The Ayers Foundation Blog

Janet Ayers Participates in SCORE Panel

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 09 Feb 2013 01:39:00 +0000

Ayers Foundation President, Janet Ayers was a panelist at a press conference for SCORE, on February 5th in Nashville. The conference discussed higher standards for teachers and was covered by Nashville area media. To read more, click the links below.

From The Tennessean:

Group seeks tougher academic, licensing standards for teachers

Written by

Lisa Fingeroot

The Tennessean

Less than a week after state education officials linked better ACT scores to teacher effectiveness, an education advocacy group is calling for teaching candidates to face tougher academicstandards before starting their own studies.

The State Collaborative on Reforming Education, or SCORE, recommended on Tuesday that public universities and colleges raise standards for students entering teaching programs. The group also recommends tougher teacher licensing policies.

SCORE noted that some schools admit and graduate teachers who scored less than 15 on the ACT college admissions exam — a score near the bottom of all students taking the test.

To read more of the Tennessean story, click this link: http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2013302060127

Pictured (L-R)

· Representative Beth Harwell, Speaker of the House for the Tennessee State House of Representatives

· Kevin Huffman, Commissioner of Education for the State of Tennessee

· Kandi Hill-Clarke, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at the Tennessee Board of Regents

· Allyson Chick, 2012-13 Tennessee Teacher of the Year

· Janet Ayers, President- Ayers Foundation

View The News Channel 5 Video Coverage:

http://www.wtvf.com/story/20973379/score-report-helps-schools-make-the-grade

For additional information, visit the SCORE website - http://www.tnscore.org

Lipscomb's Ayers Institute lands $1.2M gran

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 16:02:00 +0000

Lipscomb's Ayers Institute lands $1.2M grant

THEC monies to help faculty prepare new teachers for new math standards

Published August 29, 2012 by NashvillePost.c...

The Ayers Institute for Teacher Learning and Innovation within Lipscomb University’s College of Education has secured a $1.2 million grant to improve teacher performance and student outcomes throughout Tennessee.

The grant, announced Monday and secured from the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, comes on the heels of the institute's founding this past April.

With the money, the Ayers Institute can create resources for university faculty to use when preparing new teachers to employ the national and state-adopted Common Core Standards. Previously, THEC highlighted Lipscomb in the 2011 Report Card on the Effectiveness of Teacher Training Programs as one of the state’s three top performing teacher preparation programs in that year.

The THEC grant brings the Ayers Institute funding to $2.2 million to be spent over five years. The Ayers Institute has already hired a program director for Common Core programs and has convened a Common Core Advisory Board made up of representatives from higher education institutions throughout Tennessee.

Candice McQueen serves as dean of LU’s College of Education and as interim director of the Ayers Institute.

“The Tennessee Higher Education Commission is excited to partner with the Ayers … on this important endeavor,” Dr. Richard G. Rhoda, THEC executive director said in a release. “This program will ensure that future teachers are prepared to help students learn on the first day in the classroom.”

Ayers Institute awarded $1.2 million THEC grant to work with Common Core Standards

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 15:57:00 +0000

Ayers Institute awarded $1.2 million THEC grant to work with Common Core Standards

