Metro Nashville Public Schools

Teaching & Learning in Metro Schools

Metro Nashville Public Schools’ Academics team is committed to supporting a high-quality education for every student, every day. All instruction is aligned to the Tennessee State Academic Standards and taught according to the MNPS instructional framework.  

To ensure all students meet their focused outcomes, they are provided supports, as needed, through a Multi-tiered System of Support (MTSS).  It is our goal to ensure all students realize their fullest potential toward becoming an MNPS Ready Graduate prepared for post-secondary success.

Instructional Framework

The MNPS Instructional Framework defines teaching and learning in every classroom across the district. It is built on the belief that classroom experiences should give students the opportunity to make meaning and build knowledge . Creativity, critical thinking, communication and collaboration are a part of every aspect of our curriculum.

Tennessee State Standards

All instruction in MNPS is standards-based and follows the grade- or course-level standards as adopted by the Tennessee State Board of Education. Teachers identify focused and targeted learning goals based on these standards. These goals and their corresponding success criteria must be communicated with students so that students can own their learning and track progress toward them.

Multi-Tiered System of Support 

We know our students each have a unique set of needs, and the teaching and learning in our classrooms reflects that. Through our Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) framework, educators and administrators have proven tools at their disposal to support a timely and effective response to academic and behavioral needs for every student. 

How MTSS Works

All schools have dedicated MTSS teams, representative of teachers and leaders throughout the building. These teams meet and discuss students who may need additional supports and review each student’s supporting data.

Data-based Decision Making

• Teams of educators work together to make data-based decisions for the school and for each individual student. MTSS data teams meet every five weeks, in each school, to identify students who may need additional supports and interventions. These teams monitor students’ progress and adjust plans as needed.

• The MTSS Universal Screening Process provides a starting point for identification of students who may need additional support through the use of nationally normed assessments.  MNPS uses multiple sources of data in the screening process: 
  • Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Assessment: standards-based screening 
  • Formative Assessment System for Teachers (FAST): curriculum-based measures used for skills-based screening and monitoring progress 
  • Diagnostic assessments: various assessments used as needed to guide instruction to meet student needs 

Personalized Learning Time (PLT)

• Every day in every school, our schools honor Personalized Learning Time (PLT), during which students can receive extra supports based on their individual needs, including Tier II or Tier III services, Special Education interventions or general supports with instruction, English Language and enrichment. This time gives our teachers and school leaders the space they need to support our students with their most important job: learning.