Newly released preliminary 2011 TCAP results indicate some improvements for Metro students, but the district still trails the state average in all four tested subject areas, a trend that isn’t unusual for Tennessee’s second largest school system.
TCAP scores released Friday –– taken by students third- through eighth-grade this past year –– showed some math and reading advances in all grade levels. In addition, a few grade levels marginally improved test scores in science and social studies.
“Districts, including MNPS, have just recently received their first data from the state,” Metro spokeswoman Olivia Brown said in a statement. “We are going through information carefully and will discuss Metro Schools’ progress once final data is received and that information becomes public.”
But what’s already clear is there remains a gap between TCAP performance in Metro and in the rest of the state.
In math, 33 percent of Metro students tested proficient or advanced compared to 41 percent statewide. In reading, the difference is 40 percent and 48.5 percent; in science, 39.5 percent and 55 percent; and in social studies, 72 percent and 81.5 percent.
Comparing Metro’s 2011 test results to last year’s, Metro showed 6 percent growth in math, 5 percent growth in reading and 3 percent in science. Student scores remained virtually the same in social studies.
For the first time, according to the state education department, TCAP achievement test results have been made public on the department’s website in a district-by-district breakdown.
“Our prompt release of student achievement data demonstrates the department’s commitment to transparency,” Kevin Huffman, the state’s education commissioner, said in a statement.