Elizabethton City School Board Analyzes Assessment Data Ahead of TCAP Release

As educators in Tennessee prepare for the upcoming release of the 2024-2025 Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) data, the Elizabethton City School Board convened on September 14, 2023, to review preliminary academic assessments. The board examined trends from the system’s innovative evaluation method, known as Cyclone Checkpoints, which serves as a predictor for student performance on TCAP exams.

During the meeting, Dr. Myra Newman, assistant director of city schools, presented a detailed analysis comparing growth trends across various subjects, including English language arts (ELA), mathematics, and science. The review highlighted how these assessments, conducted three times a year using the MasteryConnect tool, allow educators to gauge student proficiency and identify areas needing additional instruction.

MasteryConnect has been utilized since 2021 and is designed to align with state standards. In discussing its effectiveness, Richard VanHuss, Director of Schools, praised the tool, stating, “It’s the most predictive thing we’ve ever had.” He noted that previous assessment methods yielded inconsistent results, emphasizing the value of MasteryConnect in providing reliable predictions for TCAP outcomes.

Growth Trends in Academic Performance

The board’s evaluation included a comprehensive review of growth trends from the 2025 Cyclone Checkpoints compared to last year’s TCAP results. Dr. Newman described the third-grade ELA scores as “outstanding,” reporting that 51.2% of students achieved proficiency on Cyclone Checkpoints, compared to 55.1% on the TCAP. Similar trends were observed in subsequent grades, with the fourth-grade scores at 54.4% for Cyclone Checkpoints and 56.6% for TCAP, and fifth-grade scores at 55.2% versus 57.1%.

The comprehensive data also revealed comparisons across years, from 2019 to 2025. Notably, third-grade ELA scores increased from 45.8% to 55.1%, while fourth-grade scores rose from 49.1% to 56.6%. In mathematics, third-grade proficiency improved from 44.1% to 52.6%, and fifth-grade scores increased from 47% to 61.1%.

Dr. Newman acknowledged challenges impacting high school data due to disruptions caused by severe weather during the first semester, which limited the assessment availability. Despite this, the school district’s overall performance has shown significant improvement, moving from 39th place in 2012 to 20th in ELA and Math combined in recent years.

Recognition and Future Actions

In addition to the assessment review, the board took several actions during the meeting. They approved a career and technological education agreement with nearby Carter County Schools and received an update on the construction of the Dave Rider Center for Athletic Performance, which is nearing completion.

The board also discussed stipends for employees not included in the state’s teacher stipend allocation, amounting to a maximum of $200,000. This decision follows the passage of the Education Freedom Act of 2025, which provided one-time bonuses for teachers, ensuring all professional employees receive equitable compensation.

The meeting concluded with special recognition for the T.A. Dugger track team, the Elizabethton High School track team, and the National Naval Cadet Corps cadets who participated in summer training.

The next Elizabethton City School Board meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on September 18, 2025, at the Mack Pierce Board Room, located at 804 S. Watauga Ave. Board members anticipate further discussions on academic performance as they await the official release of TCAP data.