Schools in Davidson, Shelby, and Hamilton Counties celebrate academic growth and achievement

Three of Tennessee’s largest school districts are touting their academic growth on the Tennessee Value-Added Assessment System (TVAAS).Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS), Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) and Hamilton County Schools (HCS) all put out press releases to celebrate their status as TVAAS Level 5 school districts, the highest distinction available.TVAAS measures student growth year over year, regardless of whether the student is proficient on the state assessment. In calculating a TVAAS score, the Tennessee Department of Education compares a student’s performance relative to the performance of his or her peers who have performed similarly on past assessments.The department has yet to release a full list of TVAAS designations statewide.

Metro Nashville Public Schools

Metro Nashville Public Schools achieved a TVAAS Level 5 designation for the second year in a row.The district said the TVAAS scores underscore MNPS's continued growth, progress, and continued investments by Metro Nashville. MNPS has made improvements in recent years to adopt high-quality literacy and math curriculums, provide high-impact tutoring and summer learning programs for students and professional learning and development opportunities for staff, along with funding improvements to make MNPS teachers the highest paid in Tennessee."I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our exceptional team of educators, administrators, parents, and, most importantly, our students for their unwavering commitment to education and growth," said Adrienne Battle, Director of Schools for MNPS. "These accomplishments reflect not only the exceptional strides we've made but also the bright future that lies ahead as we continue to champion academic advancement. We could not have done it without the continued focus and support of our Board of Education, Mayor Cooper, and the Metro Council, who have made tremendous investments in our students and educators these past few years.”The district also achieved a TVAAS level 5 in literacy, numeracy, science, and several other categories according to a press release.

Memphis-Shelby County Schools

Memphis-Shelby County Schools also achieved the TVAAS Level 5 designation for the second year in a row.The composite score of all the grades and subjects together showed MSCS students had substantially more growth in a year than expected said the district in a news release.“I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for the incredibly hard work and dedication of our students, teachers, and leaders throughout this school year. Your resilience and commitment to learning have been truly inspiring,” said Interim Superintendent Toni Williams. “I would also like to extend a special thank you to our Academics team. Our collective efforts have resulted in Memphis-Shelby County Schools earning this highest designation once again. Your expertise and commitment have been invaluable, and we are grateful for your unwavering support.”Individually 69 schools earned a Level 5 designation, including Cordova Middle School, University Middle School, and Ridgeway High School, that moved from Level 1 to Level 5.Science and the end-of-course test results had the highest improvement districtwide.

Hamilton County Schools

Hamilton County Schools said 27 of its schools earned the TVAAS Level 5 distinction and the district outperformed the state in 22 of 28 subject areas."I am incredibly proud of our students and staff," said HCS Superintendent Dr. Justin Robertson. "At Hamilton County Schools, we believe all students can learn, and we are tasked with creating the conditions, resources, and opportunities for strong learning to occur. Today’s TVAAS results highlight the effectiveness of our teachers and their dedication to helping children thrive by providing students with personalized learning opportunities that remove barriers."Literacy and social students received Level 5 designation, with literacy reflecting the success of the new English Language Arts curriculum.Math growth lagged compared to other subject areas and the district hopes new math curriculum will provide learning growth in the future.