Nation's Report Card: Tennessee students make math and reading gains, top national scores
The results, also known as the Nation's Report Card, were released Wednesday by the National Center for Education Statistics, a federal organization. Every two years, the center estimates national student achievement by studying academic performance among a sampling of students within a subset of schools.
Tennessee Education Commissioner Lizzette Reynolds praised educators for the growth, crediting their focus on improving student outcomes.
"While we know there is still much work to do, we are thankful for historic investments by Gov. Lee and the General Assembly, and we appreciate the continued work of district leaders and educators to implement the right interventions and supports to continue moving our students forward," Reynolds said in a news release Wednesday.
Nationally, the new data paints a much bleaker picture, with a dip in literacy skills for fourth and eighth graders. It also showed students performed worse in math and reading in 2024 testing than they did in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic. The results illustrate a continuing national struggle to help students recover from the fallout of the pandemic.
The state education department called growth among Tennessee students a sign of the state's "unwavering commitment to public schools" and highlighted several more key achievements from the data. Here are a few of them.
Nation's Report Card 2024: Kids' reading, math skills are worsening, new test scores reveal. What's going on?
Of the Tennessee fourth graders tested, 32% scored proficient in reading, notching a two-point increase from 2022. They also outpaced the 30% national proficiency rate for 2024. Additionally, 32% of the eight graders tested also scored proficient, a four-point increase from 2022. Those students also outpaced the 29% national proficiency rate for 2024.
Of the fourth graders tested, 42% scored proficient in math, a six-point increase from 2022. They outpaced the national proficiency rate of 40% for 2024. Among the eight graders tested, 31% scored proficient, marking a seven-point increase from 2022. They also outpaced the national proficiency rate of 27% for 2024.
English learners also notched double-digit gains in a few categories in the 2024 report card. Fourth grade English learners saw an 11-point increased in math, compared to 2022. Meanwhile, those tested in eighth grade gained 15 points in reading scores and 13 points in math.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nation's Report Card 2024: TN students make gains, top national scores
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Gen Z Woman Chooses Labrador Over Career, Here's How It's Going
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Yahoo
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She suggests that acknowledging what truly matters to you is essential for emotional health. When you say it doesn't matter, you might be ignoring something important that needs attention. Consider whether you're using this phrase to avoid conflict or tough conversations. If so, think about what it would mean to face the issue directly. Sometimes, just identifying what actually matters can help in resolving underlying tensions. If you're on the receiving end, gently encourage the person to articulate their thoughts more fully. This can foster a more open and trusting environment where everyone feels heard. 4. "I'm Just Busy." Telling someone you're just busy can be a polite way to avoid deeper engagement. Life is hectic, sure, but this phrase sometimes covers up feelings of overwhelm or reluctance to connect on a deeper level. It's an easy out that doesn't require much explanation or emotional exposure. 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Research by Dr. Matthew Walker, a sleep expert, shows that while physical tiredness is real, emotional fatigue often accompanies unresolved feelings. If you're frequently using tiredness as a reason to avoid engagement, consider what else might be at play. Maybe it's stress, worry, or even sadness that's wearing you down. When someone tells you they're just tired, it might be worth probing gently to see if there's more to the story. You can offer a listening ear or suggest a low-key way to unwind together. Sometimes, what we need is not just rest, but a chance to unload emotional baggage in a safe space. On your part, if you're hiding behind this phrase, try to identify the root of your fatigue. Addressing these concerns can lead to both better rest and more fulfilling interactions. 6. "I Don't Want To Talk About It." This is a straightforward way to shut down a conversation before it starts. While there are times when you're genuinely not ready to discuss something, this phrase often acts as a wall. It signals to others that their curiosity or concern isn't welcome, which can push people away over time. If you're using this phrase often, consider what's making you reluctant to open up. Maybe you're afraid of judgment, or perhaps you haven't processed your feelings enough to articulate them. When someone tells you they don't want to talk about it, respect their boundary but remain approachable. Let them know you're there whenever they decide they're ready to discuss it. Often, just knowing someone is willing to listen makes it easier to eventually open up. For yourself, practice identifying the feelings that make you want to shut down conversations. This can offer insight into your emotional landscape and help you find other ways to express your needs. 7. "It's Whatever." Saying "it's whatever" can give off a vibe of indifference, but it often conceals deeper feelings. 