By Janel Shoun-Smith on 8/28/2012

Less than four months after its establishment, the Ayers Institute for Teacher Learning and Innovation within Lipscomb University’s College of Education has secured a million-dollar grant to advance its mission to improve teacher performance and student outcomes throughout Tennessee.
The Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) has awarded a $1.2 million contract to Lipscomb’s Ayers Institute to create resources for university faculty to use when preparing new teachers to employ the national and state-adopted Common Core Standards. Previously THEC highlighted Lipscomb in the 2011 Report Card on the Effectiveness of Teacher Training Programs as one of the state’s three top performing teacher preparation programs in that year.
The THEC grant brings the Ayers Institute funding to $2.2 million to be spent over five years.
“The Tennessee Higher Education Commission is excited to partner with the Ayers Institute for Teacher Learning and Innovation at Lipscomb University on this important endeavor. This program will ensure that future teachers are prepared to help students learn on the first day in the classroom” said Dr. Richard G. Rhoda, executive director of the Tennessee Higher Education Commission.
“The Ayers family has an impeccable reputation for increasing student achievement in the state through the Ayers Foundation Scholars Program. Additionally, Lipscomb University has proven itself to be a leader in teacher preparation. This combination of partners will foster an environment focused on improved quality and sustained achievement in all of the teacher training programs in the state.”
The Common Core Standards, now adopted by 45 states including Tennessee, are a set of academic standards developed by leaders in several states and endorsed by the federal government to ensure that every student graduates high school prepared for college or the workforce, regardless of the state in which they live. Tennessee schools began implementation of Common Core Standards in both math and English/language arts for grades K-2 in the 2011-12 school year.
“The Common Core Standards seek to shift instruction away from superficial coverage of material and toward an approach that encourages deeper, conceptual understanding and critical thinking. These standards are going to change the way everything is done in the classroom, from instructional tasks to testing,” said Candice McQueen, dean of Lipscomb’s College of Education and interim director of the Ayers Institute. “University faculty members are an important first link in the chain of success under these new academic standards. They will be preparing new teachers who have never operated under other academic standards.”
“If we want our new teachers to achieve greater student achievement through Common Core, then the faculty who prepare them must be fully prepared. Access to models of excellent instruction are a must.”
To lead this statewide effort to produce these models for the teachers of teachers, the Ayers Institute and Lipscomb’s College of Education, THEC and the Tennessee Association of Colleges of Teacher Education (TACTE) have selected representatives from higher education institutions throughout the state to serve on a 12-member Higher Education Common Core Advisory Board. The board, convened by the Ayers Institute, met in July to begin the development process.
As with many of the Ayers Institute’s professional development products, the Common Core preparation programs will largely be full-length video modules that model Common Core lessons and are accessible for free online. The Ayers Institute will be one of the only resources in the nation offering such centralized information for teacher preparation with a facilitator’s guide for faculty and statewide training.
Common complaints heard from teachers is that while resources are available on the Internet, there is no guarantee they are quality controlled and searching for them is too difficult and time-consuming to do on a regular basis. The primary mission of the Ayers Institute is to serve as a central clearinghouse of resources for teachers – one that ensures quality information and ease in navigation, said McQueen.
The Ayers Institute plans to debut its first online professional development resources for teacher preparation programs in early 2013 with statewide training to follow.
McQueen and the new Ayers Institute Program Director for Common Core, Jennifer Hill, are already intimately involved in helping Tennessee transition to the Common Core Standards. Both serve in the Educator Leader Cadre from Tennessee for the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) Consortium, a 23-state group working to develop national tests for students, based on the new Common Core Standards.
By 2014, Tennessee students will no longer be filling in multiple choice bubbles on theTennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) Achievement Test tests, said McQueen. Achievement tests under the new Common Core Standards will be taken on computer and will require students to show more critical thinking, problem-solving and analysis with greater constructive response, she said.
McQueen was also recently called on by SCORE (State Collaborative on Reforming Education), to participate in two conferences to prepare local educators and leaders for the transition to Common Core. She discussed how important the Core Standards are to Tennessee students and ways that higher education could partner with K-12 systems to support the work of raising academic standards.

Higher Education Institutions represented on the Common Core Advisory Board

Vanderbilt University
Austin Peay State University
University of Memphis
University of Tennessee at Martin
East Tennessee State University
Cumberland University
Christian Brothers University
Middle Tennessee State University
University of Tennessee at Knoxville
Lee University
Lipscomb University/Ayers Institute (ex-officio)
Tennessee Board of Regents (ex-officio)

About the Ayers Institute for Teacher Learning and Innovation

In April 2012, Lipscomb University, along with its partner the Ayers Foundation, established the Ayers Institute for Teacher Learning and Innovation, to serve as a clearinghouse for best practices in training teacher-leaders and school leaders who will positively impact student outcomes; for improving teacher practice through individualized professional development; and for developing innovative educational ideas.

The Ayers Institute draws on knowledge gained by the Lipscomb College of Education in a nationally recognized individualized professional development program developed for Cameron Middle School in Nashville and other strategies developed for a variety of schools through Race to the Top funding.

