NAEP, often referred to as the “Nation’s Report Card,” is the largest ongoing assessment of student achievement in the United States. It evaluates representative samples of students across all 50 states, allowing for year-over-year comparisons in key subjects like math and reading.

The dedication of Tennessee’s educators and students is reflected in several key highlights:

• Proficiency rates exceeding the national average in 4th and 8th grade reading and math.
• Notable increases of 2, 4, 6 and 7 percentage points in 4th and 8th grade reading and 4th and 8th grade math, with 4th-grade math scores approaching Tennessee’s highest recorded levels.
• An increase of 8 scale score points in 4th grade math among charter students
• Significant gains of 1, 15, 11, and 13 scale score points among multilingual learners in 4th and 8th grade reading and math, respectively.
• Increases of 1, 4, and 7 scale score points among economically disadvantaged students in 8th grade reading, and 4th and 8th grade math, respectively.

These last two points are particularly encouraging given Tennessee schools’ emphasis on closing achievement gaps. While these results reflect all schools in the state, we at TCSC acknowledge the important work that charter schools, specifically, are doing to contribute to these results.

Our recent case study series has highlighted what is possible when passionate leaders are given the freedom to find creative solutions to best serve their communities.

Take, for instance, Leadership Preparatory Charter School, whose economically disadvantaged students scored in the top 9% of all schools in the state for ELA and the top 19% for math, both for TNReady. These results were made possible by a creative, skill-based scheduling model and a unique approach to teacher coaching. Read our full case study here.

Similarly, KIPP Antioch College Prep Elementary ranked in the top 5% statewide for ELA among multilingual learners in 2022. Their leadership team used the autonomy provided by the charter model to build a unique staffing structure—hiring multilingual education experts and empowering them to coach teachers on high-impact strategies. Read our full case study here. While these are two notable examples of success through innovation, the recent NAEP results highlight what is going on in schools throughout our state.

We at TCSC applaud the great work of school leaders and students in our state and will continue to advocate for quality charter schools to ensure that every student in Tennessee has access to great education!

Sincerely,
Tennessee Charter School Center