Tests and Assessments
Our schools are committed to providing all of our students with the education that they need to succeed, and to do that, we must accurately measure their progress and the performance of our educators. We also are committed to providing our students with everything they need to perform well academically.
We use this testing and assessment data to improve our methods and to better prepare our students for life after graduation.
To help our students be prepared for tests, many of our schools also host frequent events and activities around testing time to help build student confidence, have fun, and review relevant materials. To find out what your child's school is doing to help them prepare for their assessments, ask their teacher or call your school's main office.
Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program, or TCAP
The Tennessee Department of Education has prepared and provided resources to help families better understand TCA state assessments for English language arts, math, science, and social studies.
Read the informative materials on the Tennessee Department of Education website.
Testing Procedures and Policy
Metro Nashville Public Schools abides by strict security codes surrounding testing to ensure complete fairness during testing and zero ambiguity when test results are released. Protocol for test proctors includes specific regulations regarding how tests are administered, taken, and scored, what testing environments should include, test accommodations, and much more.
In the event of a security breach, our teams have a solid action plan to investigate and rectify the situation. For more information on how our tests are administered, you can read the test security policy.
Annual Testing Schedule 2026-2027
Middle school students who are enrolled in high school EOC courses will take the TCAP EOC assessments.
August 17 – September 4
MTSS Academic/Dyslexia Screening Process (Optional: August 11-14)
September 14 – December 18
DLM ALT: ALT ELA & Math
October 5 – October 8
Savvas myPerspectives Q1 End-of-Unit Performance-Based Assessments (Initial Written Expression Screening)
September 29 – October 8
District Benchmarks – Quarter 1
October 26-30
Pre-ACT (Grade 8 only)
December 8 – December 17
District Benchmarks – Quarter 2 Grade 6-8 and EOC enrolled) (Q2 Benchmarks for EOC courses may also be administered during the semester exam window, December 16-18, to provide additional flexibility.)
December 1 – December 18
MTSS Academic/Dyslexia Screening Process
TBD
National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP)
(NAEP selected schools only)
February 1 – March 26
ELPA21 ELL Assessment
February 1 – May 21
DLM ALT: ELA & Math
February 23 – March 4
District Benchmarks – Quarter 3 (6-8 and EOC enrolled)
March 15-April 30
TCAP - ALT: Science
TCAP - ALT: Social Studies
April 7-May 6
TCAP Achievement Grades 6-8 (Online) ELA, Math, Science and Social Studies.
TCAP ACH Writing: April 7-14
TCAP ACH Remaining ELA, Math, Science, and Social Studies: April 19-May 6 (district window may be adjusted)
April 12 - May 14
MTSS Academic/Dyslexia Screening Process
May 3 – May 21
GATE Assessment for Qualified Students (6-7)