The conversation on “Behind the Headlines” with three experts in education reveals the complexities in reopening schools and helping students catch up.

The state’s largest school system – Shelby County Schools – becomes the only school system in the state to have no in-person classes as Metro Nashville Schools resumes some in-person classes Thursday, Feb. 4.

Shelby County Schools Superintendent Joris Ray has stood firm with all-remote learning, and accuses state leaders of being out of touch with the needs of Memphis students, who are mostly Black and disproportionately affected by the deadly virus. 

Some parents say the content filters on their SCS devices aren’t working and children can “Google anything under the sun.”

Memphis students are struggling with material taught during virtual learning, a top Shelby County Schools official said, pointing to test results.

Greater Memphis Chamber CEO Beverly Robertson sent a letter to Shelby County Schools superintendent Joris Ray and the board to urge them to reopen Memphis area schools.

Education commissioner Penny Schwinn says the Tennessee Department of Health is recruiting schools as vaccination sites and school nurses to give the shots “wherever feasible.” 

SCS students won’t go back to school on Feb. 8.

With help and creativity, children as young as 7 can think about adult careers and becoming an entrepreneur.

Just down the road from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in a community flush with resident health professionals, the Decatur, Georgia, school system had no shortage of expert input on whether to resume in-person classes amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Debate continues on when Collierville High students should return to more time in the classroom as the district weighs safety with best learning experience.

Southwest Tennessee Community College is one of three recipients of the 2021 Bellwether Award. It represents five years of work to improve the student experience, from registration to graduation.

Legislation potentially could force parents to send their children into situations they believe to be unsafe.

The district was one of 20 awarded the State Personnel Development Grant in 2018 through a competitive grant process.

Three of the university’s online programs have increased their ranking significantly in the listing.

The Tennessee Alliance for Equity in Education is organized by The Education Trust, which last year opened a state office in Tennessee.

The move wrapped up the legislature’s four-day special session on education, called by Gov. Bill Lee to address learning disruptions for students during the coronavirus pandemic, plus perennial challenges with teacher pay and literacy.

Collierville Schools released learning plans for students on Friday.

The governor and education commissioner have touted districts won’t be penalized based on test results. However, that’s only if 80% of students take the exam. Superintendents are concerned as so much uncertainty surrounds the requirements.

Superintendent Joris Ray posted a video Friday, Jan. 22 urging state legislators to vote against a bill that could “defund public education” if Shelby County Schools remain closed. 

Legislators passed four bills Thursday, Jan. 21, during the third day of a special education session amid protests from Democrats, education advocates and at least one Republican.

Union workers have fought for increased wages at the University of Memphis for several years.

 If it passes, Tennessee’s two largest school systems would have to reopen quickly to meet that threshold.

Kicking off a special legislative session focused on education, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee Tuesday, Jan. 19, outlined his plans to address the learning loss many students have faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Teacher pay is one of the key issues that lawmakers are expected to take up beginning Jan. 19 during a special legislative session on education.