Hardin County Schools: Low test scores no reason to panic

Sept. 21– Across the state, educators are preparing for an onslaught of concerned parents who will be upset when they see their child’s latest TCAP test scores.

It’s not that little Johnny or Suzy has suddenly become lazy or slow–it’s that Tennessee’s low-standards test has suddenly become tougher.

The Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program tests given in 2009-10 reflect not only revised academic standards, but a higher bar for the "proficient" and "advanced" levels of performance.

Critics of past TCAP tests contended parents were being given a false picture of how well their children are performing.

State officials are warning that as much as 40 percent of all children and nearly half of all schools in Tennessee will be below the new minimum standard.

Hardin County Director of Schools John Thomas is joining the cautionary chorus.

"There is no need to panic as this was to be expected," he said. "We are excited about the long-term opportunities that raising our standards to be aligned with the rest of the nation will give to all the students in Tennessee."

The new definition of proficiency now indicates a mastery of knowledge in a subject rather than minimal understanding.

The combination of higher standards and proficiency is intended to make more students college and career ready. However, harder tests mean a potential immediate dip in test scores and performance at the school level.

Donna King, testing coordinator for Hardin County schools, is assuring parents the changes reflect a higher level of expectation for student performance and do not show that individual student performance has declined.

"We are confident that our students are performing well and are within the limits of the tests," said Thomas.

Individual TCAP test results are expected to be released in several weeks.