State Senator Andy Berke is questioning taxpaying funding to a for-profit Tennessee school that draws students from all over the state and whose students are showing "a dismal performance."
“This is a case of government letting down our students and our taxpayers,” Senator Berke said. “It defies common sense.”
The Tennessee Virtual Academy is owned and operated by K12 Inc., an out-of-state corporation, and its test scores are among the lowest in the state. School districts receive state funding based on enrollment. When a student transfers to the virtual academy, state funding for that student leaves the local district and goes to K12, he noted.
A letter was sent to legislative leaders Wednesday "demanding accountability."
He said the most recent state accountability measures "show how K12, Inc. is failing students":
? The Tennessee Virtual Academy scored the lowest possible TVAAS score, which shows whether a student increased or decreased academic growth.
? Only 11 percent of schools in Tennessee scored in that category, putting them “significantly below expectations,” according to the Department of Education.
? A value-added index of -25.27, which ranks “near the bottom of the bottom.”
? Only 16.4 percent of students scored proficient or advanced in math on state TCAP tests.
“I believe every child deserves an excellent education,” Senator Berke said in the letter. “The poor scores on academic achievement show K12 does not fulfill our expectations. Our accountability as lawmakers is to students, parents, and taxpayers in Tennessee, and we must make sure dollars go to work in the classroom.”