Building A State Scholars Program in Tennessee

State Bird

Mockingbird

State Wild Animal

Raccoon(Procynn lotor)

State Flower

Iris

Genus Iridaceous

State Agricultural Insect

Honey bee(Apis mallifera)

State Butterfly

Zebra swallowtail(Eurptides marcellus)

State Tree

Tulip Poplar(Liriodendron tulipifera )

State Sport Fish

Largemouth bass

(Micropterussalmoides)

State Insects

Firefly and Ladybug (ladybird beetle)

State Pride and Joy

Our Children

What is State Scholars?

• Business-led program that encourages high school students to take more rigorous courses so they will be better prepared for the workforce, post secondary, or the military when they graduate.

Scholars Key ComponentsIn the School

8th Grade presentation done

by business person before 4 year plan is made

Student rewardsand incentives givenfor staying on track

Grades 9-11

SeniorRecognition for those who havecompleted therequirements

History of State Scholars

• Started by Joe Randolph in Longview, TX in mid 1980’s as GLOBE Scholars

• Later became Texas Scholars• Joe helped start this in Arkansas and in Tennessee in early 1990’s• In 2003 US Dept of Adult &Vocational Education awarded a grant to

the Center For State Scholars in Texas who then gave 12 states a$300,000 start up grant to start State Scholars in their states.Texas, Arkansas, and Tennessee were among those 12 states.

• In 2006 Western Interstate Commission on Higher Education, Boulder, CO was given the contract to oversee State Scholars and12 other states have been added to the State Scholars national network.

• Now 22 States in the State Scholars networkGo to www.wiche.edu/statescholars

History of Tennessee Scholars

• Scholars in TN started as AIMS scholars in early 1990s in Sullivan County and counties near Eastman Chemical in East, TN

• In 2003, the Tennessee Chamber, was named as the business entity to aid in the implementation of Tennessee Scholars.

• The program was officially kicked off by Governor Bredsen and the business community April of 2003, beginning with 2 new pilot school districts.

History of Ruth’s Involvement

• Born in West, TN Daughter of a farmer

• Goal was to be a Physical therapist

• Did not achieve that goal because did not make the right choices in high school

• Taught school for 20 years

• Became director of TN Scholars

• Rest is history

Key Practices

• Rigor

• Career/Technical

• Technology

• Business Led

• Community Service

• Guidance

Tennessee Scholars Core Principles

• Must meet all core courses State Board of Ed Requirements for graduation

• Represents an attainable “stretch goal” that the majority of high school students can attain if they apply themselves

• Meets expectations of evolving workplace, not just entry-level set of skills

• Encourages civic mindedness

• Develops a sense of personal responsibility for attendance and behavior

Class Rank

Focus

STUDENT

CLASS

RANKING

Heaviest

Focus

Greatest

opportunity

Minor focus…

majority already

motivated

Special

challenges

Upper 25%

Upper Upper

25%25%

Lower 25%

Lower Lower 25%25%

Middle 50%

Middle Middle 50%50%

The Scholars Initiative is driving course

completion for all students.

Students in the top quarter of the class are

already motivated to excel in college and careers;

they are already taking a Scholars course of study

or will do so with little prompting.

It is the middle 50 percent of the class — students

who do not yet identify with the goal of higher

education or highly technical or skilled careers,

kids who lack direction and take the path of least

resistance, but who possess average or better

capabilities — who are most likely to respond to

guidance and incentives. By motivating them to

stretch their academic muscles during high school,

the Scholars Initiative ensures that they will have

the skills and knowledge they need to be successful

after graduation. This is where the Scholars

program places its heaviest emphasis.

Tennessee Scholars Stresses Importance of High School Transcript

• It is your scorecard for the rest of your life.

• It is how colleges/employers evaluate you.

• It is the official record of:- student efforts/grades- attendance- accomplishments- extra-curricular activities

Tennessee Scholars Have More Options

Work Community College

4 Year University

MilitaryTechnology

or Trade School

Tennessee needs more college ready students

Tennessee Diploma Project Business Outreach

“Taking Inventory” report recommends:

• More emphasis, or repeated emphasis, on basic math skills• Greater focus on project-based instruction (problem solving

and teamwork)• Renewed emphasis on verbal communication• Consideration of approaches to better instill professional, or

“soft skills”

Tennessee's higher education community and business outreach research mirrors the national research. The skills needed for college success are the same skills needed for success in the business world.

