Literacy and Third Grade Retention Law
Parent Appeals for Fourth Grade Promotion
A parent or legal guardian of an eligible student who achieved the performance level of “approaching” on the ELA portion of the third grade TCAP test may submit an appeal. The following criteria outline eligibility for an appeal approval:
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The student received a score at or above the 40th percentile on their spring universal reading screener,
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A catastrophic situation occurred during the days leading up to the TCAP test that impacted the 3rd grade student’s ability to perform on the test. Catastrophic situations include, but are not limited to, a death in the immediate family, loss of a family home, significant medical diagnosis, abuse, physical or emotional neglect, or household dysfunction (e.g., substance abuse, incarcerated relative, mental illness).
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RCS Director of Schools Dr. Jimmy Sullivan provides a thorough overview of the new Tennessee third grade retention law and what it means for parents and students. |

TN Dept. of Education Third Grade Promotion Timeline
Rutherford County Schools Timeline |
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January 10 |
Third Grade Family Notification of Winter Universal Screener scores |
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February 13-April 28 |
Summer Camp Student Registration |
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April 28 |
Bus transportation registration deadline |
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April 17-May 2 |
TCAP Testing Window |
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May 1-19 |
Universal Screener Window for ELA and Math |
May 1-5 will be the window for all 3rdgrade students. |
May 19 |
TCAP Raw Score Returned |
Used to identify 3rdgrade students that are eligible for retakes and appeals |
May 22-24 |
3rd Grade ELA TCAP Retake Window |
Retakes offered during the day at all school sites |
May 30-June 13 |
Parent Appeal Window |
Students that scored a performance level of approaching on the 3rd grade ELA TCAP test may be eligible for an appeal based on Universal Screener score. |
June 5-June 29 |
RCS Summer Camp |
Monday-Thursday |
June 13 |
Summer Camp Post-test Opens |
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*Final retention notification for families will be given prior to the beginning of the next school year. |
How can you support literacy development at home?