The College of Education launched the Ayers Institute with a $1 million gift from James and Janet Ayers through the Ayers Foundation.

The primary goals of the Ayers Institute are to equip teachers with tools to improve classroom performance, to cultivate a statewide corps of principals and instructional teacher-leaders who promote a culture of effective teacher mentorship in the schools they serve, and to contribute expertise and proven change models to the dialogue on education reform.

About THEC

The Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) was created in 1967 by the Tennessee General Assembly (TCA 49-7-202) for the purpose of coordinating and supporting the efforts of post-secondary institutions in the State of Tennessee. One of its statutory requirements is to create a master plan for the development of public higher education in Tennessee.

The commission coordinates two systems of higher education: the University of Tennessee institutions and the state universities, community colleges, and technology centers.

THEC’s goal for Tennessee's twenty-first century system of higher education is to elevate the overall educational attainment of citizens in the state through increased accessibility to institutions and to prepare citizens responsibly for success in the new century by providing high quality teaching and research in an environment that serves the needs of its consumers.

THE AYERS FOUNDATION CELEBRATES THE CLASS OF 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 21 May 2012 01:45:00 +0000

If you were anywhere just west of middle Tennessee the past two weeks of May, you may have heard shouts going up! Scott’s Hill High School in Reagan, Riverside High School in Decarturville and Perry County High School in Linden were the sites of The Ayers Foundation End of Year Celebrations for the Class of 2012.

Graduating seniors and their parents were guests of Jim and Janet Ayers at these annual celebrations hosted by The Ayers Foundation. When the program first began the celebration was held as a banquet in a central location. With the growth in the number of schools and scholars and with the emphasis on the students these have become individualized events at the student’s school with their accomplishments being the focal point of the event. The combined total of attendance was over 800! Mr. and Mrs. Ayers addressed each group of students in person and surprised the attendees with a personal video message from Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam.

Graduating seniors are offered last dollar scholarships from the Ayers Foundation to pursue post-secondary education in the amount of up to $4,000 per year, up to 4 years. In addition The Ayers Foundation employs in each of the schools a College Access Counselor who works with the students starting with their freshman year in high school and until they complete their post-secondary education. With this year’s graduating class, this fall the Ayers’ scholars will total almost 800 students enrolled in some form of post-secondary education.

Scotts Hill High / Ayers Foundation Scholars - Class of 2012

Over 2000 students have been awarded scholarships since the program began in 1999. The total contribution of the Ayers’ scholarships is over $10 million and outside scholarships totaling over $20 million. The original goal of the program was for 75% of the graduating seniors to continue their education past high school – now that number is reaching almost 90% of the students attending post-secondary educational institutions. The Ayers program attributes this great success primarily to the counselors employed by the program and the excellent working relationship with the school system and the community as a whole.

Riverside High / Ayers Foundation Scholars - Class of 2012

In his address to the students, Jim Ayers challenged the students to realize how the decisions they make at this point in life will have an affect over their lives for the next 60+ years. Ayers Foundation president, Janet Ayers encouraged the students with Jeremiah 29:11 and a life with hope and a future. The charge to the students was that it is now their choice of what to do with this great opportunity. Jim Ayers exclaimed
“while we have given each of you something tonight, we are also taking something from you …the excuse that you could not afford to continue your education”.

Perry County High / Ayers Foundation Scholars - Class of 2012

Governor Haslam’s video message was delivered through a special text code to the students to use on their cell phones. Haslam congratulated the students on their graduation stating “Today marks the end of one journey, but the beginning of a new adventure – your first one as a full-fledged adult. Today, I set a challenge for you to be life-long learners! A student for life”. Haslam also thanked Jim and Janet Ayers and The Ayers Foundation for their work to make education accessible to young people in Tennessee.

Perry County / Haslam

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 17 May 2012 14:21:00 +0000

The Ayers Foundation congratulates all 2012 graduates!

Special greetings go to the Perry County High School recipients of the Ayers Foundation Scholarships.

Click the link below to hear a special message of encouragement from Governor Bill Haslam to the Class of 2012!

