Tennessee students posted year-over-year gains in math and science scores on the 2025 state standardized test, and also saw improvements for some grades in English language arts and social studies.
The Tennessee Education Department of Education highlighted several data points in a July 8 news release, comparing last year’s scores with this year. Here’s what it included:
Most tested grades increased proficiency in English language arts. English I and English II scores saw around a 4 percentage point bump.
Math proficiency increased across all grade levels. Sixth graders gained more than 5 percentage points.
Statewide science proficiency grew by nearly 2 percentage points.
As a whole, elementary and middle school students gained nearly 4 percentage points in social studies scores.
Tatyana Baity reacts to seeing the students on the first day of school at the Shwab Elementary School in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024.
In the release, Tennessee Commissioner of Education Lizzette Reynolds said she is encouraged by the progress students have made. She also praised the dedication of teachers, schools and districts.
“This year’s TCAP results reflect Tennessee’s strong commitment to investing in our students’ futures and the steady progress we’re making statewide,” Reynolds said.
Spreadsheets with state- and district-level data were posted by the Tennessee Department of Education on July 8. However, the state report card is not yet updated with 2025 data. It typically provides further insights and analysis that compares TCAP data to previous years.
Nashville celebrates record-breaking TCAP scores
TCAP scores fall under four categories: “below,” “approaching,” “meeting” and “exceeding” expectations.
Metro Nashville Public Schools saw more students than ever who scored as “meeting” or “exceeding” expectations as a whole this year, according to a July 8 district news release. Additionally, the number of students who scored as “below” decreased across all tested areas, while the number of students who scored as “exceeding” increased across all tested subjects in district-run schools.
The district also marked its highest scores in English language arts, math and social studies since state testing standards changed during the 2016-17 school year and in science since standards changed during the 2018-19 school year. When it comes to recovery from disruptions caused by the pandemic, MNPS said students have made significant progress, posting double-digit gains in English language arts, math, science and social studies.
In the release, MNPS Director Adrienne Battle said this year’s gains are a sign that the district’s strategies and academic supports are paying off.
“These results are the product of unwavering focus, hard work, and belief — in our students, in our teachers, and in what’s possible,” Battle said.
More: How Tennessee kids fared on 2025 third grade reading test
Where to find more TCAP data, information
It’s not yet clear when the Tennessee School Report Card, which includes visuals and analysis of state, district and school testing data, will update with the 2025 TCAP results. It can be found at ReportCard.TNedu.gov.
The TCAP Family Portal will have individual student data later this month, according to state education department. It can be found at FamilyReport.TNedu.gov.
Downloadable TCAP assessment data for 2025 and previous years is available on the Tennessee Department of Education website at TN.gov/education/districts/federal-programs-and-oversight/data/data-downloads. Scroll down to the “State Assessments” heading, then click “Assessment Files.”
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee TCAP scores 2025: Students make strides in math, science