Not junk mail-You're going to want to read this

Parents in Nashville are receiving an envelope from the Education Consumers Foundation. I suggest you be on the lookout for it and don't toss it thinking it's junk mail. What you'll find inside is some enlightening information regarding Metro Nashville Public Schools.

On August 18, 2008 the Education Consumers Foundation sent a mailing to 67,000 households in Davidson County - every household with children under the age of 18 - to recognize 14 Metro schools through its Most Effective Schools Campaign.

Schools were selected for their ability to advance student learning as measured by the Tennessee Value-Added Assessment System, or TVAAS. Each school recognized through this campaign was in the top 20% of schools statewide in either the Elementary schools category (755 schools in Tennessee) or K-8/Middle Schools category (531 schools in Tennessee). http://mosteffectiveschools.com

Here are the top schools:

Elementary Schools -

• Amqui Elementary - Ranked #1 of 71 in Davidson County, #1 of 755 in the state
• Paragon Mills Elementary - Ranked #2 of 71 in Davidson County, #18 of 755 in the state
• Lockeland Elementary Design Center - Ranked #3 of 71 in Davidson County, #45 of 755 in the state
• Kirkpatrick Elementary Enhanced Option - Ranked #4 of 71 in Davidson County, #81 of 755 in the state
• Smithson Craigshead Academy - Ranked #5 of 71 in Davidson County, #99 of 755 in the state
• Stanford Elementary Montessori Design Center - Ranked #6 of 71 in Davidson County, #123 of 755 in the state
• McGavock Elementary - Ranked #7 of 71 in Davidson County, #130 of 755 in the state
• Charlotte Park Elementary - Ranked #8 of 71 in Davidson County, #146 of 755 in the state

K-8/Middle Schools

• West End Middle School - Ranked #1 of 39 in Davidson County, #28 of 531 in the state
• Meigs Middle Magnet School - Ranked #2 of 39 in Davidson County, #32 of 531 in the state
• Dupont Tyler Middle School - Ranked #3 of 39 in Davidson County, #40 of 531 in the state
• Head Middle Mathematics/Science Magnet - Ranked #4 of 39 in Davidson County, #47 of 531 in the state
• Dalewood Middle School - Ranked #5 of 39 in Davidson County, #57 of 531 in the state
• McMurray Middle School - Ranked #6 of 39 in Davidson County, #72 of 531 in the state

I blogged about their interactive charts last year. You can view this year's version as well as versions for 2007 and 2006.

What do these schools have in common? Read the Common Practices report which makes it clear the staff is tracking the students with the goal in mind.

Unfortunately, ECC's Effective Schooling campaign only covers MNPS, Hardin County and Washington County/Johnson City but you're invited to partner with them for your area.