SCORE Statement on 2015 TCAP Results

NASHVILLE – The State Collaborative on Reforming Education (SCORE) has issued the following statement from President and CEO Jamie Woodson about the results of the 2015 Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP). For the fifth year, Tennessee students have demonstrated strong academic growth on TCAP, especially in math and science. It’s clear that the hard work of teachers, parents, policymakers, and community leaders is helping Tennessee students achieve more. This year’s statewide gains were particularly impressive in high school, with more students proficient in all seven tested subjects. This progress is crucial to postsecondary and workforce readiness and the TN Promise and Drive to 55 initiatives. The growth in Tennessee student proficiency over the past five years is particularly impressive. Since 2011, the percentage of students who are proficient or advanced has increased in every tested subject. The majority of Tennessee students are now proficient or above in 3-8 math and science, algebra I and II, biology, and English I and II. This is an amazing success story. Now Tennessee should move to meet the challenge of matching the notable math and science progress with faster improvement in reading and literacy. SCORE is eager to collaborate with education partners to identify the right levers for ensuring more Tennessee students learn the reading and writing skills essential to success after high school. The TNReady assessment that launches next year replaces the 25-year-old TCAP and is designed to better measure important real-world skills, like critical thinking and problem solving. TNReady should give teachers and parents even better insight on how to help more students, especially those with disabilities and those still learning English, become proficient in the most important subjects. We have always believed that all Tennessee students can rise to the challenge of high expectations, and the results from TCAP, ACT, and the Nation’s Report Card show they are. Higher standards, strong leadership, and better preparation, evaluation, and training for teachers have been great for student learning. Staying focused on what is best for students has created a five-year streak we can work together to keep going.