MSCS third graders to retake TCAP literacy tests last week of school

Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) announced on May 7 that all 5,450 third graders will retake the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) literacy tests during the final two days of the school year. The decision stems from a scheduling conflict: the Tennessee Department of Education releases preliminary test results on May 20, the day before summer break, leaving no time to identify students needing retests under a 2021 state law. This law requires retention or interventions for third graders who fail the test, with last year’s data showing only 29.6% of MSCS students passing and 150+ held back." "The district typically uses preliminary data to target retests, but the late release forces a universal retake. MSCS Accountability and Data Director Bill White acknowledged the burden on students but emphasized the importance of giving them a second chance to avoid mandated interventions. Retake scores won’t count toward official proficiency metrics but will exempt passing students from summer tutoring or school." "Testing delays this year—caused by a February winter storm that closed schools for two weeks—worsened the issue. While educators statewide requested a delayed schedule, the state did not approve a universal change, leaving districts like MSCS to adapt locally. Metro Nashville Public Schools is also considering similar measures due to the same scheduling challenges." "Last year, 1,300 MSCS third graders attended the district’s Summer Learning Academy, and 3,000 received tutoring after failing the test. White noted the logistical strain of processing data for 5,450 students in just two days but called the retesting a precautionary step. The move reflects broader struggles in Tennessee, where only 40% of third graders passed statewide reading tests in 2025.