According to preliminary data released by the state Department of Education, Memphis-Shelby County Schools students made gains on the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP).

The percentage of MSCS students who Met or Exceeded Expectations from 2023 to 2024 increased in 8 out of 10 categories.

“We are dedicated to preparing our students for greatness,” said Superintendent Dr. Marie N. Feagins. “We celebrate this positive momentum and are confident that we will continue to move in this direction.”

Elementary students (grades 3-5) improved in all tested categories, showing the greatest improvements in English/Language Arts (ELA) and Math.

In ELA, students who made a proficient score (Met or Exceeded Expectations) increased from 23.2% in 2023 to 26.0% in 2024, a 2.8 percentage-point increase. They showed similar improvements in math, going from 20.9% in 2023 to 23.7% in 2024.

Students in grades 6-8 either held steady or showed modest improvements overall in all tested categories, showing their greatest gain in math (improving from 12.1% in 2023 to 14.9% in 2024). Their ELA scores fell slightly, from 17.2 % in 2023 to 17.1% in 2024, but these students’ science and social studies scores improved.

High school students boasted a 4-percentage-point boost in science, going from 22.2% proficiency in 2023 to 26% proficiency, but their social studies proficiency rate declined slightly. 

This grade band also improved in ELA, showing a 1.4 percentage-point increase (improving from 26.6% to 28%). Math End-of-Course (EOC) testing scores are not yet available. 

TCAP scores are expected to be made available to families in mid-July.