KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - The Tennessee Department of Education released its annual accountability designations for school districts statewide, revealing varying performance levels across East Tennessee.

The state issues the rankings each year to identify which school districts need improvement. The designations are based on multiple criteria including test scores, absenteeism rates, graduation rates and post-secondary data such as AP classes and dual enrollment programs.

The designations take into account test scores like TCAP, ACT and SAT, and English language proficiency.

The rankings are divided into five categories, with East Tennessee districts spread across four of them.

Newport City Schools earned the highest “exemplary” designation in the region.

13 East Tennessee districts r

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