The scoring system changed, but the overall results for Memphis and Shelby County are the same in one respect: the county system gets better marks than the city system.
The Tennessee Department of Education finally issued its long-delayed 2010 Report Card, with a major adjustment to the scoring system to make it harder and more in line with national standards.
Shelby County Schools got grades of “A” in math (55), science (56), social studies (58), and reading/language (55) for grades 3-8. The raw scores are in parentheses. The average ACT score was 21.
Memphis City Schools got grades of “D” in math (40), and “F” in science (35), social studies (38), and reading/language (38). The average ACT score was 16.6.
The state average grade and score was “C” in math (49), “C” in science (49), “B” in social studies (51), and “C” in reading/language (49). The average ACT score was 19.6.
Shelby County Schools have 53 schools and 47,342 students, of whom 16,995 (37 percent) are listed as economically disadvantaged. Per-pupil spending is $8,439.
Memphis City Schools have 187 schools and 103,593 students, of whom 89,784 (87 percent) are economically disadvantaged. Per-pupil spending is $10,767.
Complete report cards are on the Tennessee Department of Education website.
