MCS Schools Trying to Make the Grade

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - As Shelby County and Memphis City Schools brace for lower TCAP scores, administrators are trying to figure out how to make sure students make the grade on this year's test. New state standards changed how tests are scored.

Standard in Tennessee is no longer good enough. The state has changed the definition of proficiency. In the past, students needed to get 33 to 50 percent of questions right on the TCAP test to be proficient.

Now students have to show mastery of a subject to score proficient. The Memphis City School district is going to feel the sting of lower test scores, something they tried to prepare parents for ahead of time.

"What we know is our scores at memphis city schools have lagged a little bit behind the state so were expecting to see drops that are similar to what the state has seen," said John Barker, Executive Director MCS.

Shelby County isn't exempt from faltering scores; they sent a letter to parents alerting them some scores will be lower than usual. This change does not mean that majority of MCS and county students are doomed to forever fall behind.

Both districts say they're ready to meet the challenge head on.

"What were going to be doing is having professional development for all of our teachers that focus on preparing students for the next level of rigor and also this new level of expectations for what proficiency actually is," said Barker.

"There is a lot of pressure out there. But it's not something that we are immune to. Were use to it and were going to rise to the challenge because we always have," said John Aitken, Shelby County Schools Superintendent

This decision was not made by the state in order to weed out the less advanced. Instead it was done to ensure students who finish school in the state of Tennessee are better prepared for life after the bells.

"I don't want parents to think that their students have not been prepared because we have a lot of success stories. It's just the playing field has been upped a little bit. The standards being hire and if it makes our kids more acceptable to college and for the work force i am all for it," said Aitken.

"Our students are going to be proficient for college and careers. That's a big change," said Barker.

In order to meet the standards it will take a lot of planning and time, making the grade will not be an overnight process.

"Our students can get there and our teachers can help them get there. But the expectations will not be meet in the immediate term. We need a longer running with which to achieve those goals," said Barker.