Two years ago, I started as a third-grade reading teacher in Shelby County Schools (SCS). I knew that third grade was the strongest predictor of long-term learning success, but I did not know the complexity behind the immense literacy gaps within our district. Three out of four SCS third-graders are not reading on grade level. […]
Stand for Children members and allies gather outside the Shelby County Commission to call on additional funding for students.
Our hearts go out to the family of Brandon Webber, the Frayser community, and all involved in another traumatic event for our city. Regardless of the details leading up to his death, we must admit that a deep tragedy occurred in the Frayser community. Media coverage has centered on the reactions of the community and […]
Research has shown that students who complete their freshman year on track — earning at least a quarter of the credits needed for graduation with no more than one “F” in a core course — are four times more likely to graduate on time than their off-track peers. In fact, freshmen success is more predictive of […]
Nothing in teacher training prepared me for how trauma would creep into my classroom. During my first year teaching, Martin spent most afternoons with me, cracking jokes as he helped grade homework. Then in April, this bubbly, boisterous boy found me in our library. He stared from the doorway, silent and solemn. After a lingering […]
For over a year, Stand for Children, MICAH, and 9-0-One have been working both separately and together to define occasions for improving educational opportunities for students in Shelby County. We have talked with Shelby County Schools (SCS) administrators, SCS Board Members, County Commissioners, the County Mayor, parents, students, and other community stakeholders and have outlined […]
