If your child is a student in Grades 3 through 8, you will receive the results of testing under the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP).  TCAP measures a child's knowledge in readin, language arts, math, science and social studies. If your child is rated "Basic" or "Below Basic" in any subject, he needs help. For more information about TCAPs, check out the Tennessee Department of Education online at http://www.tn.gov/education/assessment/achievement.shtml.

New benchmarks and grouping of test scores are intended to give parents a better idea of how their children are performing in Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) testing in grades 3 through 8.

Under new scoring categories, any student who is rated "basic" or "below basic" needs help. Those who are rated "advanced" or "proficient" are on track.

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• Advanced: Student demonstrates superior mastery in academic performance, thinking abilities and application of knowledge. Student is significantly prepared for the next level of study.

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• Proficient: Student demonstrates mastery in academic performance, thinking abilities and application of knowledge. Student is well prepared for the next level of study.

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• Basic: Student demonstrates partial mastery in academic performance, thinking abilities and application of knowledge. Student is minimally prepared for the next level of study.

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• Below Basic: Student does not demonstrate mastery in academic performance, thinking abilities and application of knowledge. Student is not prepared for the next level of study.

Source: Tennessee Department of Education

Top Ten Tips for Better Grades

1. 1. Attend tutoring when available.
2. Fill in the assignment pad. Make sure you check it before you go home. Some teachers have a website that you can double check for homework.
3. Do your homework. Homework counts at least 20% of your overall average in class.
4. Review. Read over the pages or notes from the lesson that day every night.
5. Make flashcards. Make them for all your vocabulary words and put the definition on the back. Place these on a ring to keep them together.
6. Read. Every night you should read in your AR book for at least 30 minutes. Have a parent or guardian read with you and quiz you about what you have read.
7. Find a quiet place to study. You need to concentrate to do your work. Find a space and set it aside for your work and keep all of your materials you might need there.
8. Ask questions. Ask your during during or after class any question you might have if you don't understand. Chances are someone wants to know too, but hasn't asked.
9. Use helpful websites. Check out the internet and gather as much information as you can on any subject you may be studying.
10. Study. Review TCAP notes frequently - not just the night before testing. Study a little every night and then when April arrives and TCAPs begin, you will be more prepared.

RAISING THE BAR IN TENNESSEE SCHOOLS

Higher academic standards help make sure students are ready for a career or college. That means mastering the basics like reading and math, and developing skills that colleges and employers value - like communications, problem solving and teamwork. But higher standards also mean harder tests - and maybe lower test scores and grades, in the near term.  If your child is struggling with higher standards and harder tests, don't get discouraged. As a parent, it's time to EXPECT MORE so your child can ACHIEVE MORE. For more information, go to http://www.expectmoretn.org/.