Mothers are sharing their stories about how federal unemployment benefits and a guaranteed-income initiative have helped them build safety nets – as 26 states, including Tennessee, cut enhanced unemployment benefits, months before they were set to expire. The American Rescue Plan included federal support for people who are unemployed. And the Magnolia Mother’s Trust, in its third year, provides one-thousand dollars a month for 12 months to at least 100 low-income Black mothers. Tia, of Jackson, Mississippi, explains that cash relief has helped her maintain a safety net for her kids. But she adds she’ll always want to be working.
“You want to add on to your money, not decrease your money. You might have to go to the doctor, you might have to pay out of pocket; your car might break down.”
Tia’s experience is among many that counter the narratives cited by Republican governors who ended benefits early – that people receiving unemployment are dependent on the system, or discouraged from working. Studies also show so far, that cutting benefits hasn’t boosted employment in those states.
Another mom in the program, Sabrina, plans to study nursing, buy a home and have her son attend a school with extra supports for his dyslexia. She says the federal aid was a big help, but adds either way, she’ll make it work.
“I guess I’ll have to maintain, saving-wise. I do couponing, or I just put money to the side and don’t touch it. I think about, ‘What is light, what is rent, what is gas, what is for emergency?'”
According to a 2020 report evaluating the Magnolia Mother’s Trust, a little more than a quarter of mothers said they could pay their bills on time before the program started. Afterward, it was more than 80-percent. Advocates for workforce equity say federal supports like guaranteed income and unemployment insurance can help low-income women, especially women of color, cover costs and work toward long-term goals.
TCAP scores go down in spring 2021
Governor Bill Lee and the Tennessee Department of Education released the 2020-21 Spring Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) state-level results. These results include exams in English Language Arts (ELA), mathematics, science and social studies.
State-level test results from the 2020-21 Spring TCAP assessments show that pandemic-related disruptions to education led to declines in student academic proficiency in the state, across all subjects and grade bands, as expected. These declines were mitigated as a direct result of the hard work of our educators.
During the January 2021 Special Legislative Session, Public Chapter 2 removed negative consequences associated with accountability for districts and schools whose district-wide TCAP participation rate was 80% or higher. On Tuesday, July 27, the department shared that 100% of districts met the 80% participation rate, with 80% of districts having met the federal 95% participation rate. More than two million TCAP tests were administered this year to approximately 750,000 students, providing families and schools systems access to information that will help drive strategic decision-making for students.
“These results show that COVID-19 has disrupted learning in every school district in Tennessee,” said Gov. Lee. “We’re grateful to the dedication of our educators and districts who worked to mitigate this loss over the past year, and we’re committed to implementing long-term strategies and investments to get our students back on track.”
“Since last school year, districts, schools, educators, and families have worked tirelessly to adapt to this new reality, keep children on pace with academic expectations, and are ready to start the new school year strong. Now is the time for our state to come together to support our students,” said Commissioner Penny Schwinn. “While this is difficult data to review knowing that there are students behind each percent listed, we have the courage and conviction to meet this moment, to build on statewide momentum, and to accelerate student achievement. I am confident that our districts are equipped with the right tools to help our students meet grade-level expectations in the upcoming school year, and the department is committed to continue making strategic investments to increase outcomes for years to come. We know what is possible for education in our state, and Tennessee will continue to focus on what is best for all students.”
These results highlight the importance of addressing the needs of students and operating with a sense of urgency and optimism about what our districts, schools, educators, families and students can accomplish. Access an overview of the state-level results with comparisons by student group and grade level here and additional information here.
TCAP Results
Students receive a TCAP performance label of Mastered, On Track, Approaching or Below. Performance levels of Mastered or On Track indicate general grade level performance on the assessment.
