Thousands of students will begin taking state assessments in a variety of subjects across the state next week.
And for the first time since the pandemic began in March 2020, the results of this year’s standardized tests can have a major impact on students and their schools.
Here’s what you should know about who and what will be assessed when testing begins on Monday.
When does the exam start?
That Tennessee Comprehensive Grading Programor TCAP, testing window runs from April 18th to May 6th this spring. School districts have the authority to set their own district schedule within the state’s three-week window.
Metro Nashville Public Schools students in grades 3 through 8 begin testing Monday. The final examinations in ten subjects and the International Baccalaureate (IB) examinations for high school students also start on April 18th and last until May 20th.
Advanced Placement exams for select high school subjects will be held May 2-13 Metro Schools Grading Calendar. Learn more about AP exams here.
Last year’s results:Student performance in Tennessee plummeted during the pandemic; less than 30% of students at grade level in key areas
Who and what is tested?
Tennessee State Tests are designed, according to the Tennessee Department of Education, “to provide feedback on students’ academic progress and how it compares to grade level expectations.”
Students in grades 3-8 are required to take TCAP tests in English Arts, Maths, Science and Social Studies. High school students take final exams in ten subjects: English I and II; Integrated mathematics I, II and III; Algebra I and II; Geometry, US History and Biology.
Does testing count?
State exams have been muddled for many students in recent years. The tests were canceled entirely in spring 2020 when schools were closed due to the coronavirus.
In 2021, schools were required to conduct in-person tests that at least 80% of students take (a drop from the typical 90% requirement), but lawmakers passed legislation making students, teachers and schools “harmless” to any consequences of these Tests held scores.
With school back up and most Tennessee students returning to in-person study this year, lawmakers have not attempted to do the same.
This year’s test results could impact accountability measures for schools, e.g. B. whether they are designated as a reward or priority school.
Related:Student performance in Metro Nashville is falling, reflecting the statewide slump amid the learning loss debate
How might the results affect my child?
For students, state law requires that results from end-of-course examinations (EOC) account for at least 15% of a student’s grade in high school courses requiring such examinations, if the results are reported to the school in a timely manner.
TCAP scores are also sometimes used to determine eligibility for admission to some of Metro Schools’ magnet or elective schools.
A new third-class data retention law will go into effect next year. If a third grade student does not test for grade level in the 2022-23 school year, they must be held back if they have not attended summer school or committed to a year of intensive tutoring.
Are tests online? Personally?
Students in grades 3-8 will take their tests on paper this year, while high school students will test online. Despite efforts by some lawmakers to make all testing paper-and-pencil, the state plans to eventually move all testing back online.
Online testing in Tennessee has had a number of issues since its inception in the spring of 2016. That year, the state’s test provider had server issues and the assessment was eventually canceled altogether in elementary and middle school classes. Also in 2018 technical breakdowns disrupted the spring test.
Can I deregister my child?
Type of.
State and federal laws require students to participate in state assessments and are approved by the Tennessee Department of Education a note last year He emphasized that “parents may not refuse or exclude a child from participating”.
Still, the state saw an increasing number of parents opting out of their children from standardized tests by simply refusing to send them to school on the days they would be tested. Students who miss test days are often tested on make-up days, but eventually the state would simply not record data for those students.
However, test-taking rates may impact schools and districts under state and federal requirements.
When will I see my child’s results?
Families are expected to be able to access the scores on the TCAP family portal at by June familyreport.tnedu.gov/loginso the department.
Metro Schools students’ results are also uploaded to theirs personal student dashboard.
For more information on the state’s TCAP Family Portal, visit: bestforall.tnedu.gov.
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Meghan Mangrum covers education for the USA TODAY Network – Tennessee. Contact them at mmangrum@tennessean.com. Follow her on Twitter @memangrum.