Plan for Predicting Future Success Of Students

202124Biology

151721Social Science

171922Algebra

131518English

EXPLORE(Grade 8-9)

PLAN(Grade 10)

ACT(Grade 11-12)

SUBJECT

ACT College Readiness Benchmarks

Ready Core

READY CORE is mandatory for all students • 4 credits of math including algebra I, algebra II, and geometry (a math class every year)

• 3 credits of science, including either physics or chemistry

• 4 credits of English• 3 credits of social studies• 1.5 credits of physical education• 0.5 credit of personal finance

Tennessee Scholars are required to Tennessee Scholars are required to

meet all of the requirements for the meet all of the requirements for the

new Tennessee Diploma plus:new Tennessee Diploma plus:

1. Take 1 higher math beyond geometry or Algebra II

2. Take 2 career technical classes, one must be in a computer related area

3. Meet all of the additional expectation requirements of attendance, discipline, community service, and grade point average.

4. Pass all exit exams.

5. Take Biology and Chemistry and one higher lab Science (Physics strongly preferred)

TDP and ScholarsGraduation Requirements

English - 4 Credits:• English I- 1 Credit• English II- 1 Credit• English III- 1 Credit- AP Language and Composition

• English IV- 1 Credit- AP English Literature or Composition- IB Language I- Communications for Life- Bridge English

TDP Graduation RequirementsMath-4 credits (Students must take a math class each year)

• Algebra I- 1 credit

• Geometry- 1 credit

• Algebra II- 1 credit

• Upper level Math- 1 credit OR� Bridge Math: Students who have not earned a 19 on the mathematics component of the PLAN or the equivalent on the PSAT by the end of the junior year must complete the Bridge Math course

� Capstone Math

� Adv. Algebra and Trigonometry STEM Math (Pre-Calculus, Calculus, or Statistics)

Tennessee Scholars must take Adv. Algebra and Trigonometry STEM Math (Pre-Calculus, Calculus, or Statistics)

Why Does Tennessee Scholars Require4 Years of Math ?

TDP Graduation Requirements

Science - 3 Credits:

• Biology I- 1 Credit

• Chemistry or or Physics- 1 Credit-AP Physics (B or C)

-Principles of Technology I and II

• Another Lab. Science- 1 Credit

Tennessee Scholars are required to take Biology, Chemistry and one higher math (Physics preferred).

TDP and ScholarsGraduation Requirements

Social Studies– 3.5 Credits:• W. History or W. Geography– 1 Credit- AP World History, Modern History, Ancient History, European History

• U.S. History– 1 Credit- AP U.S. History, IB History of the Americas HL (2 Years)

• Economics– .5 Credit• Government– .5 Credit- AP U.S. Government, IB History of the Americas HL (2 Years), JROTC (3 Years), ABLS

• Personal Finance– .5 Credit

TDP and ScholarsGraduation Requirements

P. E. and Wellness – 1.5 Credits:• Wellness – 1 Credit• Physical Education – .5 Credit- The physical education requirement may be met by substituting an equivalent time of physical activity in other areas including but not limited to marching band, JROTC, cheerleading, interscholastic athletics, and school sponsored intramural athletics.

Ready Core cont.

In addition to the READY CORE

• Students must complete an elective focus (CTE, math or science, humanities, fine arts, etc.)

• Students must complete 2 credits of the same foreign language and 1 credit of fine arts "except in limited circumstances" and in this case students must add 3 credits to expand their elective focus.

• The CTE elective focus must be in the same CTE area; for example, automotive focus.

• In summary, students must earn an additional credit in math, an additional half credit in health/P.E./wellness, an additional half credit in personal finance, and an additional six credits specific to the students’ planned course of study.

TDP Graduation Requirements

Fine Art, Foreign Lang. and Elective Focus – 6 Credits:• Fine Art– 1 Credit• Foreign Language– 2 Credits (Same)• Elective Focus– 3 Credits- Students completing a CTE elective focus must complete three units in the same CTE program area or state approved program of study.- science and math, humanities, fine arts, or AP/IB- other area approved by local Board of Education

• The Fine Art and Foreign Language requirements may be waived for students who are sure they are not going to attend a University and be replaced with courses designed to enhance and expand the elective focus.

Tennessee Scholars are required to take 2 CTE courses. One must be in a computer related area.Dual and online Credit is acceptable.

