. Great job navigating this year's tough legislative session, good fundraiser, getting better on the stump, great recent article in the Tennessean -- Memphis base could be very helpful, depending on how the local pols play out for/against him

Ward Cammack: wealthy investment banker, Nashville, access to money, easily the most "liberal" of all the Democrats, very strong on the environment/economy -- which should help him in the primary. Still needs work on education, not super-exciting on the stump

Kim McMillan: former House Majority Leader, the first candidate in, decent money raised so far. The only female candidate on either side -- playing for the votes of Democratic women could be helpful in a very crowded primary -- if all 5 stay in and she keeps up her aggressive schedule and can raise decent money, she could win.

Do TN Democrats have an Education Platform?

So, I'm reading the Tennessee Journal and I'm noting the squabbling among Republicans b/c Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam is talking about the sorry state of Tennessee's education system. Haslam has some ideas: maintain the high standards set by Governor Bredesen, increase autonomy and accountability for principals, improve professional development. These are the basics, anyway. Plus, he plans to talk about public schools -- A LOT. And just focusing attention on Tennessee schools is very worthwhile.

So, Bill Gibbons and Zach Wamp are attacking Haslam, nit-picking at his remarks.

That's nice -- and here's the thing? Where are the Democrats? What will Ward Cammack do to improve Tennessee schools? What about Mike McWherter -- his dad was an education reformer of sorts. What does the legislative record show about Senator Roy Herron or Senator Jim Kyle? Have they shown independence, or allegiance to the entrenched special interests that have prevented real reform?

Kim McMillan? Where are you on schools? Charter Schools? performance pay? new teacher mentoring (with a responsible way to pay for it)?

So far, Bill Haslam is out in front on the one issue that is most important to our state's future.

Still waiting for the Democrats to catch up.

Maybe he'll have better ideas when he's Governor?

According to an article in the Tennessean, Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey doesn't have any new suggestions for tackling the ongoing budget challenges in Tennessee. It appears it is too late in the game.

Here's the excerpt:

Lt. Gov. and Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey said Friday that he expected the state to dip further into its $750 million rainy day fund to cover the shortfall. Bredesen is already planning to use $64.6 million from the fund this year, but intends to replace it in the coming year.
Ramsey, who is considering running for governor, has been critical of the state's use of one-time federal stimulus funds to cover yearly budget items, but said Friday it was too late in the fiscal year to make drastic cuts.
"I would prefer not to, but I don't see any way around it," Ramsey said. "I can't think of a better suggestion right now."

Maybe once he's Governor he'll have some ideas?