Memphis, TN, September 9, 2025
News Summary
Memphis-Shelby County Schools has achieved a solid growth score of 5, indicating students are excelling in core subjects. However, a concerning decline in social studies scores requires immediate attention. Interim Superintendent emphasizes the need for curriculum evaluation and collaboration to support improved learning outcomes. With plans to enhance social studies instruction and a new assessment system in place, the district aims to address the gaps in student proficiency that remain.
Memphis, TN: Academic Growth Highlights and Challenges in Local Schools
Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) has achieved a districtwide growth score of 5 on the 2024-2025 Tennessee Value-Added Assessment System (TVAAS) for the fourth consecutive year, signifying that students are surpassing statewide growth expectations in crucial academic areas like reading, mathematics, and science. However, the district saw a notable decline in social studies performance, where the score dropped from 5 to 2 within a single year, indicating a significant area of concern.
Interim Superintendent Roderick Richmond recognized the accomplishments of MSCS while emphasizing the need to address gaps in social studies learning. He highlighted the importance of confronting educational challenges with a clear plan and commitment to improvement. The district has set in motion plans to “audit and align” the social studies curriculum, introduce project-based learning, and foster collaboration through monthly teacher cohorts aimed at tracking student performance.
A new districtwide assessment system is also set to incorporate social studies, helping to provide a more accurate evaluation of student learning in this essential subject. TVAAS is designed to measure ongoing student achievement throughout the school year rather than relying solely on results from end-of-year tests.
Despite these improvements, less than 25% of MSCS students achieved proficiency in reading and just above 20% did in math during the 2024-2025 school year. Furthermore, while high school students showed marked improvement in social studies, with scores rising from 1 to 3, the district-wide performance for students in grades 4-8 declined. This suggests that social studies instruction is often overshadowed by prioritized subjects such as English Language Arts and math, especially for students from low socioeconomic backgrounds.
Social studies education is essential for equipping students for college, careers, and active civic participation. It plays a significant role in developing academic vocabulary critical for improving reading skills. In spring 2025, high school and middle school teachers engaged in training focused on effective social studies teaching methods, with plans to extend similar training to elementary educators in the future.
The latest Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) results indicate that although MSCS has made progress in recent years, a substantial number of students continue to struggle with achieving proficiency across subjects. Academic proficiency rates in English Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies reflect modest annual improvements, but over 75% of MSCS students did not meet proficiency levels in the assessments.
Some local community advocates have expressed concerns regarding the district’s approach to celebrating growth. They argue that the incremental improvements do not sufficiently address the urgent need for more significant enhancements in student proficiency. It is highlighted that MSCS students are evaluated against statewide peers based on their academic backgrounds, ensuring fair comparisons in growth and performance outcomes.
Future Directions
MSCS remains committed to enhancing student outcomes through more rigorous instruction and better alignment of the curriculum. The district’s leadership indicates that addressing the recent drop in social studies scores is a top priority moving forward.
Summary of Key Findings
- MSCS received a growth score of 5, showing excellence in reading, math, and science.
- Social studies scores dropped significantly, prompting curriculum evaluation and enhancements.
- Less than 25% of students met proficiency in reading, and just over 20% in math.
- Social studies training for educators is being expanded to foster improved student learning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the TVAAS score for MSCS?
The TVAAS score for MSCS is 5, indicating that the district’s students are exceeding statewide growth expectations in reading, math, and science.
Why did social studies scores decline?
Social studies scores dropped from 5 to 2, which indicates insufficient growth in that subject, particularly for students in grades 4-8.
What plans does MSCS have to improve social studies instruction?
MSCS plans to audit the social studies curriculum, incorporate project-based learning, and introduce a new assessment system that will include social studies.
How does MSCS evaluate student proficiency?
MSCS evaluates students based on their academic backgrounds, comparing them with their statewide peers for a fair assessment of growth and performance outcomes.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Outbreak of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease in Memphis School
University of Memphis Women’s Soccer Faces No. 2 Tennessee
Investigation Underway for Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease at Sherwood Elementary
Germantown Initiates Tree Clearing for Development Project
Memphis-Shelby County School Board Reviews School Closures
Florida Surgeon General Proposes Elimination of Vaccine Mandates
Memphis Schools Under Threat of State Intervention Amid Crisis
Memphis Gears Up for a Weekend of Arts and Culture
Southern College of Optometry Attracts Students Nationwide
Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease Confirmed at Sherwood Elementary
Additional Resources
- Commercial Appeal: Memphis Students Outpace State Growth in Reading and Math
- Fox 13 Memphis: TCAP Scores Show Improvements
- Local Memphis: TCAP Results Show Improvement
- WREG: MSCS Students Meet TCAP Expectations
- Wikipedia: Education in Tennessee
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.
