Tennessee releases TCAP progress scores from student tests

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF) – Tennessee education leaders said students continued to make progress in their mandatory TCAP testing this spring.

They reported the numbers on Monday.

2023-24 Spring TCAP State-Level Overview:

• English Language Arts (ELA): Overall, 39% of all students are meeting grade level expectations, with proficiency gains in most tested grades, and elementary and high schools continuing to out-perform pre-pandemic levels.
• Math: In grades 3-8, 40% of students are meeting grade level expectations in math, with a nearly three percentage point gain for 5th and 7th graders.
• Science: Overall, proficiency rates held steady for science, with an increase of one percentage point in overall student proficiency.
• Social Studies: Results show a one percentage point gain for all students tested in social studies, showing continued improvements over the last three years.

What this all means for parents and schools won’t be posted until July.

But in the meantime, Hamilton County leaders today said they are pleased with the progress that students made from last year.

State lawmakers mandated the testing a few years ago with the threat that third grade students would be held back if they are not making adequate progress.

That panicked many teachers, but the number of students held back was actually very small.

Instead, the governor is keeping a positive note on the process.

“Tennessee’s strategic education investments have resulted in steady growth for students across the state,” said Gov. Bill Lee. “As we continue our work to ensure that all Tennessee students are learning on grade level, we remain committed to supporting teachers and empowering families with multiple pathways to achievement so every student can thrive in their academic journey.”