NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The State Collaborative on Reforming Education (SCORE) on Monday released its annual 2026 State of Education in Tennessee: Moving Every Student Forward report, highlighting the state’s progress and outlining four major priorities aimed at strengthening student success from kindergarten through career.

Education leaders from across Tennessee gathered in Nashville for the event, which featured a panel discussion with experts from the K-12, postsecondary and nonprofit sectors. The report serves as a key milestone in tracking progress toward the state’s long-term TN2030 education and workforce goals, which focus on preparing students for meaningful careers and economic independence.

“Tennessee has always moved with purpose and intention, and our progress shows what is possible when we work together for students,” said Sen. Bill Frist, M.D., chairman and founder of SCORE. “But progress is not a signal to slow down — it is a call to go even further.”

Frist said the 2026 report reflects both the gains Tennessee has made and the continued challenges related to student achievement, postsecondary completion and career readiness.

Four Priorities for Tennessee’s Education Future - The 2026 State of Education report introduces four priorities that SCORE says are critical to sustaining long-term student success:

1. Transform Education into an Engine for Economic Opportunity
The report urges the state to ensure every student has a clear pathway to earning an industry-recognized credential. This includes expanding access to dual enrollment, high-quality work-based learning, career advising and better alignment with labor market needs.

2. Elevate Excellence in Teaching: SCORE recommends strengthening teacher evaluation systems, improving alignment between classroom instruction and intervention, and supporting outstanding educators in expanding their leadership and impact statewide.

3. Expand Access to High-Quality School Options: The organization calls for ensuring every family has access to strong public school options that deliver dependable academic outcomes. Recommendations include strengthening school funding and streamlining charter school authorization while ensuring access across district lines.

4. Strengthen Accountability Systems: The report emphasizes using clear, aligned data and assessments to connect student progress to long-term outcomes while maintaining transparency and rigor across Tennessee’s education system.

Statewide Panel Discusses Challenges and Next Steps - A panel of education and community leaders discussed how these priorities can be put into action, as well as barriers that still exist. The discussion was moderated by Janet Ayers, chairman of the Ayers Foundation Trust.

Panelists included:

• Dr. Ricki Gibbs II, CEO, LEAD Public Schools (Nashville)

• Dr. Brian Noland, President, East Tennessee State University

• Rory Thomas, President, Memphis Medical District Collaborative

• Dr. Annette Tudor, Director of Schools, Bristol Tennessee City Schools

“Advancing these priorities requires a shared commitment across the state,” said David Mansouri, president and CEO of SCORE. “By working together, we can ensure that every student has the support, opportunities and guidance they need to succeed.”

A full recording of the SCORE 2026 education event is available online.

About SCORE - The State Collaborative on Reforming Education (SCORE) is an independent, nonprofit and nonpartisan organization founded in 2009 by Sen. Bill Frist, M.D. SCORE works to advance student-centered education policies, support effective leadership and improve outcomes from kindergarten through career across Tennessee. More information is available at tnscore.org.