Student assessments matter more than ever
For the past few years, Tennessee has been celebrated as having some of the most improved schools in the nation.
That is something that every student, teacher and parent should rightly be proud of. We cannot let the pandemic slow our progress in empowering each child with a high-quality education and the chance to pursue their dreams.
Now more than ever, student assessments matter. These state-level tests provide objective measurements of student learning to inform policymakers, educators and families on where to best focus resources.
The pandemic has interrupted virtually every household in Tennessee, especially those of our parents, children and educators who have courageously found ways to maintain learning.
Our students are at risk of falling behind. We cannot just cross our fingers. We need to give educators the right information to have an immediate impact.
We owe it to them to wisely invest our time and resources where they can provide the most support to students who need it most.
The Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) tests provide our best objective measure of learning: revealing whether students are meeting the education standards needed for success in the classroom and beyond.
Other states have indicated an interest in pausing the tests. That’s a mistake in my view, as it would disrupt promises to families and students to provide them with a world-class education.
This past year has been challenging for everyone in the education system. Whether students were in school buildings or learning remotely, we have a duty to gather objective, reliable information on their performance so families and educators know how they are performing.
We cannot know where we are going if we don’t know where we are.
We care about students’ futures. This year more than ever, the TCAP is a vital tool that will support families, students and educators.
Rep. Mark White, R-memphis, chairs the Tennessee House Education Administration Committee and represents District 83 in the legislature.