Education in Tennessee is on the rise. With the close of the Race to the Top era, Tennessee saw striking successes in student achievement that also called attention to the continued need to ensure students' long-term success. Tennessee is now launching a new chapter and if successful districts and schools in Tennessee will exemplify excellence and equity such that all students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to successfully embark upon their chosen path in life. In this year's strategic plan, the Tennessee Department of Education describes three ambitious goals to guide their work through the next five years: (1) Tennessee will rank in the top half of states on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) by 2019; (2) The average ACT composite score in Tennessee will be a 21 by 2020; and (3) The majority of high school graduates from the class of 2020 will earn a postsecondary certificate, diploma, or degree. Additionally, the plan highlights five priority areas that will help accomplish these goals: (1) early foundations and literacy; (2) high school and bridge to postsecondary; (3) all means all; (4) educator support; and (5) district empowerment.