Perry County High School:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDWpgf8s53c&feature=youtu.be

VIDEO: JIM & JANET AYERS ADDRESS TO PERRY COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 17 May 2012 14:18:00 +0000

Jim and Janet Ayers address to Perry County High School students about inclusion in the Ayers Foundation Scholarship program continues to gain momentum! We've attached a video clip of the announcement if you'd like to view it:

Jim Ayers Announcement (Edited - 5:24)

SPECIAL GREETINGS TO THE RIVERSIDE HIGH SCHOOL AYERS FOUNDATION SCHOLARS OF 2012!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 15 May 2012 11:42:00 +0000

The Ayers Foundation congratulates all 2012 graduates!

Special greetings go to the Riverside High School recipients of the Ayers Foundation Scholarships.

Click the link below to hear a special message of encouragement from Governor Bill Haslam to the Class of 2012!

Riverside High School:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyLyp9hLznw&feature=youtu.be

JACKSON SUN COMMENTS ON AYERS FOUNDATION ANNOUNCEMENT TO PERRY COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 10 May 2012 21:09:00 +0000

The Ayers Foundation’s Perry County announcement had a story run in the Jackson Sun. Click the Link below and tab over to page 3:

http://www.jacksonsun.com/article/20120510/NEWS01/305100003/Briefly-Bus-accident-Steering-committee-find-land-veterans-cemetery-near-Madison-Wine-Down-Alley-set-tonight-

Ayers Foundation to expand scholarship program in Perry

Nashville banker Jim Ayers will expand The Ayers Foundation Scholars Program to high school graduates in Perry County, providing students with up to $4,000 per year for four years in order to pursue additional education, according to a news release.

Ayers announced the program expansion to students at an assembly at Perry County High School this morning.

“We have had great success with the Ayers Scholars Program in Decatur and Henderson counties,” Ayers said in the release. “More than 90 percent of high school graduates there are going on to pursue some kind of additional education. Part of the reason for that success rate is that we have been able to take the cost of higher educationaway as a barrier for students and their families.”

Since its inception in 1999, The Ayers Foundation Scholars Program has awarded more than 2,000 scholarships to high school graduates at Riverside and Scotts Hill high schools.

In addition to the annual scholarships, the program will contribute funding for the high school guidance counselor, who will assist students and their families in seeking out additional grants and scholarships in order to reduce the financial burden on families.

Janet Ayers, president of The Ayers Foundation, said she expects about $130,000 in Ayers scholarship funds will be combined with nearly $600,000 in other grants and scholarships for Perry County students in the first year of the program. According to school statistics, about 68 percent of Perry County grads now pursue postsecondary education opportunities. Janet Ayers said the goal for the class of 2012 will be to bring that rate up to 88 percent.

AYERS FOUNDATION SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT FOR PERRY COUNTY HIGH

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 10 May 2012 01:40:00 +0000

Jim Ayers addresses Perry County High audience.

Jim and Janet Ayers of the Ayers Foundation made an exciting announcement today to students and leaders at Perry County High School. Ayers Foundation Scholarships will be made available beginning with this years graduating class and continue with future classes. The scholarships are four-year awards that can be used toward tuition at Tennessee Universities or Trade Schools of the student's choice. The announcement was met with a big round of applause!

Jim Ayers is originally from the area, and has a passion to help students from the county in pursuing their education. The Ayers have a home in the area, and operate a branch of their First Bank in nearby Linden. Ayers never forgets where he comes from and enjoys being able to give back to his communities.

Nashville's WKRN - Channel 2's Chris Bungaard covered the event. For more on this story, including broadcast video and additional photos, visit the WKRN website:
http://www.wkrn.com/story/18246929/foundation-provides-scholarships-to-all-perry-co-hs-graduates

Janet and Jim Ayers with Perry County High School Seniors.

JANET AYERS GUEST KEYNOTE FOR REAGAN GIVING CIRCLE LUNCHEON

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 09 May 2012 02:58:00 +0000

Tuesday, May 1, Ayers Foundation President - Janet Ayers - was invited to be Keynote Speaker for the first Reagan Giving Circle Scholarship luncheon at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, TN. The Circle awarded scholarships to ten young women who are students at APSU.

