CLEVELAND, Tenn. -- Bradley County Schools will use part of its $1.4 million in federal Race to the Top money to pay teachers for the extra work of analyzing data that measures student achievement.
Director of Schools Johnny McDaniel said the school district must help teachers understand how to use student testing data to improve their instruction.
"Much of Bradley County's scope of work focuses on how to help its teachers understand and employ data in assessing the progress of their students," Mr. McDaniel read in a memo to the school board. "To this end, Bradley County Schools will provide remuneration for teachers who must commit extra time from their daily service."
The plan also includes boosting mathematics instruction, according to the memo.
"Because mathematics is Bradley County's top instructional challenge, its scope of work provides for continuous research-based training in math strategies and methods," the memo states.
The plan aims to smooth the academic transition from middle school to high school; to increase industry certifications in its career and technology programs to allow high school graduates to be ready for their workplace, and to create an academic academy to coordinate professional development.
"There will be no recurring costs?" asked board member Troy Weathers.
Mr. McDaniel said any extra personnel to be hired as transitional coordinators will be retired teachers for the duration of Race to the Top funding.
The Cleveland City Schools system approved its Race plan last week. City schools will receive $1.2 million.
The money for both is available in four, one-year increments between the 2010-2011 and the 2013-2014 school years.
Parts of the plans must be approved by the Tennessee Department of Education.