What do Memphis schools need to improve? Here’s what local experts say.

Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) faces pressure to enhance student achievement amid ongoing debates over district control in federal court. While experts agree on the need for a long-term, public plan that remains stable amidst frequent superintendent turnover, opinions diverge on specific strategies. Joshua Glazer, an education policy professor at George Washington University, emphasizes the importance of a unified curriculum and classroom structure district-wide.

However, Liz Marable of the United Education Association of Shelby County advocates for universal pre-kindergarten and smaller class sizes. Cardell Orrin of Stand for Children stresses the necessity of increased investment in small-group literacy tutoring. Mark Sturgis, founder of Seeding Success, argues for systemic change, including school closures to better allocate resources.

Sturgis contends that the district's unchanged footprint necessitates consolidation or rebuilding of certain schools. He also highlights that local school boards may not be the primary reason for school closures, attributing this to long-standing disinvestment and lack of support for communities. State-supported advocacy groups like Memphis Lift and Together4Students have backed state takeover efforts, but Orrin contends that city, county, and state leaders should examine their role in community support or lack thereof.