The Dickson County Board of Education held a regular session on March 28, 2025, focusing on key educational assessments and upcoming initiatives. The meeting began with a detailed presentation on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) scores for Tennessee, led by Dr. Phil Sutherland and supported by Dr. Sagerbon.

Dr. Sutherland explained the significance of NAEP, which serves as a national benchmark for student performance in subjects such as English Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics. Unlike the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP), which mandates participation from students in grades 3 through EOC, NAEP employs a random sampling method, testing students in grades 4, 8, and 12 across the country.

During the 2023-2024 school year, five schools from Dickson County—Charlotte Elementary, Vanler Elementary, Burns Middle School, Dixon Middle School, and William James—were selected to represent Tennessee in the NAEP assessments. This year, Dixon County High School will participate, with testing scheduled for April.

Dr. Sutherland highlighted the importance of NAEP scores in providing a national perspective on educational outcomes, noting that while TCAP results reflect state performance, NAEP allows for comparison across the nation. The presentation included data showing that approximately 1,800 students participated in the latest assessments, with notable improvements in fourth and eighth-grade ELA and math scores.

The discussion emphasized the upward trend in student performance, particularly in eighth-grade math, which has rebounded following a dip during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Sutherland expressed pride in the achievements of Dickson County students and educators, noting that their participation contributes to Tennessee's overall educational standing.

The meeting then transitioned to discussions about the 2024-2025 one-time teacher bonus, indicating ongoing efforts to support and reward educators in the district. The board's focus on both assessment outcomes and teacher incentives reflects a commitment to enhancing educational quality in Dickson County.