2021 TCAP 3–8 Mathematics Results
| Subject | Grade | Below Grade Level | Approaching Grade Level | Meets Grade Level (On Track) | Mastered Grade Level |
| Mathematics | 3 | 32% | 36% | 22% | 10% |
| 4 | 36% | 30% | 27% | 7% | |
| 5 | 37% | 32% | 20% | 11% | |
| 6 | 42% | 31% | 23% | 4% | |
| 7 | 34% | 42% | 19% | 5% | |
| 8 | 47% | 29% | 19% | 5% | |
| 8 (Advanced) | 11% | 21% | 36% | 32% |
2021 TCAP 3-8 ELA Results
| Subject | Grade | Below Grade Level | Approaching Grade Level | Meets Grade Level (On Track) | Mastered Grade Level |
| Reading | 3 | 32% | 36% | 22% | 10% |
| 4 | 18% | 49% | 31% | 2% | |
| 5 | 30% | 41% | 27% | 2% | |
| 6 | 19% | 54% | 25% | 2% | |
| 7 | 21% | 53% | 24% | 2% | |
| 8 | 23% | 54% | 22% | 1% |
2021 TCAP Science Results
| Subject | Below Grade Level | Approaching Grade Level | Meets Grade Level (On Track) | Mastered Grade Level |
| Elementary | 25% | 36% | 32% | 7% |
| Middle | 23% | 41% | 31% | 5% |
| High | 25% | 34% | 36% | 5% |
The state-level results of the 2020-21 spring TCAP assessments reflect expected declines as a result of disruptions due to COVID-19. Specifically, the state-level results from this past spring’s test administration found:
Overall:
-Tennessee data shows decreases in students scoring Mastered and On Track.
-Tennessee data shows increases in students scoring Below.
-The most negative impacts were noted for economically disadvantaged students, urban/suburban students, English Learners, and students of color.
ELA:
-Overall English Language Arts proficiency dropped 5 points from 2019.
-3 in 10 Tennessee students are meeting grade level expectations in ELA.
-1 in 7 economically disadvantaged students is meeting grade level expectations in ELA.
-ELA proficiency rates dropped 4 – 6 points across racial and ethnic lines.
-2nd & 3rd grades scores showed large increases to students scoring Below
-68% of 2nd graders scored Below (half of 2nd grade students participated in this optional assessment)
-47% of 3rd graders scored Below
-Students scoring at Below in 2nd and 3rd grades are typically those who are not able to read proficiently.
Math:
-1 in 4 Tennessee students is on grade level in math.
-1 in 10 economically disadvantaged students is meeting grade level expectations.
-Black students were most impacted in math, with 67% scoring Below and 9% meeting grade level expectations.
-Hispanic and Asian students had 12 and 13 percentage point declines, respectively, from 2019.
-White students experienced an 11-percentage point decline overall from 2019.
-Overall 3rd grade proficiency declined from 44% in 2019 to 31% in 2021, while 4th grade proficiency declined from 46% in 2019 to 34% in 2021.
– The greatest drops across subject areas were understanding and using mathematical notation to describe quantitative relationships and situations.
Science:
– Proficiency rates dropped by a third in science, with only 38% of Tennessee students demonstrating proficiency.
-Drops in science were larger in science than in any other subject area.
Social Studies:
– This data saw fewer declines than other content areas and maintains performance from statewide increases that began in 2018, when standards were updated.
– While proficiency dropped by 4 points in middle school, it increased 4 points in high school.
Due to continued challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic, such as changes in mode of instruction and scheduling, the results from the 2020-21 TCAP administration are distinct from previous years.
To help Tennessee families and students understand their TCAP results, the department’s free, online resource, TCAP Family Portal, is available and provides access to test results from this year. The portal also includes test history features allowing families to track progress over time, TCAP scale scores and performance levels by subject, parent guides and resources, and individualized recommendations for improvements. Families can access this resource by registering at familyreport.tnedu.gov.
The portal was created in direct response to parent and stakeholder feedback, and information in the portal is useful for families engaging in conversations with educators about their child’s academic progress. Families of students that tested in spring 2021 can access student data now for TCAP and August 20 for TCAP-Alternate assessments. Districts will continue to provide paper score reports to families.
To support districts and schools experiencing various learning disruptions, the department offered multiple flexibilities and supports to districts so they could make the best assessment plans to fit their needs. These flexibilities included the expanded use of off-site testing locations, flexibility for local testing schedules, and guidance on medical exemptions for COVID-impact students.
