FIVE-YEAR
REVIEW
Upon the release of National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) results in 2013, Tennessee
had achieved the goal of becoming the fastest improving state in the country. This year, NAEP results
showed that the gains made between 2011 and 2013 were sustained. Broadly, Tennessee students are
performing at higher levels on rigorous assessments, and their preparation to meet high standards
provides the foundation for that achievement. S till, too many students in our state continue to
graduate from high school without the content mastery and skills they need to succeed in college
and their careers. Too many of our state’s young students struggle to gain essential literacy skills.
Only 9 percent of African American students in Tennessee score at college-ready benchmarks across
at least three of the four ACT subject areas. This seventh edition of SCORE’s State of Education in
Tennessee report presents an opportunity to reflect on the progress made in recent years across
the state and to reinvigorate commitment to building on gains from the last five years and ensuring
future gains are made equitably by students statewide.
While achievement has improved throughout the state, much of this rapid growth has resulted from the
efforts of several districts with exceptional gains. These districts demonstrate that regardless of baseline
levels of achievement, the diligent efforts of educators, schools, and districts can lead to significant academic
improvement for students.
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