The September 5, 2025, meeting of the English Language Arts (ELA) Standards Recommendation Committee convened by the State Board of Education in Tennessee focused on refining the ELA standards for grades 6 through 8. The discussions highlighted significant changes in grammar and writing expectations, aiming to enhance clarity and mastery among students.

The meeting began with a review of the adjustments made to the standards, particularly concerning the teaching of pronouns and punctuation. Committee members noted that certain aspects of verb and pronoun instruction had been removed from the eighth-grade curriculum, with the belief that foundational knowledge was already established in earlier grades. The vagueness of previous punctuation standards for grades 6 through 8 was also addressed, with members expressing a desire for more specific guidelines on the use of punctuation marks such as commas, dashes, and semicolons.

A key point of discussion was the need for clarity in what is expected at each grade level. Teachers emphasized the importance of knowing exactly what skills students should master by the end of each grade, allowing for a more structured progression into subsequent grades. The committee acknowledged that while some feedback suggested the new standards might reduce rigor, the intent was to allow students to master specific skills before moving on to more complex concepts.

The conversation also delved into writing expectations, particularly the distinction between writing essays and responses. Members clarified that while sixth and seventh graders would focus on shorter responses, the aim was to deepen their understanding and ability to cite evidence effectively. This approach was designed to ensure that students were not merely completing assignments but were engaging with the material at a deeper level.

Concerns were raised regarding the differences in writing expectations between elementary and middle school. Teachers expressed confusion over the transition from multi-paragraph assignments in fifth grade to two-paragraph responses in sixth grade. The committee reassured members that the focus was on quality over quantity, with an emphasis on teaching students to pull relevant information and cite evidence effectively.

Throughout the meeting, the committee members reiterated the importance of specificity in the standards to avoid overwhelming teachers and students. They acknowledged that the current writing performance data indicated a need for improvement, with less than 40% of students meeting proficiency levels. The discussions concluded with a commitment to further refine the standards and ensure that they align with the educational goals for Tennessee students.

In summary, the meeting underscored a collaborative effort to enhance the ELA standards for grades 6 through 8, focusing on clarity, mastery, and a structured approach to teaching grammar and writing. The committee plans to continue refining these standards to better support teachers and improve student outcomes in English Language Arts.