Tennessee test scores show gains

photo Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam

NASHVILLE - Tennessee public school students in grades 3-8 showed gains in math and science test scores, according to figures released today by Gov. Bill Haslam and Education Commissioner Kevin Huffman.

While there were also improvements in English proficiency, the gains they were less than state officials had hoped to see. Still, 49.9 percent tested proficient or advanced in English, a gain of 2.4 points over last year.

Meanwhile, results on end-of-course exams for high school students also showed gains in most areas, officials said.

The statewide results for Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program tests, which are given to the younger students, and high school end of course exams for 2012 were released this.

Haslam said during an event at Nashville's West End Middle School that "we're pleased to announce that our students scored higher in nearly every tested subject" on the TCAP scores. "In fact, our students in grades 3 through 8 improved in 23 of the 24 tested subjects."

He said the "most impressive gains in math and science, subjects that are critical to our future in Tennessee."

The TCAP results for younger students show 47.3 percent tested as proficient or advanced in math, an increase from 41 percent in 2011. That's 55,000 more students than were on grade level than in 2010 when tougher tests went into effect.

In science, the younger students hitting the proficient or advanced target was 60.5 percent, versus 54.9 percent last year.

The Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program tests are given annually to students in grades 3-8.

Individual school district scores are expected to be released next month.

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