Previous TCAP vs. TN Ready total testing times
Grades 3 through 5: TCAP / TNReadyEnglish and writing: 226 min. / 290 min.Math: 83 to 92 min. / 135 min.Science: 95 to 104 min. / 95 to 104 min.Social Studies: 92 to 104 min. / 145 min.Grades 6 through 8:English and writing: 260 min. / 320 min.Math: 83 min. / 150 min.Science: 95 to 104 min. / 95 to 104 min.Social Studies: 92 to 104 min. / 135 min.High SchoolEnglish I, II, and III plus writing: 240 to 360 min. / 350 min.Math I, II, and III: 120 to 240 min. / 210 min.Biology: 120 to 240 min. / 75 min.Chemistry: 120 to 240 min. / 75 min.U.S. History: 120 to 240 min. / 180 min.Source: Tennessee Department of Education
Standardized test scores in Hamilton County remained relatively flat last school year, while other large urban districts in the state posted gains.
Principals in Hamilton County believe their schools can improve, but they are worried this year’s new state-mandated test is robbing students of valuable instructional time needed to make that progress.
“There is a point of diminishing returns when it comes to assessment,” Red Bank High School Principal Justin Robertson said. “There is some useful information coming from data, but there comes a point where we stop getting useful information.”
Principals here are concerned the new state-mandated assessment – TN Ready, a revamped Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program, known as TCAP – is consuming too much instruction time, which only will hurt students who are not keeping up with state averages.