Four FSD Schools Earn “Reward School” Status

With the release of accountability data for the 2023-24 school year, the Franklin Special District proudly announces that half of the FSD schools were named Reward Schools. The following schools achieved Reward School status from the Tennessee Department of Education:

• Franklin Elementary
• Liberty Elementary
• Moore Elementary
• Poplar Grove Elementary

“We are thrilled to celebrate these schools for earning the prestigious Reward designation,” said Dr. David Snowden, Director of Schools. “This accomplishment reflects exceptional achievement, strong attendance, and remarkable growth—a truly impressive milestone.”

All of these schools are repeat awardees – Franklin Elementary and Poplar Grove Elementary have been recognized as Reward Schools since 2021. Liberty Elementary was also recognized as a Reward School in 2023, while Moore Elementary last received this designation in 2022.
To receive the Reward School distinction, schools must earn at least a 3.1 overall score on the 4-point accountability scale. The overall score includes TCAP student achievement, TCAP growth, chronic absenteeism reduction, and ELPA (English Language Proficiency Assessment) growth. These results are calculated for all students and subgroups, including racial/ethnic groups and students with disabilities. These four FSD schools earned the marks necessary in all four areas to be honored as Reward Schools.

At the district accountability level, the FSD received the Advancing designation (the second highest level). Like the school formula, district accountability is calculated based on student achievement, growth, chronic absenteeism, and ELPA (English Language Proficiency Assessment) growth for all students and subgroups.

“The outstanding efforts of our students, teachers, support staff, and administrators are evident,” Snowden said. “While designations are meaningful and a source of pride, they don’t tell the full story of our district. This year, every FSD school performed significantly above the state average in every tested subject—a trend we’ve maintained for many years. At the same time, we recognize that even high-performing schools have areas for growth. We are committed to a rigorous analysis of our data at the school and district levels to celebrate our strengths and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.”

He added that state test data –  as well as results from the district’s own benchmark testing – provides valuable data to inform district and school practices.  “As a district, we are deeply committed to using data to drive our decisions and improve outcomes for every student,” Snowden said. “State testing data, combined with our own benchmark assessments, provide us with a comprehensive picture of student progress. This information is invaluable in ensuring that our district and school-level practices are aligned to support student success.”