In January 2021, Governor Bill Lee and the Tennessee General Assembly convened a special legislative session on education, which addressed urgent issues facing Tennessee students and schools as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, the special legislative session passed legislation on accountability, learning loss, literacy, and teacher pay. The Tennessee Learning Loss Remediation and Student Acceleration Act established summer learning loss bridge camps for elementary students to help them recover learning loss and accelerate their achievement.
In alignment with the Best for All strategic plan, the department recognized the impending impact the global pandemic would have on K-12 education in Tennessee and has proactively and strategically committed investments to prioritize meeting the needs of all Tennessee students through the state’s ARP ESSER plan, which lays out the state’s spending strategy for its portion of federal COVID-19 relief and stimulus funding to benefit K-12 education in Tennessee. Specifically, the state plan highlights combatting existing gaps in student achievement and opportunity, addressing the needs of rural communities, improving early literacy, investing in a statewide tutoring corps, and accelerating student academic achievement across the state.
Additionally, the department provides formative assessments aligned to Tennessee Academic Standards at no cost to districts. These department-created assessments support our districts and schools in measuring how students are approaching grade-level expectations. In August 2020, the department launched a new statewide formative assessment platform, Schoolnet, which has already administered over 377,000 tests, and has deployed an item bank, Checkpoint exams, and full-length Mock Interim assessments, all aligned to our state standards and summative TCAP. Districts that utilized the department’s free, formative assessment tools showed higher success rates.
District and school leaders, statewide elected officials, and education stakeholders commented on the importance of annual assessments and how Tennesseans need to come together to support our students.
TCAP includes summative assessments for English language arts, math, science, and social studies for grades 3-8, high school end-of-course (EOC) exams in English I and II, Algebra I and II, Geometry, Integrated Math I, II, and III; Biology, and U.S. History. TCAP also includes the TCAP-Alternate Assessment for students with disabilities, and the optional TCAP Grade 2 Assessment.
These analyses do not include the results of TCAP-Alt tests, which are assessments for students with the most significant learning disabilities. To learn more about the state’s assessment program, visit the department’s State Assessment webpage.
For Tennessee Department of Education media inquiries, email edu.mediainquiries@tn.gov.
Routine Checkups are urged for Tennessee kids before school starts
Parents should catch their kids up on missed doctor visits – and in some cases, vaccinations – to protect themselves and their communities before they return to school. That’s the message in a new report by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Georgetown University Health Policy Institute. Earlier this year, the C-D-C reported that orders for all non-influenza childhood vaccines had decreased by around 11-million doses, a direct result of fewer pediatric visits. Kinika Young of the Tennessee Justice Center says the consequences for communities could be dire.
The report says visits to providers’ offices fell by 58-percent for all age groups in March of last year, and visits for toddlers dropped 75-percent — the largest decline by any age group. Some parents don’t immunize children for religious reasons; others worry about potential health risks of some vaccines, although those are reported to be extremely rare.
For more information on recommended childhood immunizations, parents can visit the Tennessee Department of Health website.
Assistant District Attorney Jason Ponder speaks out about raising awareness against child abuse
Assistant District Attorney Jason Ponder says adults are responsible for protecting children and it’s essential for community members to be aware, recognize signs of child physical and sexual abuse and to know what to do if they suspect child abuse. Child abuse has “terrible repercussions” for children, schools, families, churches, according to Ponders.
“I’ve been a child abuse prosecutor in Coffee County for 21 years, and in that time I’ve seen a lot of negative impacts child abuse – physical abuse and sexual abuse – produces for our county, district, schools, families, churches, neighborhoods. There are terrible repercussions for the children living with that sort of trauma.”
Child abuse impacts the community and becomes a cyclical problem, affecting multiple generation. The community can interrupt the vicious cycle through awareness and acting vigilantly to protect children.
“We often see victims who later become perpetrators,” Ponder said. “Unfortunately we see kids who were abused as children and turn out to be defendants later, and that’s one huge negative impact that we see.”
