Ripley High School Principal Joey Hassell has been tweeting this weekend about the state’s move to an A-F grading system for schools. The new system came about because of a legislative mandate. Hassell’s not happy about it. Interestingly, Hassell was formerly an Assistant Commissioner at the Tennessee Department of Education.

Here are a few of his tweets about the A-F grading system for schools:

To ensure #allmeansall, provide support not a label, @TNedu! This will damage public education! Teachers & students are more than a score! https://t.co/SgHJS9RX2K

— Joey Hassell (@hassell_joey) January 8, 2017

Schools & students need appropriate support not a label. Single A-F school grade is damaging for all stakeholders in public Ed. #tnedu #essa https://t.co/l3vJCQdmE5

— Joey Hassell (@hassell_joey) January 8, 2017

I can’t believe anyone thinks that this is good for public Ed students & teachers! @ProEdTN @tosstn1975 @TSBA_News @TEA_teachers https://t.co/56UnZe1vX2

— Joey Hassell (@hassell_joey) January 8, 2017

The single A-F grade for each @TNedu school will only assist in pulling $ from public schools. Support #allmeansall, don’t label! #tnedu https://t.co/BiRVMl7DGj

— Joey Hassell (@hassell_joey) January 8, 2017

I struggle to understand how @TNedu single A-F grade for schools will help #tnsucceeds?!? Support, don’t label, @McQueenCandice@TNedu! https://t.co/VhIJLQfd95

— Joey Hassell (@hassell_joey) January 8, 2017

 

As you can see, Hassell is quite unhappy with the move to the new grading system. His opinion seems to be supported by at least some district-level leaders based on likes and retweets he’s received.

The A-F system is set to start next school year, based on results from this year’s battery of tests and other data.

The legislature could make changes to the proposal in the upcoming legislative session, which starts on Tuesday, January 10th.

For more on education politics and policy in Tennessee, follow @TNEdReport