Hamilton County has “concerns” over how state is grading schools

The state has given all Tennessee schools a letter grade

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tennessee (WDEF) – The state this week is giving a letter grade for each school in our area.

But Hamilton County leaders don’t think much of their grading system.

The Department of Education has crunched a lot of data into a scale of A-F letter grades for each school in they system.

The factors include student achievement, academic growth and growth for high risk students.

We’ll break down some of our grades later in the article.

But first, here is Hamilton County’s statement on the grading scale.

Yesterday, the Tennessee Department of Education released its letter grades for schools and districts across the state. Hamilton County Schools appreciates the state’s commitment to transparency and accountability for the work taking place in our public schools, however, we have concerns with the recently crafted way these grades were calculated. It is our belief that these grades do not accurately reflect the progress being made in our classrooms and schools.

In Hamilton County, we continue to be focused on the achievement and growth of all our students across all student groups and demographics. We are proud of the work being accomplished in our schools by our students and staff, as evidenced by the state’s designation of Hamilton County Schools as a Level 5 School District and achievement increases in math, English, science, and social studies. 

Our focus as a school district will remain on helping all students thrive and experience a future without limits by providing opportunities that meet their needs and help them progress along their educational journeys. 

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You can see how your school graded out at the Dept. of Education website.

You will have to scroll down to “Additional Data” and then scroll to “School Letter Grade” and download the Excell spreadsheet.

Here is a general take on how our county’s grades out:

Bledsoe County: B-C (Bledsoe High got a B)

Bradley County: A-D (Bradley Central D, Walker Valley B)

Cleveland: B-D (Cleveland High B)

Grundy County: B-D (Grundy High C)

Hamilton County: A-F (Calvin Donaldson Environmental Academy, Harrison Elem., Tyner Middle all got an F)

McMinn County: A-D (McMinn Central B, McMinn High D)

Athens City: A-C (Westside Elem. got the A)

Marion County: B-D (Marion Co. D, S. Pittsburg C, Whitwell B)

Meigs County: B-D (Meigs High B)

Polk County: B-D (Copper Basin B, Polk High C)

Rhea County: B-C (Rhea High B)

Sequatchie Co.: B-C (Sequatchie High B)