Achievement School District Announcement
Regarding the announcement made on November 16, 2011 by the Tennessee Achievement School District, several articles have run regarding the announcement, including the Commercial Appeal, WZTV, WRCB -TV, The City Paper (Nashville), and The Chattanoogan. In addition, the Commercial Appeal ran a follow-up article on November 21, 2011 entitled "Tennessee Hopes Charters' Success Can Be Converted to Underperforming Memphis Schools".
We have attempted to answer many of the questions that might arise below:
What was the announcement?
The Achievement School District (ASD) announced that Cornerstone
Preparatory School, Inc, along with other organizations, was approved to
be a part of the newly formed ASD. As part of that approval,
Cornerstone Prep has access to an (i3) grant to help fund a potential
school.
What is the Achievement School District (ASD)?
The ASD is a newly formed district in the state of Tennessee. The ASD
seeks to turn around the lowest achieving schools in the state. The
Tennessee Department of Education describes the ASD as "a groundbreaking
approach that will capitalize on the newly created authority of the
Commissioner of the Education through the Tennessee First to the Top
Act, best practices and research on successful school turnaround, and
unprecedented partnerships with nonprofit organizations."
Why did the Board of Directors of Cornerstone Preparatory School, Inc. apply with the ASD?
The Board felt that the ASD might provide an opportunity for the organization to serve many families in the community.
What Does the Approval Mean?
Cornerstone Preparatory School, Inc, which is the organization that
leads Cornerstone Prep, now has the opportunity to join the ASD.
What is the Next Step Regarding the ASD?
The ASD will decide which existing Memphis City Schools (MCS) will join
the ASD some time in early 2012. At that time, the ASD will approach
Cornerstone Preparatory School, Inc., about the possibility of taking
over an existing school in the MCS system.
Does This Change The Volunteer
and Donor Needs of Cornerstone Prep This Year?
No – we still need your help!
Regardless of the decision to be made in January, we need generous volunteers and
donors to help us provide the highest quality education to our 65 Prepsters for
the rest of the 2011-2012 school year.