NAEP results good news for Tennessee students
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JACKSON,Tenn.,–For the first time, Tennessee fourth graders score in the top 25 in the nation for math skills, according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress. Willie Moore said he hopes younger generations realize the importance of a solid education. “They’re not going to be able to make it in this life without an education to get ahead,” he said. The nation’s report card shows the Volunteer State has seen little to no change in fourth- and eighth-grade math and reading scores over the last two years. However, Tennessee students did see improvements in three out of four tests. The standardized NAEP tests is given every two years to random fourth and eighth graders to gauge reading and math skills. Some Tennesseans are giving credit to both students and teachers. “I know teachers work hard. I know they’re working really hard. I mean somethings working and I guess that’s some credibility,” Joe North, a retired teacher said. Jackson-Madison County Schools Superintendent Verna Ruffin said the NAEP test is only a snapshot. “It should be used and interpreted for what it’s telling you,” Ruffin said. “At that time on that date, this is what the student did. It does not reflect everything students learn and it does not measure everything students are capable of doing,” Ruffin explained. Dr. Ruffin said with the amount of standardized tests given each year student could feel overwhelmed and need to be proud of these numbers. “I think we should give credit to our students for performing really well and taking that challenge,” she said.