The impact on children is traumatizing and can be long-lasting, especially if there is not intervention.
“Children who are abused or molested don’t perform so well in school,” Ponder said. “They often turn to drugs or other crimes. They may have long-standing mental health and physical issues. That is hopefully changing. We are addressing some of these problems now. Twenty-one years ago we weren’t addressing (these issues) as well because we didn’t understand them as well. With the current slate of people we have working with child victims through the Children’s Advocacy Center and through mental health agencies throughout the area, we’ve been able to hopefully interrupt that pattern of abuse that cycles from generation to generation.”
Adults must protect children.
“One thing I’ve learned through the years is that kids who are abused do not call for help themselves. When it comes to calling the police or DCS (Department of Children’s Services), we don’t have children that do that,” Ponder said. “If a child reaches out for help, it’s through an adult that’s already in their life, whom the child trusts enough to reach out to. And often, children don’t reach out at all. That’s why it is so important to boost awareness in our area, so that we are all vigilant, when it comes to watching for signs and symptoms of child abuse and child sexual abuse.”
If community members become involved and learn about child abuse, the problem can be tackled.
“We want to boost community awareness,” Ponder said. “We want people to be mindful of their neighbors and the children who are in their area of life through their employment, if they are teachers, or through their role, if they are working with or around children. Whether it’s in their church, civic group, sports, music, whatever it may be, (people need to be aware). We want people, who are responsible, good, tax paying citizens to look out for each other’s kids. And that’s just one of the reasons we come together and we live in a community, to protect each other’s young.”
Statistics show that 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 7 boys will be sexually abused by age 18; and 95 percent of victims are abused by someone they know and trust.
Adults have legal and moral obligation to protect children, and adult education is essential to preventing child abuse.
To learn more about child abuse prevention, visit coffeecountycac.org and follow Coffee County Children’s Advocacy Center on social media. The center offers free child abuse prevention training to community members. To learn more about the training, go to www.coffeecountycac.org/education-for-adults.
You can see the video here: http://www.coffeecountycac.org/post/assistant-district-attorney-jason-ponder-talks-about-the-terrible-repercussions-of-child-abuse
Gas prices rise 3 cents in Tennessee; Coffee County below state and national average
The Tennessee gas price average rose three cents over last week. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $2.89 which is nearly two cents more than one month ago and 97 cents more than one year ago. The Coffee County Average is $2.86 which makes the county 3 cents below the state average and 31 cents below the national average.
“On average, motorists are paying 15 cents more to fill up across the country since the beginning of May,” said Megan Cooper, spokesperson, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “August could prove to be even more expensive if crude oil prices increase, driven by market concerns of rising COVID case numbers and how that could negatively affect global demand in the near future.”
Quick Facts
· 91% of Tennessee gas stations have prices below $3.00
· The lowest 10% of pump prices are $2.72 for regular unleaded
· The highest 10% of pump prices are $3.18 for regular unleaded
· Tennessee moved to the 9th least expensive market in the nation
National Gas Prices
Americans are paying a pretty penny to hit the road this summer. The monthly national gas price average has increased from $3.00 in May to $3.07 in June to $3.15 in July. The beginning of August will likely be as expensive as July, especially as crude oil prices remain over $70 per barrel. An increase in global crude production is expected this month. However, even with the additional supply, global demand could outpace global supply and keep prices high.
On the week, the national average increased by two cents to $3.17 with the majority of states seeing jumps between two to ten cents. Today’s average is a nickel more than a month ago and 99 cents more than a year ago.
As many travelers take final summer vacations and others return to school this month, AAA reminds drivers not to rely heavily on in-dash fuel economy displays. Just released AAA research found that a vehicle’s “miles to empty” estimates vary significantly and drivers could be taking an unnecessary risk if they over rely on these displays. With more expensive gas prices, motorists may be trying to stretch their tank to empty, but AAA recommends drivers watch their gas gauge and fill up when it reaches a quarter of a tank.
