Backed by compelling data and amazing personal success stories, Tennessee Senator Steve Dickerson and Speaker Pro Tempore Bill Dunn are advancing an important solution to help parents develop the skills they need to give their young children a great start in life: increasing the state’s investment in voluntary, evidenced-based home visiting. Home visiting…
» Read MoreYearly Archives: 2019
More about Home Visiting
You have probably noticed we talk a lot about home visiting. That’s because it works! Unfortunately, even though the evidence continues to show the benefits of evidence-based home visiting, less than 2% of eligible Tennessee children have access. Put another way, of Tennessee’s 95 counties 45 do not have any type of home visiting program,…
» Read MoreMayors Say Early Education a Springboard to a Vibrant Workforce
Tennessee’s city and county mayors are lining up in support for stronger early childhood education programs. More than 60 mayors from across Tennessee have joined TQEE’s mayors coalition. The group recognizes that high quality early education is a dynamic, strategic force able to positively impact individuals’ life-long learning, employment and earnings potential. “It is a…
» Read MoreSpring a Great Time to Get Kids Moving
Spring is a welcome season here in Tennessee with the budding of new flowers and the emergence of warm weather. The season is typically filled with delight for young children as they participate in egg hunts, picnics, and outdoor play, as well as relishing baskets of goodies with plenty of chocolate! The season is also…
» Read MoreFood for Thought
TQEE Policy Director, Lisa Wiltshire, is our expert on early education. She’s a former kindergarten teacher, previous director of the Office of Early Learning at the Tennessee Department of Education, and a graduate of the prestigious Bank Street College of Education. While expert, Lisa is always learning, and we along with her. Here are a…
» Read MoreUnsung Heroes Make All the Difference In Children’s Lives
Each year, as part of its mission to help foster good child development in at-risk situations, Prevent Child Abuse Tennessee (PCAT) honors three caregivers — one in each of the state’s grand divisions.This year, the “Unsung Hero” awards went to three outstanding women who have gone “above and beyond”, and we’re excited to tell you…
» Read MoreLiteracy Coaching for Child Care Teachers Drives Big Wins for Kids
Of all the education investments where Tennessee has seen a positive impact made with public funding, one with the most promise may be early literacy coaching in child care. The state’s child care landscape is a hodgepodge of mixed providers with frontline personnel having varying degrees of experience and ability. Teaching jobs often pay less…
» Read MoreAthletes Aren’t the Only Ones Who Need Coaches
March Madness is behind us for this year but boy what a season! Hats off to Virginia for staying the course and finishing strong. The season finish was a testament to hard work, perseverance, and teamwork. It was also a testament to good coaching and unrelenting practice, which offers a parallel to excellent teaching. Tennessee…
» Read MoreWaging the Battle for Literacy and Math Proficiency
Early literacy and math are among the greatest predictors of future academic success. That fact can be troubling when one considers that only 34% of Tennessee 3rd graders are proficient in literacy and only 40% in math. But here are a few Tennessee-based examples of people and communities making a difference in early learning. Enjoy…
» Read MoreGreat Teaching is Magic – 8
In education, teachers are where the rubber meets the road. Simply put, teaching is the number one contributor to student achievement. The work of early grade teachers is especially critical to help kids establish a strong learning foundation that enables them to continue strong learning and achievement into third grade. Student proficiency in third grade…
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