Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) testing begins for Tennessee students
Stock image of multiple choice test
The window for students to begin taking this year’s Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) opened Monday across the state.
The TCAP is a statewide standardized testing program aimed at measuring student achievement and understanding of state academic standards. It includes assessments in English language arts (ELA), math, science, and social studies. Students in Metro Nashville Public Schools, Memphis-Shelby County Schools, Hamilton County Schools, and Knox County Schools along with a number of other districts across the state began testing Monday. The testing window runs through May 2 for elementary school students and May 6 for middle school students.
Students in grades 3-5 will take tests in ELA, math, and science. Students in grades 6-8 are testing in those subjects as well as social studies, and high school students are undergoing end of course (EOC) testing, in which each subject-area test is divided into multiple subparts such as English, Algebra, U.S. History, Biology, and other fields.
Memphis-Shelby County Schools held a TCAP pep rally over the weekend to hand out supplies, give testing tips, and boost student confidence. Interim Superintendent Dr. Roderick Richmond released a video stressing the importance of the exams and offering encouragement to students, parents, and teachers.
“This isn’t just another test. It’s a chance for our students to shine and showcase all the incredible learning they’ve done this year. Students, this is your moment,” said Dr. Richmond. “Parents, your support is key. Encourage your children, remind them how talented and capable they are. Teachers, you are the heart of this entire effort. Your dedication and guidance has prepared our students for the job.”
In Rutherford County, students at Kittrell Elementary School also held a TCAP pep rally Friday afternoon, complete with a dance party and a human slot machine game.
Preparing for testing can be stressful for some students. The Tennessee Department of Education advises parents to help students get test-ready by ensuring they have healthy meals, breaking up study sessions to avoid fatigue and frustration, getting plenty of rest before testing days, and reminding them to stay positive.
TCAP data can help administrators and teachers identify areas in which students may need additional support and inform instructional practices in the classroom. TCAP scores are also factored into accountability ratings for districts as well as individual schools, which can impact funding and other resources. Results from 2023-2024 TCAP testing showed Tennessee students continued to make gains in most areas, with 39 percent of students meeting proficiency standards in ELA, exceeding pre-pandemic performance, and 40 percent of students in grades 3-8 meeting grade level expectations in math, with the number of students scoring in the lowest category declining significantly. However, the data also revealed that economically disadvantaged students scored proficient at half the rate of their non-economically disadvantaged peers.
Testing under debate
The amount of testing Tennessee students undergo has been hotly debated at both the state and district level. During the current legislative session, lawmakers introduced legislation that could have significantly reduced the number of TCAP assessments some students see. This week House sponsors agreed to move forward with a previously announced compromise with the Senate to study the state’s testing system instead.
Last month, the Hamilton County School Board voted to explore cutting the number of district-level benchmark tests for students there. Benchmark tests are designed to measure student performance throughout the year leading up to TCAP testing.
Story updated with the House/Senate compromise on testing reductions.