History of the WISE Channel

Since 2000, Community Television of Knoxville (CTV) has been actively involved in a collaboration with Knox Co. Schools to identify and procure educational programming for cable TV to complement classroom instruction provided in the 84 schools which comprise the Knox Co. School System. In the planning stage, two separate surveys were administered to more than 2,000 Knox Co. School teachers. Results from the first survey (Feb 2000) were very helpful in prioritizing specific program subject areas for students at all grade levels. Results from the second survey (Feb, 2004) provided additional valuable input pertaining to:

• Major Challenges faced when trying to reach students
• The most effective Methods to reach students
• Ways TV can be incorporated in classroom instruction
• How TV can be most appealing or beneficial
• How effectiveness of the use of TV can be measured
• Professional Development programming that could be offered

In February, 2005, Community Knox began cablecasting The WISE Channel. Programming on the channel includes (1) programs that are intended for viewers at home (all ages) and students in the classroom, (2) programs for K-12 teachers who are increasing their expertise in their fields and learning how to improve their teaching methods, and (3) programs for parents and the community at large who wish to remain informed pertaining to the work of the Knox County School Board.