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Third Grade TCAP scores improving

The preliminary test results show that Putnam County third graders are improving their reading skills.

Initial calculations of the English Language Arts (ELA) TCAP Raw Scores released late Friday afternoon reveal 42% of Putnam County School System third graders met or exceeded expectations for the test. The Putnam County scoring average is 30.5, higher than the Tennessee average of 29.5.

Students who have been previously retained, have identified (or suspected) learning disabilities in reading, or meet criteria for English language limitations are exempt from the retention requirements. Based on these criteria, approximately 17% of Putnam County students will qualify for an exemption. When these exemptions are factored in, preliminary results indicate that approximately 59% of Putnam County third graders will be promoted to the fourth grade without any required interventions. This means approximately 41% of PCSS third-grade students must attend summer learning camp, have tutoring in the fourth grade, or must repeat third grade.

“Putnam County students continue to score above the state average and in line with districts with similar demographics as PCSS,” said Director of Schools Corby King. “We are proud of the hard work of our students and teachers.”

According to the third-grade retention law passed by the General Assembly, students scoring “below” expectations are required to enroll in Summer Learning Camp and participate in reading tutoring during their fourth-grade year, to be promoted. Students participating in Summer Learning Camps and fourth-grade reading tutoring must make adequate academic growth during the fourth-grade year, as defined by the Tennessee Department of Education.

Students scoring “approaching” expectations can attend Summer Learning Camp or participate in reading tutoring during their fourth-grade year to be promoted. Students participating in Summer Learning Camps and fourth-grade reading tutoring must make adequate academic growth during the fourth-grade year, as defined by the Tennessee Department of Education.

“We are grateful for the hard work of our teachers and students during this process, and we appreciate the patience and cooperation of our parents,” said King. “The Putnam County School System does not believe retention is in the best interest of most students, especially based on scores from a single test. The Putnam County School Board passed a resolution opposing the legislation at the September 1, 2022, meeting. Retention should be a local decision, and many factors about the child should be considered before making that decision.”

Parents of students scoring in the TCAP test “approaching” or “below expectations” categories received letters with information concerning a retest opportunity and summer learning camp information. The third grade TCAP retesting for PCSS is set for Tuesday, May 23, and Wednesday, May 24. The PCSS Summer Learning Camp will be held June 5-June 30.