Program Overview

K-8 Access for All Learning Network (K8 AALN) is focused on empowering districts with the tools they need to ensure access to high-quality core literacy and mathematics instruction (in the general education setting with non-disabled peers). This entails utilizing high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) and increasingly intensive interventions for students with disabilities in kindergarten through eighth grade. K8 AALN offers support and resources that complement TDOE’s efforts within the Early Literacy Network (ELN) and Literacy Implementation Network (LIN), offering a lens for students with disabilities.

CLEE’s Role in K-8 AALN 

Systems Innovation & Improvement: CLEE partners with the Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) to drive systems innovation and improvement within the K8 AALN. Since the inception of K8 AALN, CLEE has managed this network by collaborating closely with TDOE to craft strategic plans, implement support, and oversees evaluation to ensure impactful outcomes for students with disabilities. 

Professional Development: A cornerstone of our approach involves recruiting, hiring, coaching, and supervising Regional Access Coaches for K-8 AALN. These coaches play a pivotal role in coaching district leaders, facilitating quarterly leadership walkthroughs, facilitating state-wide professional development, and leading professional learning communities within the districts we serve. 

Event Planning and Management: Continuous professional development serves as a catalyst for improvement within K-8 AALN. CLEE provides all event planning and management within the network to ensure a seamless experience for all participants. 

K-8 AALN’s Impact

CLEE has worked with 37 Tennessee school districts throughout K-8 AALN Cohorts 1-3.  Our goal is to increase access to high-quality tier one instruction for students with disabilities in the general education setting. We believe that the work we do will show an increase in state assessment scores, universal screeners and APR indicator 5 (least restrictive environment).

Statewide Least Restrictive Environment Data (APR Indicator 5)

• Statewide: 75.37% of students spent 80%+ time in general education. 
• AALN: 87.34% of students spent 80%+ time in general education. 
• Impact: AALN partners see higher rates of students receiving high-quality Tier-1 instruction in general education.

Statewide Assessment (APR Indicator 3)

• AALN districts are closing achievement gaps faster than non-participating districts.

K-8 Access for ALL Learning Network (K-8 AALN) programs are currently available in the following Tennessee counties (counties in orange have programs; the darker the orange, the greater the number of programs in that county).