NASHVILLE – Is Tennessee in danger of “losing its soul” as Gov. Phil Bredesen and the General Assembly scramble to change state laws to seek a chance to win $485 million in federal Race to the Top funds?
That’s the question Rep. Tommie Brown, D-Chattanooga, posed Tuesday night during hours of debate in the House Education Committee.
Rep. Brown raised concerns about requiring student achievement data account for 50 percent of factors in tenure and evaluation decisions. She warned such a standard could drive Chattanooga-area teachers across the state to Georgia, where they can already earn more money under different standards.
“I’m getting a mixed message from people in Hamilton County,” Rep. Brown told Education Committee colleagues.
While some are focused on the federal money, Rep. Brown said told Tennessee Education Association President Earl Wiman that her question is, “As I race to the top, am I going to lose my soul in the process?”