In her Keynote address, Ayers spoke about two of her life passions - Giving back, and education. She cited Bible scriptures Luke 12:48 and Jeremiah 29:11, speaking about responsibility and hope.

"Good management is not doing things right, but doing the right thing!" said Ayers. "From a business perspective, it is imperative that community and business are intertwined in order for either to thrive and grow." she continued: "The Reagan Giving Circle embodies the spirit of individual giving, leveraged by the strength of many women focused on a common purpose. THAT is a powerful combination."

The luncheon also honored retired Dean of the College of Business, Dr. Carmen Reagan. Reagan served as an educator for thirty years, and was the first female Dean of Austin Peay's College of Business.

Dr. Reagan began her teaching career in Mississippi in the late 1960's and joined the teaching staff of Austin Peay in 1988. She quickly became known for her wisdom, intellect and warmth. Dr. Reagan has had significant impact on the Clarksville community through her service on various boards and her philanthropy.

For more information on the luncheon, click the link below:

http://www.clarksvillenow.com/pages/13015379.php

UPDATE! SPECIAL GREETING TO THE AYERS FOUNDATION SCHOLARS OF 2012 - SCOTTS HILL HIGH SCHOOL

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 08 May 2012 03:18:00 +0000

The Ayers Foundation congratulates all 2012 graduates!
Special greetings go to the Scotts Hill High School recipients of the Ayers Foundation Scholarships.
Click the link below to hear a special message of encouragement from Governor Bill Haslam to the Class of 2012!

Scotts Hill High School:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvwPusn9k9g&feature=youtu.be

SPECIAL CELEBRATION FOR SCOTTS HILL HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2012!

Scotts Hill High School in Reagan, Tennessee celebrated an important day in the lives of its 2012 senior class on Tuesday, May 8. Students, their families and school leaders attended the annual End of Year Celebration hosted by The Ayers Foundation. With an audience of over 300, Dr. Brian Norton congratulated the class on their accomplishments so far and the great opportunities that are available to them.

Through the work of The Ayers Scholars Program, which includes the full time services of a College Access Counselor (Belinda Reed), almost 90% of Scotts Hill seniors plan on pursuing some form of post-secondary education? The Ayers Scholars Program will be providing $400,000 in scholarships and the counselor has helped the students secure additional scholarships of almost 1.5 million dollars.

Founder Jim Ayers in his address to the students challenged each of them to realize how the decisions they make at this point in life will have an effect on the quality of their lives over the next 60+ years. Ayers encouraged the students to take advantage of their Ayers’ scholarships and the excuse of not being able to afford to continue their education had been eliminated.

A surprise for each Ayers Foundation Scholar is a video greeting from Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam, congratulating the students on their graduation. “Today marks the end of one journey, but the beginning of a new adventure – your first one as a full- fledged adult” Haslam remarked. “Today, I set a challenge for you to be a life-long learner! A student for life” the Governor exclaimed. Haslam also thanked Jim and Janet Ayers and The Ayers Foundation for their work since 1999 to make education accessible to young people.

AYERS FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF NEW INSTITUTE WITH LIPSCOMB UNIVERSITY

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 03 May 2012 02:38:00 +0000

Friday, April 27, The Ayers Foundation held a press conference at Lipscomb University, with University officials announcing a new teacher development program in partnership with The Ayers Foundation.

Through a $1 million gift from James and Janet Ayers to Lipscomb’s College of Education, The Ayers Institute for Teacher Learning and Innovation will place emphasis on helping educators in rural school systems and troubled schools in Tennessee. Institute programs will begin fall of 2012, according to Lipscomb’s College of Education.

Ayers foundation President, Janet Ayers delivered a keynote address expressing how the new Ayers Institute will focus on improving teacher performance and student outcomes across the state. Ayers said, “The institute will be a great resource for our schools, particularly those with smaller professional development budgets, and will help develop innovative practices to sustain education reform in our state. There will be particular emphasis on development in turn-around schools, teachers and rural school systems. When everyone is working together, great things can happen.”

Ayers also noted; “We need to cultivate a culture of excellence among our teachers and school leaders, and a deeper appreciation of the value of learning in students and the community at large. We all know there is no competitive advantage to being average!” Ayers comment drew a standing ovation from the conference attendees.

