Tennessee once again has reason to celebrate as a national model of student improvement on the Nation's Report Card — this time for big gains in science.
The state's fourth- and eighth-grade students outperformed students nationally on the 2015 National Assessment of Educational Progress science test, according to results released late Wednesday. Average student test scores also grew at a higher rate than the majority of the country, placing Tennessee as one of the most improved states on the test.
The news came as a reason for celebration for state officials, with Gov. Bill Haslam decreeing the state as the "fastest improving in the nation in science" since 2009. The science portion of the NAEP test was last administered to both grades in 2009.
"What it means is for the first time ever we are in the top 25 (in science)," said Haslam, who will be touring the state Thursday to announce the results, including at stops in Knoxville, Nashville and Memphis. "That is very rare air for Tennessee."
Nationally, NAEP officials held up Tennessee as a model for its historic accomplishment. It marks the second time the state has been boosted into the national spotlight for its educational progress. In 2013, Tennessee was listed as a "bright spot" of improvement for huge gains on the NAEP math and reading test, administered every two years.
The 2015 results show the state has made significant progress in closing score gaps between black and white fourth-graders from 2009 to 2015. Tennessee also made average progress in closing the scores between Latino and white students.
The state was able to almost completely eliminate the differences in test scores among male and female students in both grades, with female students scoring slightly higher on the test.
The results earned praise from U.S. Secretary of Education John King for Tennessee outpacing the rest of the nation in its progress. King said there could be a variety of factors for the success in any state, including raising student expectations, more hands-on learning for students and higher teacher compensation and training.
The State Collaborative on Reforming Education CEO Jamie Woodson mirrored King's statements on why Tennessee has improved education outcomes for students. The nonprofit education advocacy group has helped lead some of the policy changes throughout the state.
"Since the state began raising expectations, strengthening teaching and emphasizing post-secondary education and workforce readiness for all students, Tennessee academic growth has been fast and sustained in multiple subjects over multiple years," Woodson said. "Although proficiency levels are not yet as high as we know our students are capable of achieving, Tennessee’s trend is decidedly in the right direction."
Haslam and Education Commissioner Candice McQueen also praised educators and students statewide for responding to more rigorous science expectations enacted in 2009. The expectations also were raised in math and reading and are a big part of why the state is seeing success, McQueen said.
"This came with a lot of work from students and families as we made roads to higher standards," she said. "It's a big reason why Tennessee students are again leading the nation."
But while in 2013 Tennessee was listed as a "bright spot" on the math and reading test, the state saw student scores remain flat on the 2015 NAEP math and reading assessment.
With the stagnant scores fresh in mind, McQueen and Haslam said the state won't rest on this year's science progress as it looks to improve student outcomes on a state and national level.
Earlier this month, McQueen announced student scores on Tennessee's standardized test will dip due to the state increasing the threshold for what it means to score on grade level. The tougher grading is more in line with what is seen on a national assessment, such as the ACT.
"Proficiency is now defined as college ready," Haslam said. "We are not only raising expectations, but being honest."
Reach Jason Gonzales at 615-259-8047 and on Twitter @ByJasonGonzales.
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