Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Education Literacy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
State education officials say early‑literacy contractor is linked to rising reading proficiency; committee approves extension
Summary
The committee approved a two‑year extension and $1.62 million increase to Tennessee’s contract with the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching for Early Literacy Network 2.0; Dr. Christy Wall said 3rd‑grade ELA proficiency reached a record 41.7% and statewide 3–5 ELA proficiency increased from 31.5% in 2021 to 43.3% in 2025.
Anna Hall, legislative liaison for the Department of Education, and Dr. Christy Wall, assistant commissioner of academics and instructional strategy, described an amendment to the department's contract with the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET) to expand technical support and extend services for the Early Literacy Network 2.0. The department said the amendment would extend the contract two additional years and increase the maximum liability by $1,621,020.
In response to a question about measurable outcomes, Dr. Wall cited several data points she said reflect progress: a record‑high 3rd‑grade English language arts proficiency of 41.7% and an increase in 3–5 ELA proficiency from 31.5% in 2021 to 43.3% in 2025. Senator Sutherland asked fiscal review staff to examine contract term lengths across recurring procurements to assess whether different term structures save money.
Committee members approved the contract amendment by voice vote with no further questions.
