Articles

Tennessee Makes Huge Strides


In 2013, Tennessee’s progress on math and reading scores was considered a bright spot. Today, our students continue to excel and have made Tennessee the fastest improving state in science since 2009.

On behalf of our team at SCORE (State Collaborative on Reforming Education), I applaud our students and teachers for their tireless efforts to strive for better. Building on our record improvement in math and reading scores in 2013, there is no doubt in mind that the future of our Tennessee children is bright.

This morning, the 2015 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), known as the Nation’s Report Card, released its 2015 Science Assessment Results, and the Volunteer State has a reason to be proud.  Tennessee is the only state to grow faster than the nation in both fourth and eighth grades, with Tennessee students doubling the average national growth in science. Our state has moved into the top 25 in science — the highest ranking it has ever held — and is now 19th and 21st in the country for fourth and eighth grade. Data demonstrated that our gender gap was eliminated, and achievement gaps between white, African-American, and Latino students narrowed.

At SCORE, we have seen firsthand the long hours and hard work put in by our teachers, school and district leaders, parents, and especially our students to make today’s exciting achievement a reality.  SCORE’s focus on driving statewide collaboration on policy and practice to ensure student success is paying off.

“Since the state began raising expectations, strengthening teaching, and emphasizing post-secondary education and workforce readiness for all students, Tennessee academic growth has been fast and sustained in multiple subjects over multiple years,” SCORE CEO Jamie Woodson said. “Although proficiency levels are not yet as high as we know our students are capable of achieving, Tennessee’s trend is decidedly in the right direction.”

SCORE will continue to work hand-in-hand with our state’s education leaders, teachers, and students to sustain and build on this headline-worthy progress.