RUTHERFORD COUNTY, Tenn. - TCAP Testing Results were recently released to schools and the students that attend school within the Rutherford County School system did well. Chief Communications Officer James Evans told WGNS, “Our initial results are in line with our results from last year for students and third grade reading proficiency.”

For third graders who fell behind over the past year, help is available. Evans said, “There are several pathways available for students to be promoted to the fourth grade through the state’s rules, including participating in our summer learning camps and free Power Hour tutoring that is offered during the school year.”

Studies show that third grade is a “make or break” year for literacy, and states like Tennessee are trying to ensure no student moves forward without foundational reading skills. While well-intentioned, these laws are complex and raise important debates about equity, testing, and how best to support young learners.

In Rutherford County, Evans told us, “As a district for third grade, we are currently 44.2% Proficient…” This means that 44.2% of third-grade students are considered proficient in reading, having met or exceeded expectations. Additionally, 46.8% of students are exempt from proficiency requirements due to disabilities, English Learner status, or prior retention

Stay tuned, because student proficient levels will increase over the next few days as tests are recalculated. Evans said that the county completed or is completing test retakes for non-proficient, non-exempt students. He further suggested, “Schools are also working through their communication plans to ensure all parents and families are aware of their student's status and options to be promoted to 4th grade.” Appeals and promotion plans are being completed at this time, so overall scores for Rutherford County are expected to slightly change.

In the state capitol, lawmakers now understand that third grade is considered a crucial turning point in a child's education, and that’s why we have seen increased focus on it over the past 10 to 15 years. It is at the third-grade level that “Learning to Read” becomes “Reading to Learn.” Post third grade, students are expected to have the ability to read independently to learn other subjects like science, history, and math. Up to third grade, students are primarily learning how to read.

According to research, children who aren’t reading at grade level by third grade are four times more likely to drop out of high school. A 2010 report by the Annie E. Casey Foundation highlighted that early reading struggles not only reduce lifetime earning potential but also have broader implications for the nation’s economy and security. See that 2010 report HERE.

In 2021, Tennessee passed a law mandating that third graders must be proficient in reading to advance to fourth grade, with limited exceptions. The law includes:

• Statewide testing to assess reading proficiency.
• Retention policies for students who don’t meet the benchmark.
• Intervention options like:
• Summer reading camps
• Tutoring programs
• Appeals processes if a child shows adequate progress despite a low score

This law was designed to:

• Address learning loss from the COVID-19 pandemic
• Push early intervention rather than waiting until middle or high school
• Improve literacy rates statewide