National Oil Market Dynamics
At the close of Friday’s formal trading session, WTI increased by 33 cents to settle at $73.95. A weaker dollar helped to push prices higher last week, while market concerns surrounding demand recovery continued to grow. Crude prices were also bolstered after the Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) latest report showed that total domestic crude stocks declined by 4.1 million bbl to 435.6 million bbl. For this week, crude prices could climb higher if EIA’s next weekly report shows another decline in total domestic crude supply.
Tax Tip Tuesday: “A Warning About Scams”
Tax season is always a popular time for dishonest people to attempt to steal taxpayers’ identities and money. This year scammers are working overtime due to the pandemic and additional money being distributed to taxpayers from IRS for stimulus payments and monthly advance child tax credit payments. All taxpayers should be on guard, not only for themselves, but also for other people in their lives.
Many scams are made to appear that the IRS needs more information to process returns or to issue payments. Scammers use many forms of contact including phone, text, and email. Emails can be made to look very legitimate and frequently have the US Treasury or IRS seal. Phone calls frequently look like they are coming from IRS on the caller id. However, be very cautious with any contact you have not initiated.
Some scams currently circulating are:
– “We recalculated your tax refund and you need to fill out this form”
– “You need to pay a small fee to get your stimulus check”
– “We’re calling from the FDIC and we need your bank information”
– “Click on this to see your Tax Transcript”
– “Click here to see some details about your tax refund”
– “Use this form W-8BEN to give us personal data”
– “This is the Bureau of Tax Enforcement and we’re putting a lien or levy on your assets”
– “If you don’t call us back you will be arrested”
If you receive a phone call or an email with similar messages, do not respond. Do not give them any personal information. You can report the incident online at IRS.GOV or call the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at 800-366-4484. Suspicious emails can be forwarded to phishing@irs.gov.
Be wary of any email you get that requests personal information, log in information or includes a link to another destination where you can provide that information. The IRS reports a 400% increase in these phishing emails this year – so extreme caution is warranted.
It is very important to know that the IRS will never:
-Call to demand immediate payment, nor will the agency call about taxes owed without first having mailed you a bill.
-Demand that you pay taxes without giving you the opportunity to question or appeal the amount they say you owe.
-Require you to use a specific payment method for your taxes, such as a prepaid debit card.
-Ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone.
-Threaten to bring in local police or other law-enforcement groups to have you arrested for not paying.
If you are a victim of any IRS scams or feel you have received a scam notice it is always wise to make sure you select a qualified and trustworthy tax professional that can help answer questions about contact with the IRS and assist you.
If you have questions and would like help from the Tax Professionals at H&R Block, please call your local H&R Block office. In Manchester TN call 931-728-9462. H&R Block Has Your Back!
Coffee County CAC offers free classes to ADME in Tullahoma
The first training session at ADME was held July 26. Coffee County Children’s Advocacy Center is able to provide the training thanks to a grant awarded to the center.
Students at Academy of Dental and Medical Educators (ADME) in Tullahoma will be equipped with knowledge to prevent child abuse. Coffee County Children’s Advocacy Center and ADME have partnered to offer free classes for students to learn to recognize red flags and to react appropriately if they notice signs of child abuse. Each student who completes the training receives free materials and a certificate of completion.
The Coffee County CAC serves children who are victims of severe child abuse in Coffee County. The center served nearly 350 children in 2020. ADME offers training and certification courses for dental assistants, dental hygienists and dentists.
Dr. Steve Lynn, with Pediatric Dental Centers in Tullahoma, said raising awareness and learning about child abuse is essential to battling child abuse. He is thankful to be able to offer this opportunity to ADME students and to prepare them to protect children. This training is “excellent, important, timely, valuable, eye opening and compassionate,” said Lynn.
Joyce Prusak, executive director of Coffee County CAC, commended Lynn and ADME students for taking necessary steps to prevent child abuse in Coffee County. “Child abuse has tremendous negative impacts on children and the community,” Prusak said. “The negative impacts can be minimized when community members become involved and learn about the issue. Some people avoid the topic. I know the topic is not pleasant, but we must talk and learn about it. Together, we can end child abuse in Coffee County. I’m proud of ADME students for completing the child abuse prevention training.”
