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Tennessee education officials say math scores are improving, outline statewide rollout of trainings
Summary
Department of Education officials told the committee that NAEP and TCAP data show gains in 4th and 8th grade math and laid out implementation steps from the Mathematics Support Act, including free K–8 professional development and a new Algebra I training for middle‑grade teachers.
Christie Brown, the department’s chief academic officer, told the committee the department’s landscape analysis and the Mathematics Support Act panel findings show measurable progress statewide while stressing more work remains. "The most recent results show that Tennessee students outpaced the nation and improvement in 4th grade and in 8th grade math," Brown said, noting a reported 6‑point increase in 4th grade and a 7‑point increase in 8th grade NAEP results.
Brown and assistant commissioner Christie Wall described the law’s requirements and the department’s response: convening national and state experts; offering a no‑cost, optional math professional development pathway for K–8 teachers by summer 2025; and creating a math‑specific course in the Teaching as a Profession CTE program. Brown highlighted Tennessee’s TCAP spring 2025 results and said, "Overall, 42.2% of students are proficient in math, which is about 11,000 more students than the year before." The department said those gains reflect updated standards, curricular materials adopted in 2023–24, and targeted district grants awarded between 2022–24.
Officials emphasized ongoing actions to sustain progress: the math implementation networks launched in January 2025; asynchronous modules and regional convenings for districts; in‑person K–8 summer trainings; and a new Algebra I training designed to increase middle‑grades teacher capacity. The department offered to provide the committee with the expert panel’s state comparison materials and the district‑level proficiency and curriculum list on request.
