NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A state lawmaker is planning to propose a bill with the intent to increase Tennessee student’s math scores.
Rep. Scott Cepicky (R-Culleoka) said it would require students in elementary and middle school to attend summer school or get a tutor if their scores are under the benchmark on the math portion of the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program. Last year, only around 30% of students met those expectations.
“We’re writing a bill right now that will probably be copied across the country on how to solve your mathematics issues going forward,” Cepicky said. “The goal is making sure in mathematics, that kids are always progressing forward towards the ultimate goal of getting to high school and being able to perform in Algebra, Algebra I and II, Geometry and Trig.”
The proposal differs from a separate law that went into effect last year, which focused on reading scores. In that law, students faced being held back if their reading scores did not meet expectations and they did not take extra steps to raise their scores, like attending summer school to working with a tutor.
Cepicky said his bill would not risk students being held back, and he said he plans to file it in January when lawmakers return to the Capitol.
“If you can’t read and do math on grade level, how are you going to be successful in this world, in any field you want to pick,” he said. “Let’s not treat testing negatively. This is a way for you to show us that you know, to prove to us and be proud that yes, I can answer these questions because when you get into the next grade level, you’re going to do the same thing.”
However, a teacher who has worked with students for 15 years said she is not convinced standardized testing is yielding positive results. Teresa Berriente is also a mother with children of her own going through school.
“I think that standardized testing can really take the joy out of learning for teachers, students and parents, and I think it brings unnecessary stress to the joy of learning,” Barriente said. “A third grader and even a middle schooler should not have the stress that’s involved in testing. And I know for the teachers it’s also stressful. You can’t control a lot of factors as a teacher.”
