2014-15 State of Education in Tennessee: Executive Summary | Page 5

preparation program approval process that focuses
on rigorous selection processes, a research-based
curriculum, a high-quality clinical experience, and
partnerships between preparation programs and local
school districts.
It is also critical to provide current principals with the support they need to be instructional leaders. The state should
learn from existing district models of principal support and
scale up best practices in other districts. CORE offices should
convene regional professional learning communities, facilitating partnerships between districts with innovative support programs for principals with other districts looking to develop such
programs.
In order to inform improvement practices both in principal preparation programs and to better understand the nature of the principal labor market, it is essential for a comprehensive principal pipeline data
system to be created. To ensure these data are collected and compiled,
the State Board of Education should pass a policy that requires principal
preparation programs to report key metrics and indicators to the state on
an annual basis. These reports should include metrics such as selection
criteria, job placement rates, and completers’ scores on the principal evaluation. THEC should work with its partners to compile these indicators and
metrics to create a comprehensive data system on the principal pipeline.
Just as teachers need high-quality feedback and support as a result of teacher
evaluation, principals also need high-quality feedback and support as a result
of principal evaluation. As the new principal evaluation is implemented, CORE offices and district offices should ensure that district leaders have the capacity to
implement the evaluation effectively and have the resources they need to support
principals in their improvement efforts.

While Tennessee students made historic gains in achievement
over the past several years, the state’s work is not yet finished.
To continue on its path toward student growth, it is essential
for Tennessee education partners to recognize and scale
up successes, acknowledge and address challenges, and
identify innovative solutions to persistent problems in the
field. The 2014-15 State of Education in Tennessee
report lays the foundation for forward momentum
on four essential priorities for education in the
coming year. While the framework these priorities
present will require the hard work and collaboration
of Tennessee’s education partners, they will also
propel Tennessee forward on a continued path
toward improved learning for all students.

7