NASHVILLE (AP) — The head of Tennessee's largest teachers' union says the state's decision to delay the release of students' assessment scores is one main reason why such scores shouldn't be given a lot of weight.

TCAP scores are used in the calculation of final grades for students primarily in grades 3 through 8.

The Department of Education recently informed school superintendents that the delay is needed because of a change in assessments.

The department was apologetic and said districts could delay the release of final grades or finalize them without the scores and then make revisions when the scores are released.

Tennessee Education Association President Gera Summerford says the delay is unacceptable and illustrates the consequences of the state relying so heavily on standardized test scores.

Legislation passed during the recent session prohibits standardized test scores from being solely tied to teacher licensing.