The first training session at ADME was held July 26. Coffee County CAC is able to provide the training thanks to a grant awarded to the center. The center’s authorized facilitators use Darkness to Light’s Stewards of Children program to empower adults with knowledge to prevent child sexual abuse. Child sexual abuse involves sexual contact between a child and an adult; or a sexual contact between a child and another child who forces sexual contact. Statistics show that 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 7 boys will be sexually abused by age 18.
For more information about preventing child abuse, follow Coffee County CAC on social media and visit coffeecountycac.com. Schedule a free training session by emailing elena@coffeecountycac.com.
Tullahoma City Schools release statement regarding updated safety protocols
Tullahoma City Schools released a statement regarding the upcoming school year and the systems updated safety protocols.
“Ahead of the 2021-2022 school year that begins on Monday, Aug. 2, Tullahoma City Schools has updated its health and safety protocols for the start of the school year. As we move throughout this school year, TCS will review new information as it becomes available and will provide necessary updates. This is the second communication that the district is publishing regarding the beginning of the 2021-2022 school year.
Director of Schools, Dr. Catherine Stephens, noted ‘We are eager to welcome back our Tullahoma City Schools students on Monday morning, August 2nd! It is exciting to feel the energy of our teachers and staff! It is going to be a sensational school year!’
Please review the following updates:
- In accordance with CDC guidelines face masks are recommended for indoor settings. Generally, when outdoors, individuals do not need to wear masks.
- TCS will follow the CDC recommendation on maintaining 3 feet of physical distance when feasible. The use of outdoor spaces for learning, exercise and socialization is encouraged.
- Visitors will be welcomed, but limited in order to reduce the possible transmission of illness, based upon school and classroom capabilities at the discretion of the school-level administration.
- TCS will continue the practice of routinely washing hands with soap and water throughout the day. Hand sanitizer usage is acceptable when handwashing is not feasible.
- Enhanced cleaning and disinfecting high traffic use areas, as well as the overall facilities and buses, will be continued.
- Parents should monitor their children for any signs and symptoms of illness. Students who are sick should stay at home until they are symptom-free for 24 hours without any fever-reducing medicines.
- Students who test positive for COVID or are exposed to COVID in their homes should contact their medical provider and the local Department of Health for instructions on when to return to school. Contact your child’s school nurse with any information regarding your student’s illness.
- Students who are absent due to COVID or any other sickness will need a note from a medical provider or a parent note (up to five days per school year) to excuse absences.
- If a positive case is identified, an email, an all-call message, and/or written notification to those who were possibly exposed will be sent.
- Contact tracing will be conducted by the Tennessee Department of Health. TCS will assist the health department with information as needed. Fully vaccinated individuals will not be required to quarantine.
- Co-curricular field trips will not occur during the first quarter of the school year. The decision to open up co-curricular field trips will be evaluated through monitoring local data, TN Department of Health and/or CDC guidelines. By the end of the first quarter, we will convey whether field trips will be allowable or not for the second quarter.
- Extra-curricular trips will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The TSSAA recommends athletic events to follow the local school district policies.
Please note that the above guidelines may be altered based upon local transmission rates or from updated guidelines from the CDC. Visit the Tullahoma City Schools website to read the latest guidelines.”
Back to school means back to school zones
Monday, August 2nd is the first day of school which means drivers should be aware when going through school zones for busses, children walking, and active school zones.
Monday is a 2-hour day, and Wednesday will be the first official full day for students in both city and county schools.
Tennessee sales tax holiday continues
If you missed tax free weekend, don’t worry, there is still time to get some items tax free. The Tennessee General Assembly has approved for gun safes and safety equipment to be included in this holiday, as well as food, ingredients, and prepared food, to be included.
The sales tax holiday on food, food ingredients, and prepared food began at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 30thand will end at 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, August 5th.
The sales tax holiday on gun safes and safety equipment began at 12:01 a.m. on July 1st and will end at 11:59 p.m. on June 30th, 2022.
For more information on the tax-free holiday, visit https://www.tn.gov/revenue/taxes/sales-and-use-tax/sales-tax-holiday.html
