FAQs
Second-grade students will no longer be held to retention based on success criteria points outlined by Memphis-Shelby County Schools. A recently updated state law, theTennessee Literacy Success Act expands the literacy scope to focus on students in third through fifth grade.
How does the updated state law impact MSCS students?
The state law’s impact is reflected in Policy 5013, which states in part that, “A student in the third grade shall not be promoted to the next grade level unless the student demonstrates proficiency by scoring “on track” or “mastered” on the English Language Arts (ELA) portion of the most recent TCAP test.”
What can my child do if they are not reading on grade level by the end of third grade so they can be promoted to fourth grade?
Your child can attend tutoring or summer school, or show gains on benchmark and TCAP tests, along with parental involvement and support.
What type of tutoring will be available for students who opt to attend tutoring?
During-school and after-school tutoring will be provided, and students will be required to complete 30 minutes twice per week for the duration of the 4th grade school year.
What are the dates and locations of Summer Learning Academy?
Dates and locations will be determined in the spring of each school year.
What is the expected attendance for summer school?
Students must have a 90% attendance rate during summer school.
Can parents appeal the retention decision?
Parents of any third-grade student who reaches the performance level rating of "approaching” on the English Language Arts (ELA) portion of the student’s most recent TCAP test for retention will have an opportunity to appeal.
How will students' reading readiness be monitored throughout the school year?
Students' reading readiness will be monitored by the District's universal screener, i-Ready.
How will parents be informed about their child's reading readiness?
Parents will receive notice of their child's reading readiness through school meetings, parent-teacher conferences, report cards, and Academic Support Plan Parent Letters.
Who will be promoted to fourth grade?
Third-grade students who meet the requirements outlined by the state law will be promoted to fourth grade.
How can I find out more information about the Tennessee Learning Loss Remediation and Student Acceleration Act?
For more information from the Tennessee Department of Education, click this link. Another education agency further simplifies what led to the passage of this law and how it impacts students across the state. Read more about it here.
When will families learn whether their student is at risk of retention?
Per state law, schools will identify students considered for retention by Feb. 1 of each school year, unless otherwise specified.