Log in Subscribe

Schools CEO Garrett guest of Democrats

By ZOË HAGGARD - zhaggard@t-g.com
Posted 8/26/21

Bedford County Democratic Women held a community forum Monday featuring guest speaker Dr. Tammy Garrett, director of Bedford County Schools.  

Even though Bedford schools have done well …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Schools CEO Garrett guest of Democrats

Posted

Bedford County Democratic Women held a community forum Monday featuring guest speaker Dr. Tammy Garrett, director of Bedford County Schools.  

Even though Bedford schools have done well in growth, Garrett emphasized the need to improve proficiency, which is based on how the schools did on standard tests.  

“Our students have been impacted, especially our students that are in different subgroups, like black students, English language learners, special education students. Those are the students who were impacted the most as we looked at test scores,” said Garrett.  

Early learners have also been impacted the most this past year, with standards showing that many are missing out on basic applications, such as segmenting sounds, according to Garrett. But Bedford’s goal, Garrett said, is to exceed the state average on standard tests.  

One way of accomplishing this is through tutoring, which is being state and federally funded, Garrett assured.  

“So, over the next three years we are going to have lots of money for tutoring. And it’s happening at high-dosage, low ratio, which is one of the most effective things to do,” said Garrett.  

Studies show tutoring is most effective when the focus is put on one to three students at a time. Garrett encouraged the meeting attendees to sign up to become a tutor. Rates are $35/hour and include subjects of science, social studies, math, and language arts.  

The question was raised if substitutes would be paid more, and Garrett responded saying it was something they were looking into. Bedford pays subs $55/day. But Tullahoma, for example, pays $100.  

Garrett also said the schools’ goal is to increase graduation rates. Hispanic males, for example, have the lowest graduation rate. Garrett said they’re looking to provide more work-study programs, working alongside Nashville Hub Learning Academies, as well as providing more dual-enrollment and the ability to get certified at TCAT while in high school. Such solutions are how Nashville increased their numbers, according to Garrett.  

She also told the group how there are 800 students in portables, most prominently at East Side and Eakin elementary schools. Garrett said her number one goal is to get those students out of portables as they are not ideally safe locations and do not provide adequate internet access.  

The County is looking to purchase land for a new elementary school to accommodate growth around the 41A to Fairfield by-pass area.  

As for the virtual schools, there are 64 enrolled in 3rd through 8th. Garrett said she was hoping for closer to 130 enrollees.  

On September 7, COVID-19 count and case numbers in the schools will be released on their website, Garrett said.  

“I am very excited to be in Bedford County...I have received so much support. I think we have one of the best administration teams around,” said Garrett.  

She said she is passionate about public schools because “I know what we do will change lives.”