“We have found through our research and work with local school systems that one of the best ways to improve teaching and learning in the classroom is to provide educators with specific professional development based on their individual needs. When practicing educators are continually supported through tailored enhancement programs and armed with innovative teaching techniques, students have a greater opportunity to be successful,” said Candice McQueen, dean of the College of Education. “We are excited that this new partnership embodied in the Ayers Institute for Teacher Learning and Innovation will allow us to expand those opportunities for teachers and students across the state, especially in areas that need it the most.”

For additional information and articles on the press conference and the newly formed Ayers Institute at Lipscomb University, click the following links:

The Tennesean:

http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120502/OPINION03/305020096/Lipscomb-Ayers-put-focus-teachers?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7COpinion%7Cp

http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120427/NEWS/304270087/Lipscomb-gets-1-mil-launch-new-teacher-program?odyssey=nav%7Chead

The Examiner:

http://www.examiner.com/article/lipscomb-unveils-new-institute-partnership-with-the-ayers-foundation-1

Nashville Post:

http://nashvillepost.com/blogs/postbusiness/2012/4/27/lu_launches_ayers_institute

Lipscomb.edu:

http://www.lipscomb.edu/www/Filter/Item/848/24147

Janet Ayers - President, The Ayers Foundation, addresses the press conference at Lipscomb University April 27, 2012.

James and Janet Ayers of The Ayers Foundation, listen as Lipscomb University announces the new Ayers Institute.

The Ayers Foundation was created in 1999 in Parsons, Tennessee to improve the quality of life in Tennessee with a focus on education, conservation and social welfare.

Education Week Article

noreply@blogger.com (The Ayers Foundation) — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 23:09:00 +0000

Susan Rhodes, The Ayers Foundation Scholars Program Counselor at Perry County High School, was interviewed recently by the publication "Education Week". In this article, Ms. Rhodes spoke about college access for rural students and the challenges they face. Click here to read the entire article, Helping Rural Students Leap Cultural Hurdles to College.

Rural Education Roadmap

noreply@blogger.com (The Ayers Foundation) — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 18:08:00 +0000

SCORE AND PARTNERS RELEASE RURAL EDUCATION ROADMAP
Report Outlines Specific Recommendations to “Transform the Rural South”

(Nashville) - The State Collaborative on Reforming Education (SCORE) today released a report outlining specific recommendations to improve public education in rural communities in the South. The recommendations in Transforming the Rural South: A Roadmap to Improving Rural Education are based on research, best practices, and voices from rural communities across Tennessee and throughout the Southeast. The report, released jointly with the Ayers Foundation, Niswonger Foundation, Rural School and Community Trust, and the Tennessee School Boards Association, follows the Southeast Regional Rural Education Summit, which was held in Nashville on July 19-20, 2011.“In Tennessee and across the South, the success and economic vibrancy of our rural communities are critically tied to quality public education,” SCORE President and CEO Jamie Woodson said. “The priorities and action items detailed in this report serve to highlight not only what must happen inside the classroom and the school house, but also what needs to happen in the community to improve rural education.”The report outlines six priorities, with action items for each priority. The priorities include:
Highlighting the connection between education and economic development
Offering schools and districts more flexibility
Forming a pipeline of effective teachers
Using technology to meet instructional needs
Creating professional learning communities for administrators
Forming partnerships to enhance educational opportunities
The 34 action items in the report are targeted specifically to various education stakeholders. For example, school districts are encouraged to partner with nearby districts to recruit and retain highly effective teaching candidates who can serve as content specialists in critical subjects like reading and math across district lines. Local elected officials should make investing in public education the top priority to improve local economic development. The postsecondary community should enhance its teacher preparation programs to expose candidates to actual teaching settings in rural communities as a dual strategy to improve teacher effectiveness and recruitment to rural schools. Most importantly, business and community leaders should continue to stress the individual and community importance of obtaining a high school diploma and pursuing postsecondary training and education.“Rural communities face unique challenges in improving public education,” said Linda Irwin, Director of School Partnerships at the Niswonger Foundation. “This plan of action serves as a guiding document to give all stakeholders, from parents to school districts, a clear roadmap that is tailored to the unique rural environment.”The full report can be viewed here: http://www.tnscore.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/SCORE-Rural-Education-Roadmap.pdfThe State Collaborative on Reforming Education (SCORE) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works with state and local governments to encourage sound policy decisions in public education and advance innovative reform on a statewide basis.

