The Tennessee Department of Education released Tennessee Value-Added Assessment (TVAAS) data this past Thursday, and Tullahoma City Schools saw growth in some areas of the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) and End Of Course (EOC) examinations.

TVAAS measures students’ academic growth over time rather than student proficiency on the TCAP and EOC. TVAAS helps educators identify best practices, implement programs that best meet the needs of their students, and make informed decisions about where to focus resources to ensure growth opportunities for all students. When TVAAS results are released, growth is determined on a scale of 1-5, with 3 being the expected level of growth in a year and 5 being the highest level of growth.

On TCAP (grades 3-8) examinations, Tullahoma received a 5 in literacy, a 4 in literacy and numeracy, and a 3 in both composite and numeracy. On the EOC exam, TCS received a 3 in science. Other test scores this past spring identified growth in certain areas for TCS students.

“As a district, we are proud of the growth that we have seen in critical areas of the TCAP, including literacy and numeracy,” said Dr. Kristina Boone, TCS Director of Curriculum, Instruction, Assessments and Federal Programs. “While TCS achieved growth in critical components of learning shown through these state assessments, we recognize that there are areas to improve. Our staff members will continue to focus on meeting the needs of our students and determine where they are and how to move forward.”

This year, the district has started several initiatives that contain several new and exciting opportunities for students to focus on instruction and impact outcomes for the better. These initiatives include a partnership with the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching. The district has added Bridge to Reading, a program focused on phonics instruction that is being used in pre-K through third grades. Additionally, TCS has worked on strengthening its Response to Intervention (RTI) programs, ensuring that RTI educators are available at each campus. Instructional Practice Guides are used in literacy and numeracy in our classrooms, providing specific feedback to educators on instructional practices.

The district also has consistent universal screening measures for all kindergarten through 12th-grade students, identifying student needs early and allowing interventions. Tutoring is also available before and after school for students.

“TVAAS data is another form of data that helps us identify successes and areas to improve,” said TCS Director of Schools Dr. Catherine Stephens. “Education in Tullahoma extends beyond the classroom, and in 2023, we launched Reading Buddies, consisting of community members who dedicate their time to aiding our elementary learners in literacy. This past year, we received a 5 in literacy, the highest growth we can have. Our students and teachers are to be commended for their focus and effort in literacy, and we extend a thank you to our community partners in this outcome as well. I am incredibly thankful to be in a community where education is valued. We remain focused on challenging students today for a limitless tomorrow.”