TCAP testing for Nashville's Metro School System is rapidly approaching. The tests for the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) will begin April 25th, and last through May 2nd. The TCAP tests are given each spring to students in grades 3 - 8. The tests are designed to monitor the progress of students and schools over the course of the school year. Some schools may choose to administer the assessments for students in grades K - 2 as well.
End of Course (EOC) exams serve much the same purpose for high school students as the TCAP tests serve for students in grades 3 - 8. The EOC exams will begin May 1st and extend through May 11th.
The TCAP test results hold much more importance for students and schools this year than they have in the past. According to Metro's website, "TCAP scoresfor students in grades 3 - 8 will count as 10% of the final grade for the year in Reading/Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies." Also, middle school students enrolled in Alegebra I will take the state Algebra I EOC exam instead of the Math section of TCAP. The score from the EOC score will count as the final exam for the course.
This change in grading policy is due to Public Chapter 1127, a new state law that went into effect July 1, 2010. This law requires that TCAP test scores for grades 3 - 8 will comprise 15% - 25% of the student's grade for the spring semester. In addition, students in 3rd grade who score Below Basic on the Reading/Language Arts section of the TCAP will not be promoted to 4th grade unless they take part in a district-approved intervention program before the start of the 2012 - 2013 school year.
Tennessee is also an English Only State. None of the state tests are offered in a Native Language format.
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