NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A new analysis of state testing data shows the majority of Tennessee students are still not proficient in core academic subjects, despite modest improvements.
The Tennessee Department of Education recently highlighted gains in the 2025–2026 Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP), but a deeper review of the data reveals ongoing struggles across reading, math, science, and social studies.
According to the analysis, more than half of students in grades 3 through 8 failed to meet expectations in every subject tested. Math scores were the lowest, with fewer than 43% of students reaching proficiency levels.
High school students also showed challenges, particularly in math, where fewer than one in three students tested proficient. Reading had the highest scores among high schoolers, but still fewer than half met expectations.
Education experts say these “pivotal years,” especially in elementary and middle school, are critical for long-term success. Weak performance in early grades can affect learning outcomes well into high school and beyond.
While Tennessee students perform roughly in line with national averages, the data highlights persistent gaps in understanding and retention, particularly among disadvantaged student groups.
Overall, officials say progress is being made, but the numbers show significant work remains to improve student outcomes across the state.
Less than one out of three students are meeting or exceeding expectations in English and Language Arts studies, the newly-released 2026 data shows.(Tennessee Department of Education)
Across all grades, the state is seeing about 28% proficiency in math, the same average seen in 2026. That means in both years, more than seven out of 10 students were not showing a grasp of most mathematics topics.(Tennessee Department of Education)
Less than one out of three students are meeting or exceeding expectations in English and Language Arts studies, the newly-released 2026 data shows.(Tennessee Department of Education)
