MEMPHIS, Tenn. — 2015 TCAP scores showed a decline in English Language Arts for grades three through six.
While those were statewide numbers, Shelby County Schools told WREG it is preparing to push for early literacy this fall.
“We’ve gone back to foundational skills. We’ve gone back to look at what are we doing, and Pre-K through two to set our children up for success when they go through grades three through eight,” said Dr. Deanna McClendon who heads Early Childhood Programs for the district.
She explained that this past spring, the district launched its CLIP program, which she said is a systematic way to hone basic skills like comprehension and vocabulary.
McClendon said teachers are being trained to emphasize these skills in Pre-K through second grade, so students are more prepared for third grade and beyond.
WREG spoke with a parent of a fourth grader about the TCAP.
“She was very excited. Woke up every morning, wanted to eat breakfast and head to school on time,” said parent Roger Porter.
Porter said his daughter got good marks this year, but a lack of literacy gains across the state is concerning.
Data showed that about 48% of third through eighth graders across the state scored proficient or better in reading and literacy.
Last year, that number was about 49%.