TEACHER TESTS Tennessee students aren’t the only ones getting new, more rigorous assessments — soon, aspiring teachers in the state might be, too. Chalkbeat
CHANGING NEIGHBORHOOD On this WKNO's Education Report, Chalkbat reporter Katie Kull explains how several downtown schools could face an enrollment problem due to the delayed closing of the Foote Homes housing project in Memphis. Memphis Public Radio
FIGHT BLIGHT A Shelby County group is working to clean up 22 schools in blighted areas. WREG-TV
MISSING THE GRADE Nearly 30 percent of Hamilton County teachers are considered least effective by state measures, and many of these teachers are in the district's predominantly poor and minority classrooms. Chattanooga Times Free Press
RELIGION POLICY The Williamson County School Board will vote Monday on a policy required by a new state law that seeks to prevent religious indoctrination in Tennessee schools. The Tennessean, Patch.com
NASHVILLE CHARTER The Metro Development and Housing Agency plans to build a $22 million elementary charter school for the politically connected nonprofit the Martha O’Bryan Center — a controversial component of the widely lauded plan to redevelop the James A. Cayce Homes. The Tennessean
PASSING GRADE A new law requiring high school students to take a civics test does not mandate they get a passing grade for graduation, according to a "guidance" message from the Tennessee Department of Education to public school system directors. Knoxville News Sentinel
A FIX Metro Nashville Public Schools are assigning more accurate bus routes to try to fix recent transportation woes. The Tennessean
ACTIVE MINDS Kingsport City Schools is incorporating new ways to help students be more active at school in an effort to meet a new Tennessee law that requires kids get more physical activity in school. WJHL-TV
FEEDING STUDENTS A Jackson inner-faith organization will be host a“Pack the Bus” food drive for the Snack Backpack program to help feed hungry school children over the weekends. The Jackson Sun
FOR LOVE OF MUSIC Scott County jeweler finds creative way to aid after-school music program. Kingsport Times-News
NEW BEGINNING Editorial: Stories abound in Memphis as new school year begins. Memphis Daily News