Rutherford County Schools Excel in Academic Growth
Sponsored by: Rutherford County Schools
For the third consecutive year, Rutherford County Schools (RCS) has achieved a Level 5 designation from the Tennessee Department of Education. Additionally, more than half of the district’s 51 schools individually attained this highest level of recognition for student achievement and academic growth.
With 52,000 students, Rutherford County Schools is the fourth-largest district in Tennessee and the 91st largest in the nation, encompassing schools in Christiana, Eagleville, Lascassas, La Vergne, Murfreesboro, Readyville, Rockvale and Smyrna, Tennessee. Director of Schools Dr. Jimmy Sullivan says it is uncommon for such a large school system to be able to accomplish this type of year-over year success. “It speaks to the frameworks we have in place to ensure every student experiences academic growth at every school, every year,” Sullivan says.
The Keys to Success
“You have to have a culture that is supportive of your entire community here in Rutherford County – students, parents and teachers,” Sullivan explains. “A collaborative culture is one of the things we have to get right because if that fails, we fail.”
Another priority is investing in teachers and support staff. “That’s where we put the majority of our resources,” he notes, adding the system has substantially increased pay to recruit and retain mission-driven faculty and staff.
Common messaging is the third critical pillar. “We truly focus on teaching our students the academic standards they need to succeed,” Sullivan says. “That allows us to be successful just by simplifying priorities.”
It Starts in the Classroom
April Sneed, principal of Whitworth-Buchanan Middle School in Murfreesboro, is proud of her students’ track record of excellence. The school has achieved Level 5 status across all subjects and composite areas for three years running, despite nearly 70% of the student body facing economic challenges.
Sneed says exposing students throughout the year to the complex ideas outlined in state standards dissipates a lot of the anxiety around testing and gives students the confidence to know they are prepared.
“We provide so many layers of support for our students,” she says. “It’s really important we include students in discussing their proficiency data, so they know their own academic strengths and weaknesses.”
Sneed notes not every student starts at the same place. By using multiple data points, she says, “Our teachers are able to make sound decisions to grow our students academically. That’s how we close gaps in learning.”
To learn more about Rutherford County Schools, visit rcschools.net.