Results from the 3rd grade ELA TCAP exams show that MNPS students have scored the highest level of proficiency since the TNReady system was implemented in 2017.
“Our goal all along has been to come out even stronger than before the pandemic, and thanks to the hard work of our students, staff, and families, along with the significant federal investments through ESSER and the commitment by the city of Nashville to support our schools, we have now achieved that goal in these latest test results,” said Dr. Adrienne Battle, Director of Metro Schools. “Investments in high-quality teaching materials, professional development, tutoring and extended learning options are all part of the puzzle to grow our students academically and see greater results.”
Highest Number of Students who Scored Proficient on TCAP
MNPS grew from 27.4% proficient in 2022 to 29.7% proficient in the 2023 3rd grade ELA results, which is higher than the record set in 2018 at 28.8%. In addition to the highest number of students scoring proficient, the latest results show the highest number of students exceeding the expectations on TCAP at 11.1%, or about 2.5% more than last year. The results released today by the TDOE may be preliminary and subject to possible corrections and revisions in the coming weeks.
“As a result of the determination and commitment of MNPS educators, leaders, and parents, we're witnessing great progress in student learning and their joyful experiences with books,” said Aliya Washington Smith, Director of Elementary Literacy for Metro Schools. “We still have a lot of work to do to support our students' journey to becoming confident readers, writers, and thinkers, however, this snapshot of our students' literacy growth is an encouraging indicator that our current strategy and focus are addressing the needs of our students and the Nashville community.”
The TNReady evaluation system was adopted in the 2015-16 school year by the State of Tennessee. Testing, however, was cancelled due to challenges with the system that year, and the first TNReady tests were administered in 2017. Testing in 2020 was cancelled because schools across the state were closed due to the pandemic.
How Our Programs Enhance Student Academic Growth and Outcomes 
Starting in the 2021-22 school year, MNPS implemented several programs and initiatives to enhance student academic growth and outcomes. These initiatives were supported by a combination of federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds, state funding, and resources from the Metro Government. Here are the programs and initiatives that were put in place:
- Promising Scholars: Our summer learning program was designed to extend the school year. The four-week program combines instruction in literacy and numeracy with engaging STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) activities.
- Accelerating Scholars: This program focuses on providing high-impact tutoring to students in small groups or one-on-one settings. It involves a combination of paid tutoring opportunities and volunteer tutoring, aiming to offer additional support in reading and math to help students excel academically.
- Literacy Reimagined: This program aims to enhance students' literacy skills through various supports for both teachers and students. It involves adopting a high-quality English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum that provides books and materials for all students and teachers. Additionally, there is an emphasis on building foundational skills to strengthen overall literacy development.
- Intervention Programs: The district made investments in personalized learning time and increased interventions and supports for students, particularly those with exceptional needs and English Learners. These students receive intensive, individualized support to address their specific educational requirements.
- Advocacy Centers: These centers are dedicated spaces within elementary schools that cater to students who experienced emotional or behavioral dysregulation during the school day. The centers provide short-term trauma-informed and restorative care, supporting the well-being of students in need.
- Teacher and Support Pay: In the 2021-22 school year, Mayor Cooper and the Metro Council funded a nearly $50 million investment in teacher compensation to ensure MNPS had the highest-paid teachers across the state of Tennessee, following by a significant investment to increase pay for support staff such as bus drivers, para-professionals, and cafeteria workers in 2022-23 that has helped us to retain and recruit great team members to serve our students.
“While no one test should define a school or a student, the results released today show what we have been seeing the last two school years – continued academic progress for our youngest learners, who have been incredibly resilient over these last few years,” said Dr. Battle. “We know the supports and structures that have been put in place are showing positive results, and we look to expand on these successes and improvements in the coming years to support continued growth of our students.”
Recent 3rd Grade ELA TCAP Scores
3rd Grade ELA TCAP scores for the last several years:
| Year |
Below |
Approaching |
Met |
Exceeded |
Total of Students Meet/Exceed |
| 2023 |
37.9% |
32.4% |
18.6% |
11.1% |
29.7% |
| 2022 |
37.5% |
35.1% |
18.7% |
8.7% |
27.4% |
| 2021 |
42.7% |
34.9% |
15.2% |
7.2% |
22.4% |
| 2020 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
| 2019 |
28.7% |
42.5% |
22.6% |
6.6% |
28.8% |
| 2018 |
32.1% |
40.6% |
20.7% |
6.6% |
27.3% |
| 2017 |
36.1% |
36.1% |
22.3% |
5.5% |
27.8% |
| 2016 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |