Memphis, September 16, 2025
News Summary
Recent test score data indicates that Memphis students are showing significant improvement in reading and math, while social studies scores have declined. The Memphis-Shelby County Schools achieved a TVAAS score of 5 for overall growth, but the need for curriculum improvements in social studies is evident. District officials plan to enhance social studies instruction through audits, project-based learning, and targeted teacher training, responding to community concerns about literacy and student performance.
Memphis Reports on Mixed Performance in Student Growth and Calls for Improvements
Memphis students are demonstrating substantial growth in reading and math, although they are falling behind in social studies, as indicated by recent test score data. The Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) achieved a score of 5 on the 2024-2025 Tennessee Value-Added Assessment System (TVAAS), marking their fourth consecutive year of the highest districtwide growth score.
Students excelled in reading, numeracy, and science, but experienced a sharp decline in their social studies score, which fell from 5 to 2. Interim Superintendent Roderick Richmond highlighted the need to address challenges while celebrating overall successes within the district.
To enhance social studies performance, district officials plan to audit and align the curriculum, introduce project-based learning opportunities, and create monthly teacher cohorts focused on data tracking. Social studies will also be a focus in the upcoming districtwide assessment system.
The TVAAS measures student achievement throughout the school year rather than relying solely on end-of-year tests, allowing for comparisons of progress against statewide peers. MSCS students are exceeding statewide growth expectations despite struggles with their proficiency scores on the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP). For the 2024-25 school year, under 25% of MSCS students met proficiency benchmarks in reading, while just over 20% achieved this level in math.
Notably, high school students improved their TVAAS social studies score from 1 to 3, aligning their growth with state expectations, while grades 4-8 showed a decline from 5 to 2. The district noted that social studies instruction is often minimized for early grades in comparison to English Language Arts (ELA) and math, particularly impacting students from low socioeconomic backgrounds.
MSCS asserts that social studies instruction is essential in preparing students for college, careers, and civic life, highlighting its connection to academic vocabulary. Previous training efforts for high school and middle school educators will extend to elementary teachers this year in an effort to enhance instruction.
Eight MSCS schools achieved remarkable improvements in TVAAS scores, moving from the lowest rankings to the highest within a single year. Meanwhile, on August 26, a significant rally took place outside the MSCS district office, where parents, educators, and advocates expressed their desire for systemic changes to improve student outcomes. Attendees articulated five core demands: stability in leadership, adherence to state law concerning school board elections, transparency, accountability for board members, and a focus on literacy as a top priority.
Concerns were raised regarding the fact that 75% of MSCS students are not reading at grade level. This underperformance has been an ongoing issue affecting families within the community. A school board member acknowledged these frustrations and emphasized the importance of accountability, while cautioning against calls for state intervention without appropriate resources. Others criticized the board for delayed responsiveness to pressing issues.
Advocates for local governance insisted on returning control to families and educators rather than allowing a state takeover, emphasizing the importance of community input in school decision-making.
FAQ
What is TVAAS, and how does it measure growth?
The Tennessee Value-Added Assessment System (TVAAS) measures student academic growth throughout the school year relative to their peers statewide, rather than relying solely on end-of-year test scores.
What are the main findings from the recent report on MSCS?
The report highlights that while MSCS students are achieving high growth in reading, math, and science, there is a significant decline in social studies scores, prompting plans for curriculum improvement and focused teacher training.
What action is the MSCS district planning to take to address social studies performance?
The district plans to audit and align the social studies curriculum, introduce project-based learning, and establish monthly teacher cohorts for data tracking to improve student performance in this subject area.
Key Features of Report
| Growth in Reading | โ๏ธ |
| Growth in Math | โ๏ธ |
| Decline in Social Studies | โ |
| Overall TVAAS Score | 5 (highest growth) |
| Proficiency in Reading (2024-25) | Less than 25% |
| Proficiency in Math (2024-25) | Just over 20% |
| Eight Schools Improved Scores | โ๏ธ |
| Key Community Demands | Stability in leadership, transparency, accountability, literacy-first approach |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
West Memphis School District Considers Major Restructuring
West Memphis Schools Exploring Consolidation Plans
Health Authorities Investigate Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Outbreak
Memphis Schools Achieve Academic Growth Amid Challenges
Memphis-Shelby County School Board Reviews School Closures
St. Maryโs Episcopal School Opens Lizaโs Library
Achieve Miami Receives $2.4 Million Donation for Education
Memphis-Shelby County Schools Achieve Top TVAAS Score Again
University of Memphis Closes Office of Multicultural Affairs
Memphis Reaches Historic Milestone in Arts Grant Funding
Additional Resources
- Commercial Appeal: Memphis Students Outpace State Growth
- Local Memphis: Parents and Educators Protest
- Fox13 Memphis: MSCS Literacy Improvement Plans
- Wikipedia: Literacy
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
