schools
Less than half of Tennessee students are proficient in any school subject, data shows
By Chasity Maynard at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· June 26, 2026
· 6 min read
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Less than half of Tennessee students are proficient in any school subject, a new WSMV4 Investigates analysis of state data shows. The Tennessee Department of Education shared a press release this week touting gains in student performance in the 2025-26 Tennessee Comprehe...
Key takeaway The Tennessee Department of Education shared a press release this week touting gains in student performance in the 2025-26 Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program, the state’s standardized testing.
Why this matters in The Nashville
The latest data on Tennessee student proficiency has significant implications for Nashville 's education system. With less than half of students demonstrating proficiency in any subject, the city's schools face a substantial challenge in ensuring students are adequately prepared for future academic success. The fact that over 50% of students in pivotal years are not retaining knowledge is particularly concerning, as it suggests that many students are moving on to higher grades without a solid foundation in core subjects. This trend could have long-term consequences for Nashville students, potentially limiting their opportunities for post-secondary education and career advancement. As the city's education leaders work to address this issue, they will need to develop targeted strategies to support students who are struggling, particularly in subjects like math, where proficiency rates are alarmingly low. By doing so, they can help ensure that Nashville students are equipped to succeed in an increasingly competitive world.
About this story
Original reporting by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: schools ·
Published: June 26, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 6 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Less than half of Tennessee students are proficient in any school subject, a new WSMV4 Investigates analysis of state data shows. The Tennessee Department of Education shared a press release this week touting gains in student performance in the 2025-26 Tennessee Comprehe...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 26, 2026 by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Chasity Maynard at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more schools coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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