Tennessee Report Card - Frequently Asked Questions

Why do we have a Report Card?

Tennessee created one of the most comprehensive accountability measurement tools long before the advent of the federal act, No Child Left Behind. In 1992, Tennessee began assessing each public school on variables of success such as English and math proficiency, drop out rates, and attendance. The Report Card allows members of a community to consider all of the strengths and challenges of the schools in their district. It is also a valuable tool for the schools themselves to plan programs for improvement.

What do the grade levels mean, A, B, C, D, and F?

Just like in school, the grades used in the state Report Card reflect whether a school is adequately meeting the requirements for learning among students. A grade of C means that school/system has met the standards for average performance in that area. A grade of A or B represents exemplary or above average performance for that school. A D is a below proficient score, while an F deems that area of the school is deficient in meeting the students’ needs.

What are the criteria for the grades?

Tennessee schools are measured on a wide range of criteria for success, broken out by individual scores throughout the card. Standards are established for a minimum acceptable performance for each variable measured. These standards are listed in the card and are further explained in the “What’s This?” links.

Generally, how are the state’s schools performing?

Each year gains are made in many schools. Because the Report Card measures so many variables of success in Tennessee’s schools, it is difficult to compare the overall report on a yearly basis. Instead, it is important to review your school or system’s card to look for areas of high achievement and/or improvement.

What is the process involved in computing scores?

All of the variables measured in the Report Card are derived from individual school districts. Statewide tests are administered by schools and sent to the state for scoring. Tennessee sends their test data to our contracted testing companies for processing. Then SAS in North Carolina analyzes all historical and current individual student scores simultaneously to produce value-added results for systems and schools, which are added to the Report Card.

When do schools receive their test scores?

Schools receive their scores for individual students as soon as they become available throughout the year. The scores are compiled to determine federal compliance, and this information is released in August. The Report Card serves as a format to easily communicate this information that the schools already have received.

What happens to schools that aren’t performing well?

The state is combining its previous accountability system with the federal No Child Left Behind requirements. Schools that do not meet the minimum federal proficiency requirements receive designation as a ‘Target’ school. There are no sanctions/penalties with this status. However, if that school fails to increase performance scores the second year in the same category, they are designated as a ‘High Priority School.’ Various measures are required at this point, including free tutoring, a choice to change schools, or eventually, restructuring. For more information, visit http://www2.state.tn.us/k-12/ayphpschprimer.pdf. 

How does the state assist schools in need of improvement?

The Report Card is a diagnostic tool for educators to do school improvement planning around their school’s strengths and areas of need. Specifically, the state Blueprint for Learning coordinates curricula benchmarks with student performance to help educators determine what areas of instruction need attention and what areas of instruction are really working well in that classroom. Also, the state provides technical assistance through the use of the Exemplary Educator Program, Urban Education Office, regional field service centers, and other departmental resources for identified schools.

The department has many programs for professional development, which give teachers the training and resources that they need to improve student learning and to demonstrate their qualifications under the No Child Left Behind Act. Grants are also frequently issued to schools to assist in funding educational priorities, such as the Reading First and Ed Tech grants. For more information on Tennessee’s initiatives, visit http://tennessee.gov/education/nclb/ayp/nclbtninits.pdf.

How have the components of the Report Card changed over time?

For about a decade, Tennessee’s accountability system has released statewide data on school performance. While many of the variables are the same, the standards have changed. For example, state standards for success have been modified to match the goals established under NCLB. The format of the result has also changed to make the Report Card more useful to school districts. Disaggregated data allows teachers and principals to target populations in their schools who would benefit from specific instruction enhancements. 

Why aren’t all teachers “highly qualified”?

Many “highly qualified” teachers have not yet reported their status to the state. The deadline for reporting is the end of the 2005-2006 school year. The current numbers represent those that have received their designation in advance of that date. Under NCLB, there are courses/classes that are required to be taught by a highly qualified teacher. This percentage is a reflection of the match between NCLB highly qualified courses/classes and the teacher actually teaching them who is identified as highly qualified.

What is TVAAS?

TVAAS is the Tennessee Value Added Assessment System. This system measures the academic progress of students. By following the progress of individual children over time in all tested subjects, the value-added results provide a good indication of the growth students make year-to-year in otherwise equal circumstances. Unlike raw test scores, the analyses provided in this process minimize the influence of factors outside of the school setting.

How does TVAAS relate to the Report Card?

TVAAS was established to be part of Tennessee’s accountability system under the Educational Improvement Act of 1992. Value-added scores are a crucial tool for educators to track student performance and estimate future success in school. By identifying students who are not making appropriate progress early in their education, TVAAS allows school districts to proactively work to develop curriculum techniques that will improve students’ chances for success.

What are NRT and CRT?

Norm Referenced Testing (NRT) and Criterion Referenced Testing (CRT) are two different ways of measuring student performance. In the past, Tennessee has relied on NRT. This means Tennessee’s students’ scores are compared to a national sample population to determine how well the students have performed. With CRT, Tennessee students’ scores are compared to a proficiency level for passing that area of the state’s measurements. This year, Tennessee begins an emphasis on CRT reporting, so you’ll note some differences in how the numbers are displayed.