Metro Schools closed remainder of year, announces framework for serving, supporting students

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — With Governor Lee's recommendation that Tennessee schools remain closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) has done so. In light of that, they have announced the implementation of a strategic framework to allow them to better serve their students during the extended closure.

Starting this week and next, MNPS district leadership will be working with principals and staff to strengthen expectations and accountability measures for teachers and students. The goal is to ensure every child has access to a high-quality education to prepare them for next school year.

These measures include professional development and support for teachers and staff on best practices for working remotely with students.

"Our district will not be defined by the challenges we face, but by how we face our challenges," said MNPS Director Dr. Adrienne Battle. "We've learned a lot as a district in the last few weeks as staff have stepped up to the challenge of serving our students' educational, emotional and nutritional needs in new and creative ways. Now is the time to build upon the lessons we've learned and establish a framework for excellence and accountability that will enhance how we operate, whether students are inside or outside of the classroom."

Starting April 27, MNPS says families can expect to see stronger engagement and a more structured learning environment across all schools run by the district.

The enhanced learning will not include required graded materials or attendance that counts towards a student's record; however, it will involve greater accountability and tracking of student outcomes. This is in the interest of developing personalized plans for each student's success.

MNPS has been providing laptops to high school students who need them over the last couple of weeks. Availability of these will be expanding to fifth through eighth grades next week, and third and fourth grades the week after next. The availability of paper material packets will continue for students without computer access. Students in pre-kindergarten through the second grade will still be on a hybrid approach of both paper and online activities.

Further details will be shared with staff, students and families over the next week. Information specific to high school seniors regarding graduation requirements can be found on the MNPS web page for seniors.