For the second year in a row, Memphis-Shelby County Schools is a Level 5 school district, the highest distinction available based on Tennessee Value-Added Assessment System (TVAAS) composite scores.
The composite score includes all grade levels and all subjects.
Considering all grades and subjects together, MSCS students made substantially more growth than expected in a year, according to the Tennessee Department of Education. The district also earned a Level 5 distinction in Literacy, Science, and across multiple end-of-course (EOC) high school subjects.
“I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for the incredibly hard work and dedication of our students, teachers, and leaders throughout this school year. Your resilience and commitment to learning have been truly inspiring,” said Interim Superintendent Toni Williams.
“I would also like to extend a special thank you to our Academics team. Our collective efforts have resulted in Memphis-Shelby County Schools earning this highest designation once again. Your expertise and commitment have been invaluable, and we are grateful for your unwavering support.”
TVAAS measures students’ academic growth over time. Its focus is student growth rather than student proficiency on the state assessment. TVAAS helps educators identify best practices, implement programs that meet the needs of their students, and make strategic decisions about where to focus resources to ensure growth opportunities for all students.
A Level 5 composite means the District is successfully moving students toward proficiency and beyond. Sixty-nine (69) schools earned a Level 5 designation in the 2022-23 school year.
“Significant growth, as characterized by a Level 5, means our students continue to rebound from the negative impacts of the pandemic and other socioeconomic stressors faced by our communities,” said Dr. Angela Whitelaw, deputy superintendent of Schools and Academic Support.
Three schools – Cordova Middle, University Middle, and Ridgeway High – made significant growth, moving from Level 1 to Level 5. Ridgeway and Cordova welcomed new principals last year.
Additionally, almost 60 percent of schools received a TVAAS Composite designation of 3 or higher. Science is the subject area having the largest number of schools receiving a 3 or higher.
Dr. Amy Maples, executive director for Curriculum & Instruction for MSCS, said, “Our back-to-back Level 5 distinctions highlight that our teachers are effectively helping students to reach academic goals and our curriculum plan is getting results.”
Williams referenced the district’s theme for the year – “See the Future” – and said, “our duty is to help every student see the future they’re capable of creating …
“The success of the highlighted schools and the others in our great District is attributed to the tireless, strategic work done by our educators, students, families, and community partners. It will take all of us working together to continue extending these gains.”
