Despite improvements in English Language Arts (ELA) test results, nearly 60% of third-grade students in Tennessee did not meet or exceed expectations on the ELA test for the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) tests. A new state law meant to keep students reading at grade level decides whether a third-grader will automatically go on to the next grade based on their test results. Parents have a few options for their children if they are at risk of not being promoted to the fourth grade.
The Tennessee Department of Education has released district-level TCAP average scores for third grade ELA from the spring 2023 TCAP administration to support family decision-making. The department also shared multiple pathways to support student promotion to fourth grade. Families of students scoring “approaching” on the TCAP or TCAP retest also have the option to request an appeal of a local retention decision on behalf of their third grade student.
Parents of Knox County Schools third graders are facing confusion and chaos as Tennessee's new law on retention hits home. Families of about 1,600 students had to decide when they wanted their children retested on a nearly four-hour English language arts test. If their child isn't bumped up to a satisfactory score, they may face mandatory summer school. If certain students don't participate, they will have to repeat the grade. Some were shocked because their students have excellent grades but scored poorly on the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program.
Over half of the third graders at Dickson County Schools did not pass the English Language Arts portion of the TCAP. Elementary principals have documents they are prepared to send home on Monday regarding retakes and appeals. Other counties are also releasing score information and notifying families about retake tests.
