Schools across the Upper Cumberland will begin TCAP testing next week with an extended window to account for time lost during winter weather.
Overton County Schools Testing Coordinator Cristy Miller said educators are currently helping students with test-taking skills and explaining their thought processes. Teachers are also maintaining familiar classroom routines to ensure the testing environment does not feel intimidating for students.
“I think one of the biggest challenges would be just T-CAP test anxiety,” Miller said. “They hear a lot about T-CAP and so sometimes they just get anxiety built up. And then through the anxiety, they might rush through the questions or they don’t read carefully or they second-guess themselves.”
Miller said parents can help reduce this anxiety by keeping home routines steady and ensuring children get plenty of rest. She said a balanced breakfast is vital, noting that schools provide free breakfast and lunch for students who do not eat before arriving.
“This is one test,” Miller said. “It’s an important test, but it’s one test and it’s just one measure. It doesn’t define the child’s ability or or their potential and they need to know that no matter what they do on this test, that as long as they do their best, it’s fine.”
Miller said small gestures, such as placing a positive note in a student’s backpack or snack box, can significantly boost a child’s confidence. She said the broader community, including local businesses and faith groups, can support the effort by promoting positive messages and being patient with adjusted school schedules.
“Just encouragement goes a long way because most kids come in, actually all kids usually come in to do their best and to show what they’ve learned,” Miller said. “And as long as they do their best, that’s all that we can expect from our students.”
“They’ve actually extended it so it’s a little bit longer this year based on the winter storm that we had to give a little more time since so much school had been missed,” Miller said. “Some of our schools will start on the 13th, but some of our other schools have elected to wait until the 20th to begin.”
Miller said the statewide test focuses on how students apply knowledge to grade-level standards rather than simple memorization. The results are used to identify where students are on track and where they may require additional academic support.
“The results from the T-CAP help show whether students are on track or where they may need support and how schools are performing overall,” Miller said. “The teachers are focusing on just everyday learning.”
Miller said the state provided the district with additional time to complete the assessments. The testing window, which traditionally measures student progress in reading, math, science, and social studies, will now remain open through May 8.