RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN - In Tennessee, a new law requires third-grade students to demonstrate reading proficiency to advance to fourth grade. This initiative was aimed at ensuring that students are prepared for the academic challenges ahead, as reading skills are foundational for learning across all subjects. JC Bowman, Executive Director & CEO of Professional Educators of Tennessee, told WGNS...
In 2021, Tennessee passed a law that says 3rd grade students must score "meet or exceed" on the reading part of the TCAP test to move on to 4th grade. If they don’t, they have to get extra help from the school. Most students in Tennessee (about 65% in 2022) didn’t get those scores because the test is very hard. This means the law will affect a lot of families, even if their child is still making good progress in learning.
On Tuesday, Bowman told WGNS, “Tennessee has roughly 75,000 third-graders; and since 2010, the state has retained approximately 1% of them. In 2023, we retained 1.2%, and in 2024, we retained 0.88%.” Students may be held back in third grade based on their scores on the English Language Arts (ELA) section of the TCAP test, with results coming out on May 20, 2025. Some students, like English learners and those with disabilities, might be exempt. Students who score “approaching” or “below” expectations can still move to fourth grade by retaking the test and passing, attending summer school and showing growth, or receiving tutoring. Students scoring “approaching” must also show progress on a post-summer test. Parents have the option to appeal retention decisions to the state.
- See the “Third & Fourth Grade Promotion Timeline” HERE.
- See the full Tennessee “Tool Kit” of information HERE.
- See Past Tennessee Report Card Data HERE.
Assessment and Performance Levels - Students take the English Language Arts (ELA) section of the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) test. Their performance is categorized into four levels:
- Exceeds Expectations
- Meets Expectations
- Approaching Expectations
- Below Expectations
Students scoring "Exceeds" or "Meets Expectations" are promoted to fourth grade. Those scoring "Approaching" or "Below Expectations" must engage in additional support to qualify for promotion.
Intervention Options for Promotion - To assist students not meeting proficiency, the law provides several pathways:
- Retake the ELA TCAP Test: Students can attempt the test again to achieve a higher score.
- Summer Learning Camp: A four-week program focusing on reading skills. Students must attend at least 90% of the camp and demonstrate "adequate growth" on a post-camp assessment.
- TN ALL Corps Tutoring: High-dosage, low-ratio tutoring sessions during the fourth-grade year. Students receive personalized instruction to improve reading proficiency.
Exemptions and Appeals - Certain students may be exempt from retention:
- English learners with less than two years of ELA instruction.
- Students with disabilities impacting reading.
- Students previously retained in grades K-3.
Additionally, parents of students scoring "Approaching Expectations" can file an appeal if they believe retention is not in their child's best interest.
Conclusion - This law underscores the importance of early literacy and provides structured support to help students succeed. Families are encouraged to stay informed about their child's progress and engage with available resources to ensure academic advancement.
To learn more about how the new law will affect students in Tennessee, Rutherford County, and the Tennessee Department of Education has provided a Frequently Asked Questions webpage for parents, which is available HERE.
