Trousdale County reports strong third-grade literacy outcomes; tutoring planned under Tennessee Literacy Success Act

Trousdale County district leaders told the school board that summer learning and targeted instruction produced measurable gains for early-grade readers and described a tutoring plan under the Tennessee Literacy Success Act.

Dr. Saterfield reported that of more than 100 third-graders, only four are in the lowest proficiency category after end-of-year testing and summer learning interventions. He said the district ran a summer learning camp that dovetails with the Tennessee Literacy Success Act and that among 10 third-graders who were required to attend summer camp, five showed "adequate growth" and no longer require tutoring.

For students still needing support, the district outlined a tutoring plan aligned with the act: sessions will be held twice per week for at least 30 minutes per session for at least eight weeks each semester. Fourth-grade tutoring will be offered in person through the district's after-school program so students can continue regular activities such as art and recess; a guided online tutoring option will be available for fifth-grade students.

Dr. Saterfield said roughly 25 students across two grades—about 11%—will require tutoring this year and that volunteer and experienced teachers have signed up to deliver the sessions.

Board members praised staff and teachers for the gains and volunteered to monitor implementation; the district will run tutoring as part of after-school programming and report back as the school year begins.