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By saying "I'll handle it," you might think you're showing strength, but it can also be a way of shutting others out. It's a phrase that can convey self-reliance, yet it often masks a reluctance to let others in. You might be afraid of being perceived as incapable or weak if you accept help. This phrase can create a barrier, preventing you from forming connections through shared burdens. If you tend to say this a lot, consider whether it's a genuine statement or more of a protective mechanism. When others use this phrase, it might be because they feel pressured to maintain a facade of control. Offering support, even if it's not immediately accepted, can help break through that barrier over time. Encourage them to see that asking for help isn't a sign of weakness but a way to build deeper, more trusting relationships. In your own life, reflect on moments when accepting help could lead to more positive outcomes. Embracing vulnerability can often strengthen the bonds you have with those around you. 9. "I'm Not Interested." This phrase can be a straightforward way to express disinterest, but it often carries a hidden layer of insecurity or fear. You might say you're not interested to avoid putting yourself in a situation where you feel exposed or uncomfortable. Sometimes, it's easier to feign disinterest than to confront the emotions tied to taking a risk or stepping out of your comfort zone. If this is a common phrase for you, explore whether it's genuine or a shield. Recognizing the difference can help you make more intentional choices about what you pursue. When someone tells you they're not interested, consider what might be driving their response. They might be using it to protect themselves from vulnerability or rejection. Instead of taking it at face value, try to understand their perspective and offer reassurance. On your end, practice distinguishing between true disinterest and fear-based avoidance. This awareness can lead to more honest decision-making and deeper connections. 10. "I Don't Want To Bother You." Telling someone you don't want to bother them often stems from a fear of being a burden. It can be an excuse to withhold feelings or requests, even when you might genuinely need support. While it may appear considerate, it can also prevent you from forming deeper connections. If this is a frequent phrase for you, consider whether it's rooted in a fear of vulnerability. Acknowledging this can help you ask for help when you really need it. When you hear someone say they don't want to bother you, consider reassuring them that they're not a burden. Encouraging open communication can help them feel more comfortable reaching out in the future. It's important for both parties to understand that seeking support is a natural part of any relationship. For yourself, practice identifying moments when this phrase might be holding you back. Embracing vulnerability can lead to more authentic connections and personal growth. 11. "I'm Over It." Saying "I'm over it" might imply closure, but it's often a way to avoid dealing with lingering emotions. You might use this phrase to convince yourself or others that you've moved past something, even if that's not entirely true. By dismissing your feelings, you can sidestep vulnerability and the discomfort of addressing unresolved issues. If this is a common phrase for you, consider whether you're truly over it or just avoiding deeper emotions. Taking time to process your feelings can lead to genuine healing and growth. When someone tells you they're over it, be mindful that there might be more beneath the surface. Encouraging them to share their thoughts can open the door to a more honest conversation. Offering a listening ear can help them feel supported and understood. In your own life, reflect on moments where this phrase might be a cover for unresolved feelings. Confronting these emotions can lead to a more fulfilling and emotionally healthy life. 12. "I Can't Right Now." This phrase can serve as an easy way to dodge commitments or emotional conversations. While it's perfectly fine to set boundaries, frequently using this phrase can indicate a fear of vulnerability. It's a way to create distance and maintain control over your emotional exposure. If you often say "I can't right now," explore whether you're genuinely unable or just avoiding potential discomfort. Understanding your motivations can help you make more conscious choices about when to engage and when to set boundaries. When someone uses this phrase with you, respect their boundary but remain open to future engagement. Let them know you're there whenever they're ready to talk or participate. This can help them feel supported without pressure. On your end, practice identifying the reasons behind your use of this phrase. Being honest with yourself can lead to more authentic interactions and a better understanding of your emotional needs. 13. "It Is What It Is." Saying "it is what it is" can sound like acceptance, but it often masks a reluctance to engage with deeper emotions. This phrase can be a way to conclude a conversation without delving into underlying feelings. By accepting things as they are, you avoid the discomfort of vulnerability or the challenge of seeking change. If this is a phrase you rely on, consider whether it's truly acceptance or just emotional avoidance. Understanding this can help you decide when to take action and when to genuinely let things be. When you hear someone use this phrase, it might be worth exploring what's underneath their acceptance. Encouraging them to share their thoughts can lead to a more open dialogue. By offering support, you can help them feel more comfortable expressing their true feelings. In your own life, reflect on moments where this phrase might be limiting your emotional exploration. Embracing vulnerability can lead to more meaningful connections and personal growth. Solve the daily Crossword
