A sizable majority of Tennessee voters “strongly support” high academic standards in K-12 public schools despite expectations that raising the bar will lead to lower student test scores in the short term, according to the results of a new statewide poll.

The poll — commissioned by the State Collaborative on Reforming Education and conducted by Widmeyer Communications — explored overall voter attitudes toward public education. Among findings, the poll showed voters are cautiously optimistic about education reform efforts and recognize a strong connection between education and job creation. The poll, a telephone survey of 600 likely voters, was conducted from July 7-13 and had a margin of error of +/- 4%.

“Tennessee voters are understandably cautious yet hopeful about the prospects for education reform,” said former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, who chairs SCORE. “They are clear in their support for high standards in the classroom, even if it means some discomfort as students and families adjust to more rigorous coursework and homework.”

According to the poll, more than two-thirds of Tennessee voters — 69% — “strongly support” the State Board of Education’s decision to raise standards in subjects like reading and mathematics. That strong support actually increases slightly to 71% after voters hear several statements for and against higher standards, including arguments that student test scores could fall and costs to local school systems could go up.

“Strong public support for standards reinforces the fact that Gov. Bredesen, the General Assembly and the State Board of Education are doing the right thing by raising the bar in education,” said Sen. Frist.

Two years ago, the State Board raised standards in Tennessee classrooms to bring them more in line with those in other states. Another milestone occurs Friday when the Board meets to determine new definitions for student proficiency under the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program.

This year’s TCAP test scores, set to be released in late September, will be the first to reflect Tennessee’s new and higher standards.

Because the bar has been raised with harder coursework, this year’s TCAP scores — compared with previous years — are expected to show a drop-off in student proficiency in subjects including reading and math. The State Board’s action this week will determine how steep the drop will be.

In other findings from the poll:
· Voters believe K-12 public education is closely tied to the economy and jobs. About four-out-of-five (82%) say having a strong K-12 public education system is “very important” to Tennessee’s economy.

· Voters are mixed in their views on the quality of K-12 public schools. Fewer than half (45%) believe K-12 public education in Tennessee is moving in the right direction while about one-third (34%) believe it is headed in the wrong direction.

· Voters are upbeat about Tennessee’s Race to the Top win. Only one-third of voters (36%) know about the federal competition to improve public education. But when informed about the Volunteer State’s winning bid, more than three-quarters (76%) say they are more optimistic about education reform.

· Voters remain undecided on some key reform measures. Specifically, 40% of voters are unsure about charter schools and 26% are unsure about Tennessee’s new law requiring that half of a teacher’s evaluation be based on student performance.

For more details on the poll, see the complete two-page summary attached in PDF format or online at www.tnscore.org.