Tuscaloosa, Ala. – The Tuscaloosa City Schools (TCS) district announced notable improvements in student proficiency on this year’s Alabama Comprehensive Assessment Program (ACAP). The data, released last week, show that elementary students are now achieving higher scores in both English language arts (ELA) and mathematics, reflecting a sustained upward trend that began in 2021.
Elementary gains drive overall progress
According to the district’s report, 65% of elementary students scored proficient in ELA, up from 42% in 2021 – a 23‑point increase. Math proficiency more than doubled, climbing from 21% in 2021 to 45% this year, a 24‑point rise. The ACAP measures proficiency at Level 3 or Level 4, and the results indicate that a growing share of Tuscaloosa’s youngest learners are meeting those standards.
Middle school results also improve
Middle school performance followed a similar pattern. ELA proficiency rose from 42% in 2021 to 53% in 2026, while math proficiency increased from 15% to 28% over the same period. The district highlighted that both elementary and middle‑school scores have risen every year since 2022, underscoring consistent instructional focus.
How TCS compares statewide
When measured against the rest of Alabama, Tuscaloosa’s math results are slightly ahead of the state average – 35% proficiency district‑wide versus 34.3% statewide. The district also reported the highest math proficiency rate among public school systems in its immediate area. However, ELA proficiency lagged behind the state figure, with 54% of students proficient compared to 57.1% across Alabama. Science scores were also below the state average, at 39.7% versus 47%.
Leadership attributes growth to teachers and focused instruction
Superintendent Mike Daria praised the long‑term gains, saying, “When we look at where we were six years ago and where our students are today, we see clear evidence of continued progress across the Tuscaloosa City Schools. These results reflect the sustained work of our teachers, school leaders and students.” He added that while the district has much more to accomplish, the trajectory shows the schools are moving in the right direction.
Deputy Superintendent of Teaching and Learning James Pope echoed that sentiment, noting the district’s intentional focus on classroom instruction. “The progress we are seeing is encouraging, but it also reinforces the importance of staying focused and continuing the work,” Pope said. He emphasized the goal of building on successful strategies so that more students achieve proficiency each year.
What’s next for Tuscaloosa schools?
District officials said the next steps include targeted interventions in ELA and science, professional development for teachers, and continued data‑driven decision‑making. Community members and parents are encouraged to stay engaged with school board meetings and to support initiatives that reinforce strong teaching practices.
For ongoing coverage of education news in West Alabama, readers can follow the Tuscaloosa Thread.
Original reporting: The Tuscaloosa Thread — read the source article.