Southeast Regional Rural Education Summit

noreply@blogger.com (The Ayers Foundation) — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 20:05:00 +0000

The Ayers Foundation was invited by SCORE (State Collaborative on Reforming Education) to participate in a two day summit that covered a variety of topics as they relate to Rural Education. Read this article for final thoughts about the conference.

Riverside High School End of Year Celebration

noreply@blogger.com (The Ayers Foundation) — Fri, 13 May 2011 15:16:00 +0000

More than 100 Riverside High School students were named Ayers Scholars during The Ayers Foundation annual End of Year Celebration Thursday. The Ayers Foundation provides last-dollar scholarships up to $4,000 per year to local high school students who wish to pursue post-secondary education. The Foundation also provides counselor support in an effort to make college more accessible to students. According to Bob Obrohta, Director of The Ayers Foundation Scholars Program, more than 85 percent of the 2011 class will be attending four year and two year institutions or technical schools. Nearly a dozen students plan to attend the local UT Martin Parsons Center.

Jim Ayers, who established The Ayers Foundation in 1999, spoke to graduates on the importance of becoming a success.“How you handle yourselves the next few years will determine the course of your life for the next sixty years,” Ayers told this year’s scholars. He encouraged them to study hard and get their degree, leading them on a path toward a successful life. “I want every one of you to promise yourselves,” he added. “This, you’re going to do right.” The Ayers Foundation has awarded more than $6 million in scholarships to more than 1000 students in the last 12 years.

Scott's Hill High School End of Year Celebration

noreply@blogger.com (The Ayers Foundation) — Wed, 11 May 2011 15:27:00 +0000

The Ayers Foundation Scholar's Program, now in its 12th successful year, hosted a celebration evening for the 2010 Ayers Foundation Scholars from Scott's Hill High School. Before The Ayers Foundation Scholars Program began less than 28% of students were attending a post secondary institution. Today, 96 percent go on to attend higher education after graduating. During the celebration, the 2010 graduates received personalized plaques from The Ayers Foundation. Bob Obrohta, Director of The Ayers Foundation Scholars Program and Belinda Reed, The Ayers Foundation Scholars Program Counselor from Scotts Hill High School presented the plaques. Belinda Reed also acknowledged scholarships that students have received from outside organizations and their future choice of college/university.

Jim Ayers, who founded The Ayers Foundation in 1999, challenged each student that the decisions they make right now will most likely affect the quality of their life for the next 60 years. "For tonight's purpose you are adults. One excuse has now been eliminated on whether or not you can continue your education - the excuse that you could not afford to go to school - but it is now up to each of you what you do with your future." stated Ayers.

The Ayers Foundation Offer Two Events for Teens

noreply@blogger.com (The Ayers Foundation) — Mon, 02 May 2011 14:58:00 +0000

The Ayers Foundation recently hosted two events for high school students in Decatur, Henderson and Perry County. Be Your Own Hero "More to this Life" and "Maxmizie Your Strength" events encourage teens to find balance and set goals for their future. The events took place in Decaturville, Tennessee on April 28th and 29th. To read more about this event, click here

Ayers Foundation mentioned in The Tennessean

noreply@blogger.com (The Ayers Foundation) — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 16:50:00 +0000

The Ayers Foundation was highlighted in a recent article entitled "College Completion Goal Elusive" which spoke to Tennessee's need to graduate more students and the important role that both state policy and the private sector can have to increase the number of graduates. Click here to read the article in its entirety.

