Last year, Tennessee updated the student promotion and retention law in an attempt to ensure all students have the support to read and perform on grade level as they move beyond third and fourth grades. The revised state law requires that if a student does not take and score proficient on the third-grade section of the English language arts (ELA) on Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP), they will be required to be retained or to receive additional support to ensure they are ready for fourth grade ELA.
Third grade families will receive quarterly Home Literacy Reports following the each nine weeks to keep them informed of their child's progress. We will also update this page as the year progresses and more information becomes available from the state. Keep in mind, it is state law and not a local decision which mandates that a student's individual performance on the TCAP test determines whether they advance to the next grade level.
District Resources
Third-Grade Retention by Rebecca House
As always, we are committed to ensuring students develop strong early literacy skills. Teachers are dedicated to helping students succeed and are working hard to teach them the state standards. We will continue to keep third grade parents informed about their child's performance as the school year progresses. Staying engaged in your child's learning is the most impactful thing you can do to support their success. If parents have questions at any time, please reach out to your child's teacher.
Tennessee Department of Education Resources