Old Timer’s Thoughts
Tennessee Public Schools completed their academic year in May, but for many parents and Educators, the criterion-referenced tests known as TNReady left many parents with confusion and anger. Public School Students in grades 3 through 8 must test for English Language, Math, Science and Social Studies. High School Students take an end-of-course test, plus 11 th grade take either ACT or SAT exam. The testing is part of the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program that we often call TCAP.
When the TCAP results were released, many probably did not understand the concept of “Percentile Ratings”. Typically, when we discuss school successes, we talk in terms of Pass or Fail. Most schools use a grading system of A, B, C,D, & F. The teachers have more control over the Grade. The TCAP score is reported by “Percentile”. A percentile is calculated by using a given data set. A basic formula for discovering a Percentile from Given Data is this:
n=(P/100)xN
For most of us, this math is clear as mud and I have not had to calculate any measurements since Graduate School in 1989. Typically, we will calculate Percentages, which are not the same as Percentiles. I often hear News Reporters stating Percentages as Actual Statistics. Percentiles are used to explain or understand data from Statistical Measurements. Standardized Tests are one such Measurement Device. Percentiles have a valuable place within research and our quality of life, but most of us do not deal with research methods each day.
One can search the website of the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury for this information. The Legislature desires accountability for the Millions of Tax Dollars allotted in the state’s annual budget. Standardized tests are used due to the belief they provide easy comparison of all public schools in the state. I view the aim as what I have called, “Outcome Funding”. The measure of success vs funding has become common with Contract Funded Agencies in Tennessee. There are approximately 2,000 Publicly funded schools and approximately 1,000,000 students in Tennessee. There are several private schools across Tennessee and a few private schools do receive public funds through the TIEA program.
In West Tennessee Jackson and Memphis likely have more private schools than the remaining counties of our region. I would argue that any blanket reference of gross failure of West Tennessee’s two largest school systems is not based on a level playing field. I understand the Private Schools do not participate in TCAP since they do not receive State funding.
Regardless of notions of why, the results are not the best for every student and options do exist for parents and teachers to improve scores by attending Summer School.
I would like to suggest that concerned parents not get angry. The most recent Crime Scene Edition had a story of a Mother making threats to the school over TCAP results. I have retired teachers in my family and had a visit recently. Since I worked in Counseling and as Teachers, we had a lively discussion on the reasons and reactions. The success of any Student is a joint effort of Parents and Teachers. If you the parent are concerned that your child can not read or do basic math, it might be time to request Psychological Testing and Screening for any learning impairments. No parent wants to hear their child has a low Intelligence Quotient (IQ), but if it exists and is ignored, opportunities may be missed. We have heard of A.D.H.D., plus there are other impairments like Dyslexia and Autism. The point of testing and identification of needs is not to label your child, but to help get the maximum potential for your child.
If you desire to have your child Tested & Screened, Do your Request in Writing. A piece of notebook paper with a date addressed to the child’s principal and the testing you want is enough. But do make a copy and “Hand Deliver” the Written Request to the School. Make a copy & take a picture with your phone. Never call or go to the school and ask the Office, because 99% of those highly educated Administrators will not remember that contact. One of the first things I was told as I began working in Mental Health Services in 1984, “ If it is not in writing, then it did not happen”.
If you need resources about Specialized Educational Programs and requirements, consult the Legal Services in your area, there are three or four in West Tennessee. Other resources within the Tennessee government are the Tennessee State Board of Education or the Tennessee Department of Education. Those are two separate agencies that address policy and other educational issues for Tennessee.
I hope I gave you a little bit of explanation and insight into TCAP and avenues to address learning deficits. I am not a school employee; it is just my opinion about the matter. Personally,
I believe it might be better to give the the 3 rd grade TCAP about March to the 2 nd grade students.
That might identify certain deficits early, thus providing a twelve-month head start addressing certain subjects.
These are my thoughts.
Robert Williams