2010 Statistical Dashboard

noreply@blogger.com (The Ayers Foundation) — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 19:19:00 +0000

The Ayers Scholars Program is constantly measuring and assessing the program's effectiveness. Post-secondary matriculation and enrollment trends, as well as retention rates, scholarship dollars and other sources of funding, are tracked using Ayers' own unique database specifically designed by and for the program. This data is provided to the Ayers Foundation Board of Directors in a Key Indicator Dashboard document quarterly. You can view the most recent dashboard here:

2010 End of Year Celebrations

noreply@blogger.com (The Ayers Foundation) — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 19:45:00 +0000

The Ayers Foundation hosted an End of Year Celebration for the 2010 Ayers Foundation Scholars and their families at both Scott's Hill High School and Riverside High School. Before the Ayers Foundation Scholars Program was offered, less than 30 percent of high school graduates were attending a four-year, two-year institution or a technical school after graduation. Today, over 90 percent go on to higher education after graduating.

Jim Ayers, Founder of The Ayers Foundation challenged each student that the decision they make right now will most likely affect the quality of their lives for the next 60 years. Ayers encouraged the students to make wise choices and to be successful in their post-secondary education.

The 2010 Ayers Foundation Scholars of Scott's Hill High School

The 2010 Ayers Foundation Scholars of Riverside High School

Ayers Foundation in University of Memphis Magazine

noreply@blogger.com (The Ayers Foundation) — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 19:54:00 +0000

The Ayers Foundation Chairman and Founder, James W. Ayers was interviewed for the University of Memphis Magazine Spring 2010 Issue. Mr. Ayers highlighted The Ayers Foundation Scholar's Program and shared current statistics and stories of Scholar success.

To read the complete article, please click on University of Memphis Magazine .

Ayers Foundation recognized at Bethel University

noreply@blogger.com (The Ayers Foundation) — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 01:02:00 +0000

On May 8th, 2010, Janet and Jim Ayers of The Ayers Foundation were recognized during the dedication of the New Science Building on the Bethel University Campus in McKenzie, Tennessee. During the dedication of the new building, The Jim and Janet Ayers Lecture Hall was presented in recognition of their commitment and contributions to Bethel students.

A view of the newly constructed science building at Bethel University

Janet Ayers, President of The Ayers Foundation, served as the commencement speaker and was awarded a Doctor of Humane Letters from Bethel by President Prosser during the day's events. Ayers told graduates that their personal stories will be inspiring to others to pursue their dreams. "The most effective tool for ministry to others is a life story." Ayers said. "Each of you has a life story." Ayers shared other personal stories from graduates and encouraged them to pursue their dreams and share their stories.

President Ayers delivering her commencement address at Bethel University

The Ayers Foundation "Be Your Own Hero" Event Series

noreply@blogger.com (The Ayers Foundation) — Mon, 17 May 2010 16:47:00 +0000

The Ayers Foundation hosted the 1st Annual "Be Your Own Hero: More to this Life" Summit for Young Women on Tuesday, April 27th at the Decatur County Fairgrounds in Parsons, Tennessee. The Foundation designed this series of events to promote self-esteem, resiliency and goal-setting in young people. The event hosted 169 Sophomore girls from local area schools including Perry County High School, Riverside High School and Scotts Hill High School.

Students show smiling faces of excitement as the day begins.

Janet Ayers, President of The Ayers Foundation, welcomes the young women to the event. During her speech, Ayers encouraged all of the young women to discover their dreams, set personal goals and work toward post-high school education.

Janet Ayers and Kerry Loy, Senior Clinician for Centerstone's School-Based Services. Loy helped students create personal life balance wheels and dream boards. The projects allowed the young women to celebrate their strengths and set goals for the future.
A view of the room as the young women listen to Ayers' opening remarks.
The young women learn how to assess each area of their lives using the life balance wheel.
Using magazines to find inspiration, the young women create personalized dream boards.
Riverside High School student, Hannah Livingston shows off her dream board.
Janet Ayers and Jordan Christy, keynote speaker and author of the book How to be a Hepburn in a Hilton World: The Art of Living with Style, Grace and Class.

Ayers Foundation in January 2010 TSAC Newsletter

noreply@blogger.com (The Ayers Foundation) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 15:43:00 +0000

The Ayers Foundation Scholar's Program was highlighted in a recent article from the TSAC (Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation) January 2010 Newsletter. Click here to view the entire newsletter.