New formula focuses money in underfunded Tenn. schools
I am a Memphis teacher and I support the Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement (TISA) Act.
I was born in Mississippi, just across the state line, but for the last 24 years I have been a special education teacher in Memphis-shelby County Schools. I currently teach at Peabody Elementary and serve as the Tennessee Democratic Party's State Executive Committeewoman for District 33.
During my time in Memphis, I have worked exclusively in Title I schools. Thanks to federally funded support, these schools, that have large concentrations of economically disadvantaged students, get some supplemental funds to offer special programs and support to help meet educational goals and the needs of students.
Sadly, these federal funds are not enough to reach the special needs students in my classroom every day or even every week. For the last two decades, I have worked with Memphis students with all types of disabilities and year-after-year government dollars fall short of making important resources available to help my students be their most successful.
Truth is in the numbers
Data from 2019 Tnready academic achievement tests for grades 3-8 indicate that 11.6% of students with disabilities scored on track or mastered in math vs. 40.8% of all students. Only 7.4% of students with disabilities scored on-track or mastered in English language arts vs. 33.7% of all students.
No two students of mine are the same and that should be reflected in their learning environment by supporting their individual needs.
Governor Lee has proposed a $1 billion increased state investment in our public schools through TISA, that includes weighted-funding to generate additional support for children with specific learning needs like special education students with disabilities, students with characteristics of dyslexia, and for gifted students. Students with multiple unique learning needs will receive funding for each.
With the proposed new state TISA formula, the extra funding weights apply to students in special education and those from low-income families. Most of my students fall into both categories. The additional funding proposed would lead to more specialized services for my students, ensuring they get what they deserve – high-quality instruction and support regardless of their health circumstance, zip code or socioeconomic status.
It has long been established that the state's 30year-old, antiquated BEP public school funding formula does not truly support student achievement and additional support for those who need it most.
Create a bright future for students
I passionately want to make a difference in the lives of my students; that's why I became a special education teacher and advocate. The student-focused funding system under TISA will not only support teachers, but more importantly, will put the extra funds in place to help ALL public school students achieve greater learning success.
I urge lawmakers to vote yes for TISA because it is imperative that Tennessee students receive the resources to become college and career ready and to become the next generation of leaders in our state.
Rosemary Winters is a special education teacher at Peabody Elementary and the Tennessee Democratic Party’s State Executive Committeewoman for District 33.