Metro Nashville Public Schools post gains across all subjects on 2024 TCAP

Rachel Wegner, Nashville Tennessean
·2 min read

Metro Nashville Public Schools posted gains across every grade level and all subjects in this year's state standardized tests.

The district announced the news Tuesday, saying its gains on the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program, or TCAP, tests ranged from 0.2% to over 5%. However, high school math scores were not included in the data, which was released by the state education department this week. Those scores will be available later this year due to a change in math testing standards.

MNPS Director Adrienne Battle lauded the gains made by the district, which is the second largest in the state.

"It is a testament to the dedication and commitment our teachers and staff have shown to support the academic growth of our students," she said in a news release.

Jennifer Thomas welcomes families and parents back to Goodlettsville Elementary School on the first day of school in Goodlettsville, Tenn., Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023.
Jennifer Thomas welcomes families and parents back to Goodlettsville Elementary School on the first day of school in Goodlettsville, Tenn., Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023.

The mood was celebratory during the MNPS board's regular meeting Tuesday as Battle presented the data. Those gathered broke into applause and cheers frequently, and several board members chimed in to add their praise. Board Vice Chair Freda Player nodded to the ongoing funding and support for the district from the city, calling this year's growth part of a "return on the investment."

"This is what happens when you invest ... financial resources into our schools," Player said. "We know that schools are not cheap to manage. It's not cheap to do. But this is why we ask for the money."

Here's a look at how overall district scores compare to last year's numbers, according to the data released by MNPS.

Grades 3-8 (TNReady)

Math: 3.1% increase

  • 2023: 26.4% proficient

  • 2024: 29.5% proficient

English language arts: 2.2% increase

  • 2023: 27.4% proficient

  • 2024: 29.6% proficient

Science: 2.3% increase

  • 2023: 30% proficient

  • 2024: 32.3% proficient

Social studies: 3.8% increase

  • 2023: 29.9% proficient

  • 2024: 33.7% proficient

High school (end-of-course exams)

Biology: 2% increase

  • 2023: 26.5% proficient

  • 2024: 28.5% proficient

English I: 1.8% increase

  • 2023: 26.5% proficient

  • 2024: 28.5% proficient

English II: 0.5% increase

  • 2023: 37.1% proficient

  • 2024: 37.6% proficient

U.S. history: 2.8% increase

  • 2023: 17.6% proficient

  • 2024: 20.4% proficient

Reach children's reporter Rachel Wegner at RAwegner@tennessean.com or follow her on Twitter, Threads and Bluesky @RachelAnnWegner.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville schools: District makes gains in all subjects on 2024 TCAP