Alternatives for TN students that score low on T-CAP test
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MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Some Tennessee parents will soon have to decide what to do if their child didn’t score high enough on the third grade T-CAP test.
Last year’s 76 percent of Memphis Shelby County Schools (MSCS) third graders did not meet proficiency.
Only one percent of third graders were held back.
Under the state’s third grade retention law, students who do not meet or exceed expectations on the T-CAP could be held back to repeat the grade.
The Tennessee Department of Education is rolling out options for third graders who did meet the benchmark on the English Language Arts, or ELA, portion of the T-CAP.
Students who scored approaching or below on this year’s T-CAP can take the test again.
The window to retest starts Wednesday and runs through May 31st.
Families of those third graders can also appeal to the Tennessee Department of Education May 28th through June 28th.
New this year, the Department of Education is allowing district personnel to submit an appeal along with the consent parent or guardian.
An appeal does not mean everything is clear.
The state said students will have to commit to year-long tutoring in the fourth grade.
FOX13 reached out to MSCS about the district’s plans and processes to help students advance.
A spokeswoman said conversations have begun with third grade parents whose child is at risk of retention.
Earlier this month, Dr. Feagins said improving literacy among all the district’s students is a priority.
“When our students are on track, when they are literate, they can make effective decisions. Certainly, you see attendance improve. You see all of the other metrics and measures begin to take on the shape that they should. And students can have the type of educational experience and journey that they deserve,” Fegains said.
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