Tennessee's Third Grade TCAP Scores: Implications for Student Retention and Support

More than 60% of Tennessee third graders scored as "below" or "approaching" proficiency on the English language arts section of the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program, meaning they may face retention unless they meet exemption standards, up their scores in a retake, attend summer school, undergo tutoring or file an appeal. The state education department attributed the improvement from last year's scores to the rollout of a comprehensive K-3 literacy strategy across Tennessee public schools. The release of scores set off a quick-paced timeline for parents to decide whether to place their children in summer school, tutoring or both.