Reimagining 901 is the current strategic plan for Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) as envisioned and led by Superintendent Dr. Joris M. Ray and his cabinet. It was announced and presented to the Memphis and Shelby County community on Friday, April 16, 2021.
The Reimagining 901 plan has three pillars – Reimagining Education. Reimagining Schools. Reimagining Communities.
As noted during the 2021 MSCS State of the District address, MSCS has identified some serious inequities that are impacting achievement in schools and growth in communities. The Reimagining 901 plan aims to create equitable access to programs and services, providing the best conditions for learning in every building, eliminating barriers, and aligning community resources to create more pathways to success for students than ever before.
“While COVID-19 has unveiled what we knew to be historic academic inequities for students in Shelby County, especially economically disadvantaged families, I am proud of the innovation that was demonstrated by our educators throughout this pandemic, and I am confident in the commitment and resilience of our Academic team, teachers, support staff and students as we forge ahead in preparing students for success in learning, leadership, and life,” said Superintendent Dr. Joris M. Ray.
Reimagining Education. Creating relevant and equitable academic choices and learning environments to ensure MSCS scholars are prepared for the global workforce.
Reimagining Schools. Creating state-of-the-art buildings and school additions, improving learning conditions through strategic combinations, renovating stadiums and playing surfaces to ensure student-athlete safety, and repairing or upgrading existing infrastructures.
Reimagining Communities. Building and enhancing strategic partnerships focused on students, developing stronger relationships with the Chamber of Commerce to improve workforce development, creating schools to serve as community hubs, and improving adult literacy and support for families.
What does Reimagining 901 look like? Here are some of the initiatives included in the plan.
Reimagining Education. |
Reimagining Schools. |
Reimagining Community. |
Reduce adult-to-student class ratio |
Repair and upgrade existing infrastructure |
Build and enhance strategic partnerships for students |
Provide Pre-K for all 4-year-olds, regardless of economic status |
Build school additions to facilitate school combinations |
Improve adult literacy and support for families |
Offer visual/performing arts and theatre in all schools |
Renovate stadiums and playing surfaces |
Connect students, teachers, and parents to key support programs |
Create service-learning projects for all students |
Invest strategically to ensure efficiency and safety |
Create an Agri-STEM program to serve the area |
Expand access to honors and AP courses |
Stimulate community growth by strategically using surplus buildings and properties |
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Help students to develop emotional intelligence |
Establish a Superintendent CEO Advisory Council |
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Update teacher compensation model |
Develop stronger relationship with the Chamber of Commerce to improve workforce development |
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Foster a positive culture and climate at Central Office |
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Open a Medical District high school |
As a District, we have created a data-driven culture, where data is analyzed and interpreted in order to make solution-based decisions. Our students and staff are more than just numbers on a dashboard; however, those numbers are important for us to obtain a vivid picture of where we are and where we are going. This Key Performance Indicator (KPI) Compendium offers a laser-like focus on areas of success and areas of opportunity. MSCS is moving from intervention to innovation, and we remain committed to closing all achievement gaps regardless of zip codes. We are forging ahead to provide tiered support to ensure students excel throughout their academic journey.
“Together, we are going to move the needle,” said Superintendent Dr. Joris M. Ray. “We are no longer going to be a district of intervention. No longer are mergers, demergers, and achievement gaps going to define the 901. We are rewriting our history, and it starts with student achievement.”
Reimagining Education.
Reimagining Schools.