Math, science prep school proposed

Bredesen suggests state dorm in Tullahoma

By CLAUDETTE RILEY
Staff Writer, Tennessean.com
January 27, 2006

In an effort to give left-brained students a leg up, Gov. Phil Bredesen wants to establish a residential math and science high school where some of the state's top students can get even smarter.

Bredesen announced yesterday that his proposed 2006-07 budget, being submitted to the General Assembly early next month, will include $1 million to develop the idea, pay for startup and begin transforming space at the University of Tennessee Space Institute in Tullahoma into classrooms and dormitories for students.

If approved, the public high school would open its doors in fall 2007 with up to 40 juniors and 40 seniors selected through a competitive application process.

"At the moment, it's an idea," Bredesen said yesterday, addressing a joint meeting of the Tennessee Higher Education Commission and the state Board of Education. "I'd like to see it explored."

Admission standards and curriculum for the residential high school would be developed with input from the University of Tennessee and its education partners at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The aim of the high school is to give bright students from all income levels the opportunity to explore in high school top-notch research, inventions and advances.

The idea was praised by educators at the joint meeting, although some quickly pointed out that the impact might be limited of a high school only affecting 80 or so students a year, unless it serves as a teacher training and curriculum laboratory.

Sen. Mark Norris, R-Collierville, said he supports strengthening math and science education but questions whether this proposal is the best approach.

"Eighty students in Tullahoma? It's not even a drop in the bucket with what we're dealing with here in Shelby County," said Norris, who wants more help for urban school systems. "There's no question that math and science programs need attention, but we are trying to create new schools where the most disadvantaged students live, not pack them up and send them away."

Others suggested that if the Midstate location is successful, similar high schools should be set up at both ends of the state.

"I'd be interested in seeing the competition that develops," said James Ayers, a member of the state Board of Education. "It's a great idea for the state of Tennessee, one that I hadn't thought of."

Mary Maupin, a senior at Hunters Lane High in Metro, said the idea of a residential high school focused on math and science appeals to her.

"It would give you good opportunities," said Maupin, 18. "You could accomplish more by living there. If you're in a dorm you'd have more one-on-one time with students and teachers."

But the high-achieving student, who plans to go into dentistry, said it wouldn't be right for every student.

"Upperclassmen would want to do that. They're more mature," she said, noting that living away from home is a big deal at that age. "The only bad thing is people missing their families."

At least a dozen states, including many of Tennessee's neighbors, have a residential high school for math and science. Many of them are tuition-free but charge for room and board. It's unclear what fees, if any, would be associated with this proposed high school.

"It raises the bar. It rewards excellence," said Eleanor Yoakum, a THEC member from Knoxville.

"It sends the message that the state is going to expect more."