Tennessee Needs a More Qualified Workforce

• 80% of manufacturers are experiencing shortage of qualified workers

• 30,000 students go to college, but not enough college jobs in Tennessee for those students

• Tennessee needs to fill high skill, high wage, high demand positions

• Thousands of parents need helping getting kids out of the house and into the workforce

• Too many plants are closing for lack of a qualified workforce

• Too much industry is passing Tennessee up because we do not have a qualified workforce for their industry.

What do Business & Industry Need?

• Solid academic preparation

• Good communication skills(verbal and written)

• Sound science and mathfoundation

• Ability to think critically and make decisions

• Computer-literate

• Team-oriented employees

Our ideal candidate is a well-rounded top performer who can be a key contributor in a high-energy growth environment. Your resume should indicate that you are a top academic performer with extracurricular interestsand the desire to excel in everything you do. We are looking for self-starters who can work in a rapidly changing industry, tolerate ambiguity, and demonstrate problem-solving leadership with limited oversight.Your work history should demonstrate job stability with increasing levels of responsibility.

Tennessee Scholars Require Additional Expectations. Why?

Typical Job description for a Good Paying Job

What is the Advantageof Community Service?

• Community service refers to service that a person performs for the benefit of his or her local community.

• A study was done to prove, students who maintain a weekly community service record, 85% of the time, are more likely to succeed and have a higher grade point average than those who do none at all.

Reasons to Be a Tennessee Scholars

Money College graduates will make $1.2 million more in total salary over their lifetime than non-college graduates.”

Rewards and recognition Business give rewards and incentives for staying on track. Tennessee Scholars get special recognition at graduation.

Job Preferential hiring many companies in 24 states have “Are you a State Scholar/” on their job application.

Scholarships and college success Tennessee Scholars have designated scholarships and the courses are designed to help you be more successful in college.

As of the fall of 2008 any Tennessee Scholar can attend any Technology Center in the state of Tennessee, tuition free.

Students get financial assistance at the following other post secondary institutions (Certain Criteria apply)1. Cleveland State in Cleveland $1000 2. Bryan College in Dayton $5003. Dyersburg State Community College in Dyersburg (Full)4. Walters State Community College (As needed)5. Roane State Community College (As needed)6. North East State Technical Community College at Bristol (Full)7. Mountain Empire Community College in Scott County, VA (Full)

8. East TN State University in Johnson City (Private endowment)

9. Volunteer State University $500

Scholarships

Job Clout

Many business and industries in Tennessee and 22 other states now offer job preferential hiring to Tennessee Scholars.

Rewards and Incentives

Students gain rewards and incentives for staying on track and graduating as a Tennessee Scholar

Workforce Development

Over 10,000 students have graduated as Tennessee Scholars since 2004. These students are more prepared for work, post secondary, or the military. That means a workforce is graduating with the math, science, foreign language, technology, teamwork, discipline, and critical thinking skills that workforce needs.

Economic Development

Tennessee Scholars is now in over 65% of the Counties, 74 school districts, and 174 high schools. It now counts 100 points toward 3-starCommunity Award.

By producing a qualified graduate, more communities are able to draw companies to Tennessee and increase the economy.

Collaboartion

The Governor’s new Tennessee Diploma Program and Tennessee Scholars has the same goal: Helping to produce a better future for Tennessee.

Collaborative Partners• Governor, staff, and Cabinet• State Departments of Education, Labor and Workforce development, Economic Development, and

Career Technical Education• Tennessee State Board of Education• Tennessee Science Teachers Association• National Science Teachers Association• American Chemical Society• Tennessee Board of Regents• P-16 Council• COMPASS• Tennessee Business Roundtable• Manufacturers• Business and Professional Women’s Association• Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities• American Chemical Society• ACT Policy Council• TN STEM Council• Education Consumers Foundation• Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation• Tennessee Chamber of Commerce Executives• Tennessee Education Association• Local Chambers of Commerce and members across Tennessee

Business Presenters

• Over 400 trained business presenters go into classrooms all over Tennessee to present the information to the students and to reward and motivate students to stay on track.

Statewide Sponsors• Alcoa Foundation• Eastman Chemical• Bridgestone Americas Holdings• FedEx Corporation• Dollar General• Wal-Mart• Alcoa Inc• Vanity Fair• Ted Welch• Memorial Foundation of Middle Tennessee• Novel Pharmaceutics Institute• Minute Mann Press• Sanders Marketing Group• Goodyear Tire and Rubber• Hamilton Ryker• MTD Products• ERMCO Manufacturing

For More Information

Ruth.woodall@tnchamber.org

www.tennesseescholars.org

www.tnchamber.org

www.wiche.edu/statescholars