by Amy Watson
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Nashville has strengthened it's commitment to public education as its top priority for the city. 82 local businesses have come together for a partnership with Metro Schools.
Nashville Mayor Karl Dean was present for the announcement at the Chamber of Commerce Friday morning.
"Public education is the number one priority for this city," said Mayor Dean.
The businesses pledged to support Metro's high schools newly redesigned curriculum emphasizing a smaller learning environment they call academies. They also said they would provide job shadowing, speakers and internships at the "Academies of Learning".
"It creates the opportunity for us to have a very rigorous relevant curriculum motivation for students so they can see real a real connection to a real world," said Metro schools director Jesse Register.
For example, the CEO of Shoney's has pledged to let students shadow anyone in his corporate offices.
"I believe as a business owner in this community its part of our civic duty to give back to our communities," said Shoney's CEO David Davoudpour.
The academies are basically smaller learning communities within the high schools.
"The message to take away from this event, 82 businesses are partners in a very meaningful way to help students across the school system," said Dr. Register.
The Ford Motor company also designated Nashville as a "Leadership Level" community when it comes to aligning education with business.
Ford will now provide support to the partnerships, help schools redesign their curriculum, and use Nashville as an education model for other cities.
"We really believe they are setting a high bar and with their standards for what other communities can do," said Cheryl Carrier of the Ford Motor Company Fund.
Email: awatson@newschannel5.com
